Coach's Corner

 

 

Welcome to Coaches Corner. 

 

WEEK 16

"CLOSE BUT NO CIGAR"

WEST ADELAIDE 2 (KOULOCHERIS 65, WRIGHT 85) SOUTH ADELAIDE 1 (WATSON 32)

Although bitterly disappointed with losing on Saturday I still left the ground

feeling extremely proud of our boys and their effort against a quality opponent.

The desire and commitment the boys gave to this game was nothing short of

outstanding and again just points to the rosey future we all have to look forward to

at South Adelaide.  Unfortunately we were not good enough to take the points on the

day but for a long period in the game we matched it with West and in the first half

particularly we were the bettter side. 

As usual we set out to deny our opponent time and space early in the game, not allowing them to settle or have any fluent passing movement.  We have done this well in first halves this year and this game was no exception.  As usual when you deny a quality passing team the time and space to display their talents they get angry and frustrated with each other which West Adelaide did quite readily.  With our game plan going well we started to create some chances and thankfully took one in the 32nd minute via Jordan Watson who dispossessed his opposing defender broke into the opponent's half and then calmly poked the ball past the oncoming keeper.  1-0 Panthers.  We headed in at half time knowing the job was still ahead of us but still very satisfied at what we had done in the first forty five minutes.

There is no doubt in the second half that West came at us hard as they were

desperate to hang onto their dream of winning the league.  Anything but a win for

them would have ended this for them.  We knew we needed a second goal and although

we tried to continue our pressure of the first half, the boys found it difficult to

contain West and were finally broken down in the 65th minute when Koulocheris

pounced on a ball on the edge of the area and smashed it home giving the home side a

vital lift. 1-1.  Losing our captain Chris Reed due to injury and our goalscorer

Jordan Watson, who was blatantly elbowed in the face by Aaron Westerveldt (who went

unpunished) and became dizzy, shortly after the goal did not help our cause as we

tried in vain to get something for our efforts and hang on against a now rampant

West Adelaide.  Unfortunately we could not hang on long enough and with five minutes

to go ex South Adelaide junior player Joe Wright popped up at the back post and

smashed his shot into the roof of the net giving West the lead.  2-1 West.

The boys were shattered after the game but I think once they have had a chance to

reflect they will understand that they are growing very fast as young men and as

footballers.  I know for a fact that West are not looking forward to meeting us in

the finals.  On that note there was some cause to celebrate on the weekend as,

although we lost, N.A.B. also lost meaning that we can't finish lower than fifith

and have now officially qualified for the finals play offs for season 2011.  With

Demons also losing to Toros this means we still remain four points clear in third

spot.  We understand that we have much more to achieve this season but it is

pleasing to have reached this milestone with still three games remaining in the

league. 

Congratulations to the Under 19's who had a fantastic win against their top of the

table opponents.  This vital result keeps their hopes of playing finals well and

truly alive. Well done boys - keep up the fight!

We look forward to our next challenge at home to top of the table Salisbury on

Saturday.  Please come and support your team on their journey to the finals!!

Regards,

Kitch