Zone 14 and the Art of Defence & Attack (Update 1)

North Ferriby are tough to play at home. With a goal ratio of +2 every home game this season they create lots of chances. On Saturday we came away with THREE points AND A CLEAN SHEET. Job down and more. Starting Emmett and Thewlis was a risk but both of them ran their socks off and frightened the Ferriby defence to death. We attacked as a unit and didn't we just defend as one as well. When they got possession we closed them down so quickly that their supply up to the SKYSCRAPER was limited. Their main supply to their target man came namely from free kicks. Several of which were so soft and one in the second half when Kerry was flattened the ref actually gave the free kick to them and then suddenly realised that it was our man who was fouled.

The team and supporters put in such a shift and encouraged, shouted and cajoled themselves to victory!! Warren Burrell no longer thinks Valentines Day is such a naff day. Go on his twitter account and have a laugh. Warren played such an important role on Saturday and sacrificed his natural inclination to get forward and sat infront of our back four and protected Zone 14 all day. Lloyd , Jason and Jack got forward as much as possible to support Paul Clayton who once again took a hammering with little or no protection from the officials. Paul gave their centre halfs a tough time for the 90 minutes and made sure Zone 14 infront of their penalty box was a worry for them repeatedly. Hardly an offside all game Paul. great stuff.

Must mention the goal as it involved four players and one touch football. The thirty yard ball in the air from Mason Warren up to Clayton was perfectly weighted for Paul to flick on with his head for Jordan to take a touch and pass the ball into the box for Kerry to glide through Zone 14 and place the ball majestically into the net. Their keeper was rooted to the spot. What a goal!!

Mason had a great debut and reads the game so well covering across to cut out any danger. Their keeper was not rooted to the spot when he made the most incredible double save. Unbelievable. That would have put us 2-0 up. But we weathered the storm and although they had some chances the pressure we put them under threw them and made them rush. Just one gripe. Once again at the start of the second half the opposition have overloaded the right side got the ball out there quickly and against FC Utd they scored. On Saturday they hit the post. Heads up lads. No ball watching.

On Match of the Day Aston Villa and Newcastle showed how not to defend against Liverpool. Most of the goals scored were through or near Zone 14 either through pieces of passing play or free kicks badly defended. Have a look and see how teams punish other teams who DO NOT defend Zone 14 properly.

COME ON TOWN

....and Chelsea.

the goal came from zone 15.

Quite correct Tommyb123. If you read my description of the goal I refer to Kerry gliding through Zone 14, the "Golden Square" OUTSIDE the box. The "Golden Square" where most goals come from is about double the size of the six yard box. This is where Kerry made his move from midfield as Jordan received the flicked header from Clayton. Jordan then set up his pass INTO THE BOX for Lloyd to arrive and calmly finish. Kerry read the move to perfection. If Thewlis had driven his cross hard across the goal then the chances are the attack would have been cleared or broken down. His pass was controlled and intentional. It was the perfect team goal. SUPERB.

Ball and Socket wrote:Quite correct Tommyb123. If you read my description of the goal I refer to Kerry gliding through Zone 14, the "Golden Square" OUTSIDE the box. The "Golden Square" where most goals come from is about double the size of the six yard box. This is where Kerry made his move from midfield as Jordan received the flicked header from Clayton. Jordan then set up his pass INTO THE BOX for Lloyd to arrive and calmly finish. Kerry read the move to perfection. If Thewlis had driven his cross hard across the goal then the chances are the attack would have been cleared or broken down. His pass was controlled and intentional. It was the perfect team goal. SUPERB.

Quite difficult to make a forward run into the box without moving into, through and out of zone 14.

To me it was a great bit of work out wide, decent ball in and a guided tap in from just outside the six yard box.

S.

It's near impossible to score without zone 14. Makes you wonder why there's only 1 person banging on about it. Surely the whole world of football would and should be singing from the rooftops about zone 14. Now zone 13. That is a zone.

Fascinating article. Reading these threads with some interest. We have some very knowledgeable fans.

Even more pressure on FC Utd to get a result at Wetherby Rd on Saturday after losing 3-1 at Bradford Park Avenue last night. After going a goal behind they fought back and created loads of chances. FC Utd will be tired and will certainly not be looking forward to coming to our place with relegation still a possibility!!

