Cartmel C’s Summer Cup 2010/11 Season Review
Cartmel ‘C’
A Summer Cup Review 2011
Final Position: 5th/Group Stages
Summary: A day that began with promise and even a hint of expectation ended in disappointment for a Cartmel side well equipped to lift the trophy.
Disclaimer: Apologies if I’ve got some of the line ups/substitutions/scorers a bit wrong. I know it’s not exactly very professional, but I’m going purely off memory here. Additionally, this is the Summer Cup from MY perspective. Each and every one of you involved will have a different perspective. It is not my intention to be slanderous, equally nor is it my intention to display favouritism. It is the sole intention of this article to deliver a level of professional reportage that encompasses all aspects of the day as objectively as possible. And hopefully be a bit of fun too 
Sunday 5th May 2011 saw the return of the annual Summer Cup and though the weather couldn’t quite match that of the previous two days, the atmosphere was nonetheless electric as the team assembled in the early morning haze. A decent turn out (a head count of twenty) meant that options were widely available for captain Mikesh Patel, though this number was soon reduced to eighteen when it came to light that centre-back Dan Ross and fullback Rick Bell had failed to agree new terms on their existing contracts (they forgot to register their purple cards). Honourable mentions to these two defenders, who got up so early…and left just as early.
Lonsdale 2-1 Cartmel
With the squad trimmed to a poultry dozen and half, Patel had choices to make, not least with the first group game against local rivals Lonsdale fast approaching. Cartmel entered the game in high spirits and in the knowledge that they had won the last Derby 6-5, a victory more comfortable than the score line reflected. As if sensing the positivity, Patel opted for an attacking 4-3-3 formation, perhaps indicative of the team’s recent performance on the astroturf that allowed for a slick, fast-paced passing game. Norwegian striker Per ‘Pece’ Olsen was to start through the middle, flanked by Ash Booth and Matt Carr on the right and left respectively. If anything, Patel’s major headache was choosing his preferred back four, with eight members of the squad vying for starting positions in defence. Ultimately he chose a central partnership of Pickup and Smith with Ghandi on the right and Hughes on the left. Completing the eleven, Patel was to anchor the midfield with Ennis and Casey in support, while ever present McManus took his place between the sticks.
It is this reporter’s opinion that although I believe the 4-3-3 to be a superior system to 4-4-2 (a formation so ingrained in English culture it is becoming quite hard to change old habits) in terms of its attacking flexibility and fluidity whilst still retaining a solid back line, it is questionable about converting to this system for the opening game of a tournament without previous and extensive training. This decision ultimately told throughout the game, as the defence often found themselves exposed because of a lack of cover from midfield. Furthermore, once one factors in that this has been an inherent problem with Cartmel all season, even when playing four in midfield, there was now 25% less cover than usual, something Lonsdale were able to exploit with relative ease. Moreover, if this decision was made in light of the team’s success on astroturf, it is arguable about how much of that success can be translated onto a grass playing surface. The naturally bumpier environment is not as conducive to a fluid passing game as its artificial cousin, and at times Cartmel’s propensity to try and play their passing game in the face of this fact contributed to some rather poor possession and decision making.
The first half passed by without much incident, however, and though Lonsdale looked threatening between the lines they never really created a clear sight of goal. Likewise Cartmel seemed somewhat muted in spite of their plentiful attacking outlets. Five minutes into the second half and Patel sought to wring the changes. Pinder came on for Ghandi (injury) but and Smith moved out to right back, with Pinder slotting into the middle of defence alongside Pickup. Chances still seemed few and far between, though Cartmel looked brighter. Pece failed to convert a one-on-one chance after a heavy touch allowed the Lonsdale goalkeeper to smother the ball, and Ennis really should have done better with a header from six yards, but saw his effort sail over an empty net.
