Asterix Reds 1 - 1 Liverpool Supporters Club (SSLKL Premier Division)

A tight game finished with honours even with a goal from a penalty at 
both ends.

The hot weather stifled much of our football in the first 40. 
Liverpool sat deep seemingly intent on not conceding. Nonetheless, 
we did create several good chances but were unable to convert any. 
Liverpool rarely pushed on and as I recall didn't trouble our goal 
in the first half. 0-0 at half time.

We started the second half strongly and again created a couple of 
good chances to no avail. We also had what appeared to be a 
legitimate goal disallowed Liverpool then made a rare foray into our 
half and won a penalty. We were caught out following a corner; our 
central midfielders were out of position and no one covered for 
them. That allowed Liverpool to make their way up the park without 
any pressure. Their striker got into our box and went down easily 
for the pen. 1-0 to Liverpool with 20 minutes to go. We dug deep 
and pushed on. With about 10 minutes left, we won a penalty of our 
own which was duly converted by Terry Harris. No more major goal 
mouth action and 1-1 was how it ended.

It seemed to me as if Liverpool came looking for a draw today. They 
had only one shot at goal all game and defended very deep with many 
people behind the ball. For our part, we didn't play the football 
we normally would today. I'm not sure if the weather was a factor 
but it certainly was hot. We gave the ball away too easily and 
didn't create as many chances as we normally would. Again, we had a 
couple of good opportunities to score but didn't take them. 
Ultimately, this cost us when Liverpool got their goal. But full 
credit to the team for having the desire to dig deep when it mattered 
and get an equaliser.

We should take positives from our performance in the last twenty 
minutes. Our fitness was better than it has been much of the season 
and we looked by far the stronger team in the last 30. Additionally, 
we should take a lot of confidence from the match. One of the so- 
called 'top teams' came and seemingly played for a draw. We limited 
them to a single shot on goal and created several good chances of our 
own despite not playing anywhere near as well as we could. We should 
go into every other match we play fully expecting to win.

Next week we face the Bar Flies. These are a somewhat unknown 
quantity having a largely new squad for this season and they have won 
at least one or two games already this season. I'm a little 
concerned that we won't have enough players available for next week: 
6 players have already notified my that they'll be unavailable. If 
you can be available please let me know ASAP. Additionally, please 
get yourself along to training on Thursday. We had twelve there last 
week. Our session is great for fitness and building our technique in 
retaining possession. As always, regular attendance at training is a 
factor in selection. I look forward to seeing you there.

Squad Selection

This week was the first week that we've selected a squad of players for a match this season.  Ian, Terry, Andy and I discussed it after the game and felt it worked well; even though there were some people who would clearly have been disappointed not to play, all those that were selected got a decent run.  We would hence like to continue to select a squad of 15 in the event that we have a large number of players available for future fixtures.  In this message, I want to explain why we propose that we select a squad for future matches; outline the criteria for selection and ask for your help in making this work.

We decided to select a squad this weekend given that 20 people had indicated their availability.  We felt that to have 20 people turn up on Sunday would be counter-productive to the team and many individuals.  With 20 players, the amount of subs we'd have to make to get people on and off would be very disruptive to the team and affect our rhythm and cohesion on the field.  Secondly, many people would get very limited game time and some might not even get on at all.  In particular, we don't think this latter part is fair to people given the time commitment required.

We believe that it's better for everyone that we select a squad of 15 players which is an optimal number for ensuring everyone gets a decent run and having enough subs to bring people on and off.   Additionally, we'll rotate the squad so that the same players don't miss consecutive matches.  So in future, should we have more than 15 players available for a league game we would like to select a squad of 15. 

In selecting the squad, in addition to footballing ability, we will consider the following:

- regular attendance at training 

- balance, ensuring we have cover for most positions and not too many players of a particular position

- reliability; i.e. a good track record of turning up for games after confirming ones attendance 

- clubmanship: generally contributing to the well being of the club; e.g. always available for training and matches, always on time for matches and training, attends team social events,  attends post-match drinks, turns up to support the team when not playing, does a role for the club (e.g. league matters, kits, treasurer, match reports, etc)

 

Additionally, we would like to rotate the squad such that the same player(s) is (are) not omitted for every game.  So if you're not selected one week, normally, you can expect that you will be selected for the following fixture.  This will mean that from time to time many of us can expect to miss a game.   

In putting this into practice we'd like to ask for your help as follows:

Confirming your availability early: we'd like to announce the squad by the latest on Thursday night so that people can make plans for the weekend accordingly.  We hence ask that you respond to the evite as soon as you view it and no later than the Wednesday prior to the fixture.  If we don't hear from you by Thursday (i.e. the day we select the squad) then we have to assume you're not available for selection.  So, please reply as soon as you view the evite.  

