FREDS LEARNING HOW TO DEFEND AS A UNIT AT HARWELL SIXES

THE FREDS worked tirelessly on how to shape and move as a unit of three in defence on Saturday morning. It's a demanding exercise that requires a good level of concentration, shutting down the threat quickly ( the ball ), and rapidly recovering to support and cover the next pressing defender as the focus of the attack shifts. Sunday, they travelled to the Harwell 6's to pitch their new discipline against the elite in a glorified training session, sporting their green and white hoops.

THE FREDS were beaten by Oxford City in the opening fixture, but composed themselves after reflection and chanced their strategy against another A League team, hosts Harwell and Hendred. Harwell and Hendred finished runners up and were the most prolific goalscorers in the top flight this season. However, the Wantage gr-eight matched the threat. They adhered to strict recovery lines and responded with speed of thought to plug gaps and frustrate the blue and black stripes.

After successfully closing out two more teams, THE FREDS were drawn against another A League team, Hinksey Park, in the 'Europa League' semi-finals.

However, the eight, having so brilliantly applied themselves to the art of defending as a unit, were undone in one momentary lapse of concentration.

That aside, it was a gallant effort against teams that play four leagues up.

If we can now add a more patient approach to attacking when our opponents are in balance, and break out quickly when they are not, we will inch closer towards a complete strategy that we can all scale up to 11 v 11 next season as U13's.

"Very pleased with how quickly the players understood what was required of them, but even more impressed with how they accepted the responsibilities and executed them in practise."

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