With the game near its conclusion it appeared to be heading for a draw, a solid if unspectacular start to Cartmel’s tournament. Pickup took a short throw in from the right back position to Pinder, who controlled, turned, and looked to play the ball centrally to Casey who had dropped of his marker and found space in deep. However, calamity struck when Pinder woefully misplaced his pass into no-mans’ land, somewhere between Hughes at left-back and Casey, his original target. Capitalising on the error, the Lonsdale forward collected possession and ran at the defence, exchanging passes with his winger before dipping inside two onrushing defenders and firing low into the bottom left past the despairing McManus.
Though ultimately the blame for the goal can only be placed with Pinder, the gap between the midfield and the defence as the Lonsdale forward collected the wayward ball and advanced was noticeable, and was exploited again a matter of minutes later.
Shell-shocked, Cartmel had little time to recover before Lonsdale had doubled their advantage. Finding space between the lines, a Lonsdale midfielder, unchallenged, fed the ball forward to his striker, who (with startling similarity to the first goal) cut in from the left and slammed the ball home down to McManus’s left, through the legs of Pickup.
There was little time to stage a comeback, but as has soften been the case this season Cartmel sprang into life after going behind. Their sense of urgency motivated, they created a flurry of chances in the final exchanges, converting one to take home at least a goal for the ‘goals scored’ column, something that could prove decisive as the tournament wore on.
Winning a thrown half way into Lonsdale half, Cartmel summoned the trebuchet, and Pinder stepped up. Looking to redeem himself in any way he could for his part in the first goal, he angled a long throw in directly into Lonsdale’s penalty area. As the ball dropped, panic ensued, the ball finally falling to Pece who buried home with a right footed volley from six yards. Technically, this goal did not conform to any football fan’s version of a proper ‘footballing goal’, but it was effective nonetheless and Pinder’s throw-ins would continue to be a source of consternation for various opponents throughout the day. There was still time for a hand-ball penalty appeal in the Lonsdale box, but as the referee waved away the shouts so to did he wave off the last of Cartmel’s hopes for opening game glory.
A disheartening 2-1 defeat was not in the script for the opening fixture. Fingers were pointed and rightfully so, though much of this was unnecessarily reactionary. Pinder’s mistake for the first goal was costly but not irreparable, and Lonsdale took full advantage of a Cartmel team playing an unfamiliar system. Oddly enough, the as yet non-appearance of Gibbon was cited as a key factor. Undoubtedly Gibbon is a strong and versatile player, and has presence on the pitch, but the manner in which his absence was discussed was similar to that of Gareth Barry’s at the 2010 World Cup for England; once Gibbon returned, we would be world beaters. This conclusion is somewhat striking for a number of reasons. Firstly, Gibbon is not a match winner, nor is he a creator. The lack of chances created would not have been remedied with his presence, and the lack of set pieces for Cartmel negated the aerial threat he offers. Secondly, and perhaps more poignantly, it is a widely held belief that if you are going to tinker with a team, it’s best to leave your goalkeeper and defence whole, as one unit, untouched. Remove even one player from the system and the consequences can be catastrophic, one only needs look at how Birmingham’s relegation from the Premier League coincided with the injury to Scott Dann. Though obviously the tournament environment coupled with the large squad, particularly defenders, encourages rotation, one would argue it is best to leave the defence alone unless absolutely necessary. More in depth reasons for this have been discussed elsewhere (or equally, send me a message and I’ll happily outline them), though it was apparent that the defence did adopt a more constant line up later on.
As the post match deconstruction consisted largely of arbitrary and somewhat defeatist remarks, there were some positives that were overlooked. Matt Carr’s performance on the left had been an energetic one, harrying the Lonsdale right back and looking to exploit their lack of pace at the back. Vocally Ben Smith proved himself to be a commanding presence, lending some solidarity to a shaky back line, and it was good to at least get off the mark with a goal, removing some of the pressure from Pece as the lone front man, who oftentimes looked as if he had a bit of a thankless task. His pace in behind is naturally a problem for any defence, but can sometimes lead Cartmel to become over-reliant on long through balls. Ultimately though, this was a disappointing start to the tournament.