Notify me if you're selected and become unavailable: it would terrible for someone to be selected and then not show up as this means that someone else who is available missed the chance to play.  If you are selected for the squad and become unavailable for any reason, please notity me by email, SMS or phone such that I can arrange a replacement.  

Finally, it's worth noting that I don't expect we will have more than 15 people available for many of our fixtures.  Regularly, people have to travel and as we have seen during the season thus far not all of us are available every week; some weekends we have as few as 12 players.  So this approach only applies to those games when we have a large number of people available; i.e. more than 15.  

That's about it.  

Ian, Terry, Andy and I would like to hear your comments on this proposed approach.  You can either contact us directly or post a comment using the link below this article.  

Our new Vice Captain is...

Thanks to all those that responded with their nominations for Vice 
Captain this week. Several people received nominations and the 
overwhelming majority of people nominated Terry Harris. As such, I'm 
pleased to confirm Terry Harris as Vice Captain.

Terry will pick the squad and team with Ian, Andy and me. 
Additionally, he'll have a leadership role to play on the pitch.

On behalf of the squad, I would like to thank and congratulate Terry 
for taking this on. We can confidently look forward to a 
continuation of his already strong contribution to the club.

Asterix Reds 7 - 0 Astaka (SSLKL Premier Division)

This week we hosted Astaka; newbies to the premiership, they came to EP hoping to make it 'Big in Sri Kembangan'.  However, another much improved performance from the Asterix Reds nipped these dreams in the bud.  A polished team display saw us score a magnificent 7 goals and keep a clean sheet to register our first league win of the 2007/2008 season.

We started the first half at a tempo as high as a school of salmon trying to escape the spears of a band of Samurai fisherman.  We made great decisions with the ball and communicated as well a we have done.  We dominated Astaka from the off; however despite playing nearly all of the first 20 minutes in their half we weren't able to convert the chances that came our way.  That changed after 25 minutes when Terry Harris sliced through the Astaka defence with the precision of a sushi chef preparing a plate of fresh nigiri.  A neat finish gave us the first goal we were looking for.  Shortly after some good play in the centre and down the left it was 2-0 after an Astaka defender committed hari-kari and put into his own net.   Further breathing room was obtained when Stu Cavens turned neatly in the box and California rolled in a third just moments before half time.  

With a Mount Fuji to climb in the second half, we expected to Astaka to fold like a cheap Harujuku hooker who's just been punched in the stomach by a guy with warts on his face.  However, this was not to be as Astaka came out with all guns blazing.  in contrast, we started the second half with all the energy of a salary man who has just checked out of the local love hotel after a marathon session with a team of gesiha.  Some Kamikaze-like defending presented Astaka with several chances to score.   Fortunately they were about us much use in front of goal as a blind man playing pachinko and didn't finish the several good chances they created.  We got ourselves back in gear after about 15 minutes of the second half and Adam Scott took the defence to the sword to make it 4-0.  Ian Quirk bagged a cheeky one with the outside of his right boot.  After a run down the right with the speed and purpose of a Shinkansen bullet train, Tom Sarginson made it 6.  And Adam Scott completed the scoring to make it a magnificent 7.  Domo-arigato.  3 points to the Asterix Reds.

Phew!  I'll buy a beer for the first person to identify all the Japanese innuendoes in the above paragraphs.

Today's performance was very good indeed.  Watching from the side of the park, I've seen us improve consistently over the last four games.   It was good to see us maintain our patience after having so much pressure and not scoring after the first 20.  Also good was our finishing.  But best of all, we're playing as a cohesive unit, we maintain our shape well, we make good decisions on the ball and have the confidence in each other to play the ball to feet.  I also want to thank Anil and Dave for coming down today.  Even though both didn't play they made the not inconsiderable effort to come on down and cheer the boys on.  Special kudos goes to Dave who also brought the beers and oranges.  Great clubmanship!

Next week we play Liverpool Supporters Club.  This will be a much more testing affair.  Liverpool have had a great start to the season and come into our game with a 100% record.  They beat Astaka 2-0 last week despite having two players sent off.  And this weekend, they pummeled the Vikings 5-1.  They are a very good footballing side who keep possession very well and are very well organised in defence.  It's all set to be a very good and competitive game.  We'll be aiming to beat them and will need to be at our best in order to do so.  

I'll send out the evites for the game and for training on Thursday.  As we discussed after the match today, please make an extra effort to attend training on Thursday.  As always, priority for selection goes with those who regularly attend training.

Some changes at Asterix Reds...

This mail is to inform you of a couple of changes at the club.

