Ermis Aradippou FC vs Thoi Lakatamias FC

Final Score: Ermis 1-2 Thoi

An extremely hot day in Aradippou, playing during 34 degree celsius, sunny weather. It was 50 more minutes in the tank at right centre-back, a small 5 minutes stint in the second half. The match was played on a good, and bigger field than last week and against a strong opponent in Ermis. Overall a good team performance in the first half and we had the better chances. It was a 60/40 split in possession in favour of Ermis as we dropped off in defence and would counter-press when the time was right. Our first goal was a penalty early into the match, and the second goal was scored by me at the 30 minute mark; a good left-footed, half volley finish following an attacking corner that was cleared, and the ball re-entered the box and fell to me to finish.

Individually, my performance was solid and sound. Defensively I was strong and did good things. The heat was challenging and I find that my mouth dries out, so I wasn’t talking as much because of that. In possession, a few things to work on, especially when playing out the back and getting through and around the opposition press.

When receiving the ball from the left, I drove too fast with the ball and would force myself to play as the pressing striker would run behind me and block my pass backwards to keep possession and get the ball back to the other side. So to improve, I’ll take a touch to open myself up to all my options but also keep in mind about being able to pass back or sideways if need-be.

With that being said, 1 or two times that I ran with the ball, I could’ve played a good ball in-behind but I had no runners. That’s something that comes with chemistry, understanding and time.

Also need to keep improving my condition, always more to do. Being more cardiovascularly fit, and being more powerful to produce more force through the floor are being worked on.

Postives and areas to improve, we keep going.