Cartmel 2-1 Communal
The defeat to Lonsdale prompted some changes in personnel, the injury to Chris Ghandi keeping him out of this match, forcing another shake up at the back. Once again it was the appropriately named McManus in goal (check your Latin), with a back four (from L-R) of Pickup, Todd, Gibbon and Smith, behind the trio of Kinson, Ennis and Casey (also L-R). Leading the line was a front three of Carr on the left, Pece through the middle and Patel on the right. Perhaps the most eyebrow raising decision was the perseverance of 4-3-3, though after another below-par first half, this would change to 4-4-2 and remain as such for the rest of the tournament.
The game began lively, with both sides seeking their first win of the tournament, which may have been a contributing factor in sticking with the more attacking 4-3-3. Both sides created chances with the best falling to Communal, a rasping drive for twenty yards being matched equally by McManus and tipped round the right hand post for a corner. The deadlock was broken when once again the opposition found space between the Cartmel midfield and defence, this time on the left hand side. Haring down the line, the Communal winger exposed the lack of pace in Cartmel back line (for my money, pace, along with good movement, is the hardest thing to defend against anyway), carrying the ball to the by-line before cutting a cross back to the end of the six yard area. Cartmel were slow to react, and the cross not being a particularly good one, it perhaps should have been cut out. Nevertheless, it wasn’t, and it found it’s way to awaiting Communal striker, who slotted low to McManus’ right, who could not readjust his body in time to get down as the ball rolled over the line.
1-0 at half time and looking down the barrel again, changes were made. The most notable of these saw Cartmel revert to their more familiar 4-4-2, with captain Patel substituting himself for Longton, who played a more conventional right sided midfield position, which saw Casey drift into a central role alongside Ennis, with Kinson outside. Pece and Carr were left up top.
Sensing the urgency required, Cartmel made a bright start to the second half and were justly rewarded. Matt Carr once again impressing, bagging a brace and turning the tide for the Blues, giving them their first three points of the day. The first goal was a classy predatory finish, latching onto to some poor communication in the Communal defence, before angling a low, precise effort from left to right past the onrushing ‘keeper and into the bottom right hand corner of the goal.
Parity restored, Cartmel were buoyed and sensed victory. A final change was made as Pinder came on for Pickup for the remaining minutes in an effort to provide a more ominous aerial threat, but it would be Carr who would get his second and seal a much needed win for Cartmel. After some nice interplay in midfield between Casey and Ennis, a well weighted through ball found Carr in space, who, in a mirror image of his first goal, slotted low from right to left from ten yards to hand Cartmel all three points. Celebrations were somewhat wild, captain Mikesh Patel staging a joyous one man pitch invasion, sprinting a solid 50 yards to celebrate with his elated team mates.
With little time left for a Communal revival, Cartmel saw out the remaining minutes with relative ease. Indeed they had a final opportunity that saw Carr and Pece break, though after a monetary hesitation about whether he was offside or not, Communal were able to get back in numbers,
Cartmel had there first win of the day and had showed some impressive resolve to achieve it. Naturally credit must be given to Carr for his two goals, but this was also a much better team performance, particularly in the second half, where the change back to 4-4-2 paid dividends. The extra body in midfield helped contest the ball more often all round the pitch, and worked well in stopping opposition players drifting into space behind them, between the midfield and the defence. This owed a lot to the more central partnership of Ennis and Casey, both defensively minded midfield players, who had looked somewhat uncomfortable in the 4-3-3 system.
A consequence of this newly reinstated midfield solidarity was that the defence benefitted greatly. With the assurance of an extra man ahead of them, and with the more familiar partnership of Gibbon and Todd in the centre, the defence looked far sturdier than in the previous game, though the lack of pace at the back was still a worry. It is noteworthy, however, that Cartmel only conceded one goal in their remaining three matches, and finished with the tightest defence in their group.
