The friendly game v Corby Diamonds is a 10.30am kick off in Corby – Please meet at 9.45 for the warm up.

We have 12 players and so if anyone else is able to play please let us know.

Expect a tough game as always v Diamonds but it is important we don’t duck a challenge , drink the medicine from last week and crack on . All games will be tough so we aren’t about to hide away after a couple of tough weeks. Tough characters respond in tough times. It’s a friendly and we want to experiment with a new formation but we are very interested in how people respond, who is up for it and prepared to get stuck in . We will be playing Wellingborough next week and places in the squad are up for grabs. That is a game we should be expecting to do well in.

Tactics .

We have played Diamonds recently and we watched them a couple of weeks ago.

They like to play long balls, Liam & Owen who score there goals have always been near the top of the scoring charts and have been around since the beginning, they are big and fast and need marking and tackling. Leave them alone they will cause us problems.

The captain runs midfield , he is a good lad ,works and tackles hard but fair. Dont allow him time to play , he needs putting under pressure.

The defense are slow and we caused them lots of problems in the opening game ,especially Zac and Fil. It was the same last season where we destroyed them down the cricket club. we scored goals and they all ended up arguing and fell apart quickly. We watched Aztecs and they also scored by fast runs. We felt they tend to panic and resort to hoofing it around so expect to be dealing with headers. They are a bit like us score lots but concede lots.

The goalie is the weak link , he is slow to get down, never is in a great position and his kicking is poor. Off the ground we need to be ready to pounce although they often get someone else to kick , out of his hands the ball goes high and not far and he is often watching on the edge of his box . We need an immediate shot if we can or one pass and shoot.

In the last 2 games we have only made 5 shots – that won’t do . We should get plenty of chances but we need to,shoot and shoot early . Get the ball,for Zac to run onto.

We are trying a new formation 3313. Picture link attached . It’s been used in the past by Argentina, Chile , marseille . It’s attacking – keeps our front 3 which we wont compromise .We have an attacking CAM who has a free role – we will give Jake & Lewis a half each trying it. It’s not a 2nd forward and you are expected to muck in when they have position in midfield . It gives us a 3rd Centre back . The compromise is the wing backs instead of both staying wide move inside to midfield when needed and the ball is on the opposite side. If the ball is on your side you attack leaving the opposite wing back and CDM in midfield . We discussed this with James, Zac,Ashley & Mark and we want to try it. It relies on people staying in position and understanding the midfield /wing back movements.

It will require plenty of running and we need to tackle a lot more . Last two weeks some of our Tackling has been poor and in some case non existent and we need to improve. If you want to play Football you have to run around , get stuck in and tackle . They is no point playing if you are scared of getting a knock or two for the team.

See you at training , we have a good but tough session planned to challenge you all.

Any comments about the formation please post on the chat and me & Lewis will answer.