Confirmation of Andy Johnston as Team Coach

I have decided to hand over my coaching responsibilities to Andy Johnston.  The reasons for this are two-fold.  Firstly, Andy does not fulfill the age requirements and is unable to play in league and cup games this season.  He does though, want to be involved in the team.  Additionally, I am recovering well - albeit very slowly - from my injury and hope to be able to start playing in January.  To play and coach the team would be too much.  I discussed this with Ian and we agreed that having Andy as coach would be the right thing to do for Andy and for the team.  I've enjoyed my brief spell doing the warm ups and shouting from the sidelines (don't expect the latter to stop) but I am pleased to hand this to Andy.  As you know Andy is a qualified Football Association coach and will be a great asset to our team.  I'll continue to manage the league matters, match reports and send the invites etc but will hand over the warm ups, team talks etc to Andy.  Andy will also select the team along with the captain, vice captain and me.

Player departures

We'll be very sorry to lose two members of the squad at the end of this year.  Stef will relocate to Beijing with his family.  Tony Prove will repatriate with his family to his home town of Maryborough in Queensland.  Both have been stalwarts for the Asterix Reds.  Stef joined us last season and was like a rock at the back; always competitive and never giving an inch to an opponent.  Tony has had 3 or 4 seasons with the Asterix Reds and has been voted player's player of the season for the past two years.  This sums up his massive contribution to the team.  Most importantly, both were complete gentlemen and a pleasure to play alongside.   We'll be sorry to see them both go and wish them and their families well.

However, every cloud has a silver lining.  And in this case it's a massive night out on the beers.  In Tony and Stef's honour we'll organise a leaving party.  The date shall be Friday December 14.  We'll seek to play a friendly that evening (Tony and Stef will both play up front) and have a team night out afterwards.  Mark your calendars.

Nominations for Vice Captain

Tony's departure not only deprives us of a great player but also our Vice Captain.  The vice captain plays a leadership role on the field, selects the team and captains the team when the captain is not playing.  I'd like to ask the players to send nominations to me for Vice Captain.  I'll share the nominations with Ian and Andy  and we'll appoint the Vice Captain accordingly.

Asterix Reds 5 - 1 Maluri (Friendly)

A good second half performance saw us seal a comfortable 5-1 win over 
Maluri from Division 2.

We had a bare 11 1/2 and given the availability of an abundance of 
midfielders and a shortage of defenders, we elected to start with a 
3-5-2 formation. We dominated the opposition from two leagues below 
from the off and created many chances to score throughout the first 
half. Maluri sat very deep and rarely ventured into our half. I 
felt we lacked a little bit of patience in our build up and didn't 
have much luck in front of goal. 1-1 at half time.

The second half was a different story. We scored within the first 
minute of the re-start after Stuart's (goalbound?) cross was 
deflected in off the defender. Stu was adamant the goal was his; who 
am I to argue so he gets the credit for the first. Adam quickly 
added a second. Terry then knocked in a third. Andy Johnson grabbed 
one from a corner and it was 4-0 with about 10 minutes of the second 
half played. We kept playing good football, moved the ball very well 
and maintained the pressure. We were unlucky to concede one after 
the ref awarded a somewhat dubious penalty. We responded splendidly 
by scoring a fine passing goal that started deep in our own half. We 
picked up possession about 20 yards inside our own half and a couple 
of short balls put us away down the left. There was nothing on and 
we played the ball back; a couple of square balls across middle 
released Stuart down the right. His pinpoint cross to the back post 
was met by Adam who 'rose like a salmon' to finish it. A beautiful 
goal lads; we kept it simple, were patient and when the killer ball 
was on, we played it to perfection and finished superbly. A quality 
goal at any level.

Overall this was a very efficient performance. We weren't playing superb opposition but we played our own football and didn't drop our standards. The back 3 was very solid all game, I don't remember them having a shot on target. The midfielders and strikers worked hard all game. The movement, passing and communication was very good. Well played.

There's only other thing I want to comment on and that's having a go 
at the refs. This was something that we agreed we'd not tolerate at 
the start of the season. Without a question of doubt, today's refs 
were appalling. However, we let it get to us, had a go at the refs 
throughout and ended up on the wrong end of several offsides and a 
penalty. We all know it's frustrating when the refs don't get it 
right. We also know that when we start having a go at the refs 
they'll almost always favour the opposing team. It certainly 
happened today and to some extent against the Vikings in our previous 
match. In tight games, those decisions by the refs can make a real 
difference. Now I know I am as bad as anyone at this, but we have to 
work to get the refs on our side more often. I want to ask that 
before the next game, you prepare yourself mentally for a steady flow 
of bad decisions by the refs. In fact, you should be surprised when 
they do get decisions right. And whatever happens, resist the 
temptation to have a go at the refs. All we have to do is focus on 
our football and we'll do very well.