The decision to switch back to 4-4-2 may anger the progressionists among you, but ultimately it was the right decision. Patel had made a bold decision by opting for 4-3-3, and with a little more practice it may have paid off. As it was, the failings previously outlined necessitated the change, and Patel did the right thing by converting back to 4-4-2. It was a tactical decision that paid off, and showed that the captain was not above making the tough decisions when the time called for it.
Bowland 0-0 Cartmel
A well matched game provided a goalless draw that was short on chances but high on intrigue. Continuing with 4-4-2, the team read as follows: McManus in goal, and a back four of Pickup, Pinder, Gibbon and Smith (sounds like a law firm don’t you think?). The midfield was a flat four of Hughes, Casey, Longton and Patel, with Chris Betteridge making his first appearance of the tournament up top alongside Pece. Consternation was caused by the exclusion of Carr. Booth cut a frustrated figure on the sidelines.
This was a match of few chances, though that owed much to the defensively capabilities of each team rather than a lack of attacking intent. The versatile Hughes playing on the left of a four man midfield provided extra cover to the Cartmel backline, who were up against two languid strikers with decent movement. Hughes’s previous experience at left back (both in this tournament and throughout the season) proved invaluable, and he put in a fine defensive display as well as providing a threatening attacking outlet.
Pickup and Pinder had begun to form a decent partnership on the left hand side of defence too, one that would stay intact for the remainder of the day. The partnership of Gibbon and Pinder also gave the defence a more familiar look in the centre, and Smith proved imperious with a fantastic flick away from a Bowland striker three yards from goal, who looked certain to score. In midfield, Longton looked to develop the partnership with Casey that Casey and Ennis had for their destroyer-passer model that had proved effective in the previous game and since the return to 4-4-2.
Looking to make a mark in the team for the first time in the tournament, Betteridge impressed though did not achieve the reward he strived for, his solitary effort on goal blocked from around twenty yards out. What he did provide was a target man who was able to hold the ball up well and play it into the likes of Patel and Hughes venturing forward down the channels when they could. As dropping deeper is a strong part of Betteridge’s game it is arguable to suggest that his natural game converted the 4-4-2 into a 4-4-1-1. Though not quite a conventional number ten, his position was perhaps better described as a false nine, dropping deep to draw out the defence and create space in behind for the tireless Pece to take advantage of.
Pece’s running eventually gave him the chance he was looking for. Tearing past the Bowland defence he found himself one on one with their ‘keeper, and was only thwarted by an tremendous save, as falling away the ‘keeper through up his left hand and blocked magnificently.
A small problem with this system arose in the second half with the substitution of Jantzen for Pece. Though of a similar build to the Norwegian, Jantzen’s natural game is similar to that of Betteridge’s, preferring to drop deeper and collect the ball to feet, though his hold up play isn’t quite as good. Cartmel had a problem; with both centre forwards seeking to come into midfield and receive the ball to feet, often with their back to goal, it meant that there was a distinct lack of threat in the final quarter of the pitch. Even when the wide players advanced beyond the strikers, this meant that was usually at most one target in the box. Jantzen’s aerial presence should have dictated the play in this regard, and better communication was needed in establishing the partnership between Betteridge and Jantzen. Betteridge is the better player with the ball to feet, Jantzen is stronger in the air. The simple communication of this fact in the knowledge that the substitution was to be made could have created more chances, particularly based on Cartmel’s first half performance.
As aforementioned, with the wingers seemingly eager to ply their trade rather well, the plan could have been simple. Betteridge receives the ball to feet about thirty yards from goal, turns, and seeks to play in one of his wingers, who in turn crosses the ball for Jantzen. In hindsight this is far easier to state, objectivity coming into play more once you’re removed from the match scenario. It is, however, something worth thinking about in future matches.
One final point to be made is the exclusion of Booth AND Carr. Though by no means a bad result, a victory is always desirable, and in search of a goal it is puzzling why neither of these players made an appearance in this match. Carr, fresh of the back of a brace in the previous game, had already proved he had the ability to trouble defences. Likewise, Booth is arguably the purest striker of a football Cartmel have got, someone whose absence told with the lack of efforts on the Bowland goal.
Haley replaced the injured Smith as the game drew to a close.
This was, however, a hard fought, well earned draw, another clean sheet and a decent performance. 4-4-2 had done it’s trick and the inclusion of Betteridge had given Patel food for thought, providing a different option up front.
Cartmel 2-1 Ladcaster
As is often the case in the build up to a big game, the focus seemed to be on anything other than the match itself, with most conversation concerned with the presence of two university ringers in the Ladcaster squad. It mattered not, with Cartmel eventually running out deserved 2-1 victors, the goals coming from another predatory finish from Carr, and a freak goal by Kinson.
Patel opted to start to start with the same back four that finished the previous game, with Haley continuing on the right side of defence. Impressed with Hughes’s performance against Bowland, Patel gave him a second start in as many matches on the left of a midfield four, with Ennis and Kinson inside, and Longton on the opposite flank. Matt Carr was reinstated up front alongside Pece.
This was a must win game for Cartmel, who by now were already relying on other results to see them through the group stage. A victory was the only option.
The game started with a fierce intensity, Ladcaster were not only undefeated, but had soundly beaten all comers, scoring at least three in ever game thus far. Tails up, Cartmel started brightly, Carr winning possession from the Ladcaster kick off within a matter of seconds and forcing a throw in high up the pitch. This set the tone for the first half, in which Cartmel were by far the stronger team.
Ladcaster were not without threat, pacy wingers and bustling centre forward casuing some degree of consternation for the Cartmel back line, but their chances on goal were limited, with Haley in particular putting in a fine containing display and Gibbon covering well. Pickup proved reliable as ever, his partnership with Pinder blossoming quite nicely on the left hand side, aided all the more by the continuing presence of Hughes ahead of them. Familiarity breeds content.
Hughes had not lost any of his attacking threat either, and looked dangerous throughout, in a midfield that was otherwise there for its hustle and bustle. Longton in for Casey proved indicative of a midfield that needed legs and not patience against a busy Ladcaster side, and Kinson, well Kinson contributed finely with a rather superb if somewhat odd goal.
Though Cartmel looked sharp it was Ladcaster who finally created the first chance, their left winger whipping in a cross that Pinder did well to divert behind for a corner, and not into his own net. With the resulting corner wasted, Cartmel looked to build from the back. McManus playing the ball to Pickup, who passed short and square to Pinder, who, to be fair, did little more than agriculturally lump it in the general direction of Pece. As if the day was developing some sort of theme, the Norwegian’s finish was once again a cool and calm strike from the edge of the box past an advancing, if flustering and unsettled ‘keeper. There was a momentary collective holding of breath as the ball appeared as if it might come to halt in the sandy goal mouth, but it eventually nestled in the corner, much to the delight of Cartmel and their four fans.
1-0 to the good and approaching half time, Cartmel were determined to stay tight when fortune struck again. A period of attacking play resulted in a corner for the Blues, which Kinson dutifully trotted over to take (you can tell what’s coming, can’t you?) A right footed in-swinger from the left hand side, Kinson beautifully, if a tad fortuitously, whipped his corner right over the helpless ‘keeper and into the top right hand corner of the goal. Elation.
It was later reported that one of the Ladcaster players had been heard to say ‘oh shit’ as soon as the ball was airborne.
There was still time for a glancing header from Pece to sneak narrowly wide before half time, and Cartmel departed for the interval in good spirits. Looking to protect his two goal advantage and prepare for the inevitable Ladcaster onslaught, Patel wrought changes in the midfield, replacing Longton with the more defensively minded Casey.