Our next league game is versus Astaka at EP next Sunday. I'll send 
out the evite. Additionally, attendance at training has been very 
poor the last few weeks. We could all do with building our fitness 
and the set up at Sports Plaza lend itself very well to working on 
the possession style of football that we play. It's only fair that 
we give a preference for selection to those lads that make the effort 
to training on a regular basis. If you've not been going regularly, 
make the effort to start this week.

Asterix Reds 2 - 3 KL Vikings (SSLKL Premier Division)

We produced a very good performance that on another day might have 
given us all 3 points. Unfortunately, despite being on top for much 
of the game and creating some very good chances, we didn't put the 
Vikings away. We lost our shape in the last 20 minutes and Vikings, 
after some sustained pressure, won it with two goals in the final few 
minutes of the match.

We started very well. High tempo, good passing and decision making 
and excellent movement of the ball created lots of space for us to 
push forward. Adam Scott scored the first having been put clean 
through and beaten the off side trap. The Vikings had a better spell 
in the middle of the first half forcing a couple of good saves from 
the Alan Boden and scoring a cracking goal to level the game. 
Asterix came back well and dominated the last 15 minutes of the first 
half. Terry Harris opened his account for the season after an 
excellent build up. Some good interchange and movement in the 
middle of the park released Aidil down the right. His far post shot 
was parried by the keeper and tucked away by Terry. We almost scored 
another when Terry Harris was again clean through only to be hauled 
back by the last defender. The ball broke to Adam who slotted in; 
sadly the ref did not play an advantage nor did he send off the 
defender for the offence. We hit the post near the end of the half 
after we had two strikers clean through on the keeper. But 2-1 it 
was at half time.

The second half started the way the first had ended. We continued to 
play good football and created some very good chances to score. Adam 
Scott was unlucky not have got a second after his long range effort 
hit the bar and bounced on the goal line and then out. In the last 
20 minutes we tired and lost our shape and gave the ball away too 
easily. The Vikings came at us and created some good chances. Some 
fine work in goal by Alan Boden maintained our advantage until the 
final 3 minutes when Vikings scored two quick goals to win the game 3-2.

Clearly, we're all disappointed not to have gotten something from 
this match. However, we have to look hard at our performance and 
learn from this.

Firstly, we were very much on top for the first 60 minutes of this 
game. We scored 2 good goals but should have scored a couple more. 
If we could have gone 3-1 or 4-1 up we could have killed the game 
off. We have to have a killers instinct. When we're on top for a 
sustained period like we were on Sunday, we need to be not satisfied 
until we put teams away. That means getting at least the 2 or 3 goal 
advantage that our possession and chances warrant. I'm looking for 
the strikers and midfielders to hold themselves accountable for 
ensuring we do this.

Secondly, we lost of our shape terribly in the latter part of the 
second half; this affected us defensively as well as when going 
forward. The back four played very deep and the midfield was still 
pushing forward whilst we're not in possession. That left a massive 
gap between the line of midfielders and defenders. To their credit 
the Vikings exploited it well and their midfielders were able to run 
directly at our back four. Going forward, we reverted to knocking it 
long and giving up possession too easily. This lack of shape 
effectively stranded our midfielders; the space behind them made it 
easy for the Vikings to pass through us, our midfielders were chasing 
back when we're not in possession. When we regained the ball and 
knocked it long the midfielders had to run forward to support the 
strikers often 40 or 50 yards away. The reason that we looked so 
tired is that our lack of shape caused us to do more running - 
particularly in the midfield - than was necessary. It's important 
that we maintain our shape; by that I mean play as a unit. On 
Sunday, there was little threat of us being done for pace by a long 
ball hence I'm not sure why we dropped so deep at the back. We need 
the back four to push up quickly and reduce the space between them 
and the midfielders. In the event that the back four is deep, I want 
the midfielders and attackers to maintain our shape as a team and 
drop back accordingly. Again, I'm looking for the back four to call 
the midfielders back so that space between the midfielders and back 
four is eliminated. Ultimately, it's the back four's position which 
will determine if we're able to push on or have to sit deep; they 
hence need to communicate with the midfielders so that we're set up 
to defend effectively.

If we'd either have converted or pressure and chances into goals or 
defended as a unit we'd have likely picked up all 3 points.

However, it's also important to look at some of the positives. We 
dominated the game for much of the match against a team that will 
likely be up there challenging for the title at the end of the 
season. For that we should take some confidence and belief in 
ability to do very well this season.

The important thing now is that we pick ourselves up for the next 
league game which will be versus Astaka at EP on 18 November. In the 
meantime, we'll have one friendly and two training sessions details 
of which I'll send out by evite. Please do your best to be available 
for them all.