As expected, Ladcaster came out of the block with renewed vigour, and were rewarded with an early goal to put a flutter in Cartmel stomachs. Counter attacking from a Cartmel corner down the right hand side, a chipped ball beat both Pickup and Pinder and found the feet of the Ladcaster striker. Cutting inside he shot low to McManus’s left saw his shot squeeze inside the left hand post. 2-1 and squeaky bum time for Cartmel.
Ladcaster continued to create chances, but never really threatened the Cartmel goal in earnest. A wicked cross from the right almost found the head of an oncoming striker but instead flashed across goal, and a telescopic outstretched leg from Pinder blocked a long range effort, but this was about the sum of Ladcaster’s chances.
Emotions ran high after the final whistle, with Cartmel euphoric. They had beaten arguably the best team in their group and given themselves a chance to qualify for the semi finals.
The verdict for this performance was that it was a resounding success. Tactically Patel got it spot on, and though the decision to leave himself out may have been a tough one, it proved a correct call as Cartmel benefited from the physical presence and legs of Longton, and then the more defensive and containing game offered by Casey. Hughes impressed again and even little Ennis got well and truly stuck in. Kinson was a match winner. What the back four lacked in culture they more than made up for in resolve, realised that if there was ever a time for just hacking it clear, this was it. Up top Pece and Carr ceaselessly ran the Ladcaster back line ragged and led from the front.
As other results filtered through Cartmel were to enter the last game knowing that scoring three or more goals would see them qualify for the semi-finals.
Cartmel 2-0 Core
With the semi-finals only a hattrick away, Cartmel could smell success. However, a disappointing attacking performance, profligacy in front of goal and an inspired if eccentric goalkeeping performance from Core’s man in the sticks brought the day to a disappointing conclusion.
Truth be told, there isn’t really much to say about this match. Cartmel were by far and away the superior side, Core managing only one attempt on goal in the whole match, with Cartmel easily breaking a dozen, with the majority of those working the ‘keeper.
The goals came from Carr in the first half and Kinson in the second, though opportunities were abundant, with Pinder, Booth, Pece and Pickup all squandering good chances.
If Cartmel raised their game for the match against Ladcaster, then they certainly became complacent versus Core. Having lost all their games Core were regarded as something of the group whipping boys, and this game considering a formality. Though Core never really did anything to produce a shock result, Cartmel’s profligacy was telling. In part, this can be put down to tiredness, the peaks and troughs of adrenaline throughout the day far more exacting on the body in this start/stop tournament format than a straight game, but the Blues still had enough quality and chances to easily dispatch a poor Core side.
With the deadlock finally broken after a flurry of chances (Carr finishing a minor scramble with customary calmness into the roof of the next from four yards), Patel sought to imbue a bit of urgency in his side after half time. Off came Booth, Pece and Gibbon for Patel, Jantzen and Betteridge as Cartmel pushed for another couple of goals. Kinson also replaced Casey. The changes were rewarded with the second goal of the match and Kinson’s second of the tournament, but it proved too little too late, and Cartmel were eliminated.
The Squad
GK – Jake McManus – Ever present and solid as a rock. Though he might be disappointed with his part in the Communal goal, it arguably took a small deflection and ultimately did not prove fatal. A commanding and comforting presence at the back, giving stability to a defence that sorely needed it in the wake of its continuous rotation and unfamiliarity.
CB – Tom Pinder – At fault for the first goal of the day but came back strongly to start the last three matches. Seemingly enjoyed playing alongside the calming presence of Pickup at left back and the two worked well all day. His throw ins were a constant danger.
CB – Chris Gibbon – A late arrival but a much needed one. Though his presence didn’t quite inspire the Lord-and-Saviour revitalisation some professed it would, his authority at the back helped stabilise a Cartmel defence that had looked shaky at the start of the day.
CB - Matthew Todd – Ever a calming influence in the chaos of a match, Todd’s Maxwell’s demon approach to football (check your Physics) was the catalyst to Cartmel settling down. An old head on young shoulders.
CB/RB – Ben Smith - Vocal, stalwart and physical, he started the day at centre back but deputised well at right back until his injury. Ever eager to take command on or off the pitch and was instrumental in leading much of the pre-match training and warm ups.
CB/LB - Gareth Pickup - Brought a level of assurance to proceedings and communicated well all day. Calm under pressure and constantly knowledgeable about positioning, he formed an integral part of Cartmel’s defence, starting every game. Did exceptionally well in an unfamiliar position.
RB - Chris Ghandi – Unfortunate to pick up an injury early on and miss the rest of the tournament.
RB – Rob Haley - Had to wait a while for his first start, but slotted right into the defence with ease, and never once looked out of place. Had a stellar display against Ladcaster and was unlucky not to get more game time.
LB/LW – Giles Hughes - Versatile as ever, Hughes was one of the day’s stand out performers. His work rate was fantastic, ever eager to get up in attack or help out in defence. On this, his defensive game had markedly improved and he provided solid cover on the left, particularly against Bowland and Ladcaster.
CM – Chris Ennis – Dependable as ever and always looking to create. Struggled somewhat in 4-3-3 as he often found himself outnumbered in midfield. Flourished in 4-4-2 and worked excellently in tandem with Jonny Casey. Was particularly impressive versus Ladcaster where he competed strongly in a physical game.
CM -Jonny Casey – Cartmel’s Mr. Reliable, a consummate professional. Performed well all day, notably alongside Ennis with whom he has developed a good partnership. Like his team mate, looked a little lost in 4-3-3 but screened effectively in 4-4-2 and anchored the midfield well.
CM/LW – Tom Kinson – Chipped in with two goals, alas the second of which was just not quite enough, though the first will be talked about for some time to come. Busy as ever and provided a dependable outlet across much of the midfield. Was nice to see his knees.
CM/RW – Pete Longton - Energised the midfield with some much needed hustle and bustle in some of the more physical matches. His personal best performance came against Ladcaster, where his willingness to keep the chalk on his boots when attacking but ability to drift inside when not in possession to bolster the midfield was invaluable.
CM/RW – Mikesh Patel – Tasked with the hardest role of the day, marshalling the troops, Patel did a commendable job. His decision to initially play 4-3-3 was questionable, but the acceptance that the system wasn’t working and thus change to 4-4-2 must be applauded. Performed well on the pitch but his greatest moments came when managing from the sidelines, as this allowed for greater objectivity once removed from the hectic game environment. His decision to replace Booth in the final game when in need of a goal raised eyebrows, and was ultimately a gamble that didn’t pay off, but Patel can be proud of himself and his team.
RW/RWF – Ash Booth - Exceedingly unfortunate not to play more, his ball retention and finishing were missed. Has troubled better defences than those he faced and will feel aggrieved not to have more opportunities.
LW/LWF – Matt Carr – Arguably Cartmel’s player of the tournament, he was a constant threat and ran defences ragged. Energetic and handy in front of goal too, he ended the day as the team’s top scorer.
CF – Chris Betteridge – Like Booth somewhat unlucky not to play more and never really had a chance to show off his qualities. What little we did see was impressive, though he wasn’t helped by the unfamiliarity of his partnership with Jantzen. Held up the ball well, battled and always willing to run, though he would surely have desired more game time and a goal.
CF – Craig Jantzen – Limited game time prohibited much chance to shine but he persevered admirably in difficult circumstances. Having been told by his team mates to tone down his flicks his hold up play was better, but struggled to assert himself otherwise and was a touch wasteful in front of goal.
CF – Per Pece Olsen – A tireless worker who was justly reward with a couple of goals, though he will be disappointed that he didn’t grab a few more, especially with the one-on-ones he had. Always willing to run in behind, he was a source of consternation for defences all day.
Honourable Mentions
Rick Bell and Dan Ross, for reasons aforesaid.
CYFC, for bringing the aggression.
And Core’s ‘keeper, for bringing the mindset of a nutter