What side will Simon select? Hopefully the side that has put us in an even stronger position after the last five matches. The hard work put in by every player in the squad has produced great results. The effort and committment has been superb both in attack and especially when defending with everyone making it as difficult as possible for the opposition to open us up at the back.

Will Simon continue to exploit the oppositions defences by using our quick, skilful players who can turn, change direction and pass as well as shoot or pick up free kicks? By pressing and pushing up our back four so we have a high backline it will deny their midfield space but also support our midfield who should have less ground to cover when we lose possession. If so, the forward line could be.... Daniels Clayton Colbeck. Midfield could be .... Thewlis Kerry Burrell Emmett with the back four Warren Ellis McGurk Turner

This is an attacking lineup that will provide the best results from getting the ball down and playing to feet and then getting at their back four.

In terms of corner kicks we use Daniels more often than not. A suggestion would be that when we win a corner kick in the right hand corner rather than wait for Brendon to jog across take the kick then sprint back into position if it breaks down why can't Simon tell the nearest player, probably Colbeck or Emmett to take the corner kick on the right as quickly as possible after Ellis et al arrive in the box. Thereby, keeping pressure on the oppos defence by not letting them settle and pick up man for man as Daniels jogs across and gets ready to take the kick!!

The benefits are several : If Brendon has to take six corner kicks per game in the right corner he is having to cover up to 120 metres every time with 60m there and 60m back into position (6x 120m =720m). That's about half a mile every game. I would rather save his energy on attacking their defence. Get the forward player nearest that corner flag to take the kick and leave Brendon to take the kicks on the left where he is the nearest forward. This will allow us to take corner kicks much quicker as well as vary the kick by taking a short corner or getting it in the box before their defence settle. only a suggestion. What do others think?

Ball and Socket wrote:If so, the forward line could be....  Daniels      Clayton    Colbeck. Midfield could be .... Thewlis   Kerry   Burrell   Emmett    with the back four   Warren   Ellis  McGurk   Turner

Like the new 4-4-3 formation ;-)

Jordan

Ball and Socket wrote:

The benefits are several : If Brendon has to take six corner kicks per game in the right corner he is having to cover up to 120 metres every time with 60m there and 60m back into position (6x 120m =720m). That's about half a mile every game. I would rather save his energy on attacking their defence. Get the forward player nearest that corner flag to take the kick and leave Brendon to take the kicks on the left where he is the nearest forward. This will allow us to take corner kicks much quicker as well as vary the kick by taking a short corner or getting it in the box before their defence settle. only a suggestion. What do others think?

Another interesting post Ball and Socket, cheers......that said the mention of Brendon not taking all of our corners is blasphemy. He takes corners that would grace the Premier League. I cannot remember seeing anyone take as good a corner, as consistently and with variation to it. He is a set piece wizard.

Thanks for the support Carefree. My concern was that Brendon was burning up energy travelling across and back to take several corners. I know Dave Merris also did it from left back season after season so he could swing the ball in with his left peg. That is absolutely fine as long as it does not effect Brendon's attacking play with the ball at his feet. Another idea, a tactic that Simon could employ is why not let Brendon take the first corner on the right and then let him stay on the right side of the pitch for 10/15 minutes and switch Jack or Joe whoever starts the game to the left. This would let Brendon take on the left back which would allow him to come inside onto his favoured left foot to shoot for goal or set up someone else. Jack , Jason and Joe have the same ability to run at defenders with the ball and cause havoc. This tactic would keep the oppositions defence on their toes and give our players different options to attack and open up Zone 14 to our benefit.

My previous team formation could be 4-4-2 or 4-3-3 with Colbeck sub. We have so many fast skilful players that the way the team can be set up is really fluid and can change to deal with any problems.

I've said before that I believe the goalkeeper to be the most important position in the team. Crook has built his confidence and reputation as the season has developed. If he can command his goal area with a bigger/louder vocal presence then this will reflect on the confidence our outfield players have in him. I've noticed that our players are also speaking up a bit more during the last few games and therefore imposing themselves on the opposition.

Confidence is growing and the supporters have generated so much energy onto the pitch that the players and coaches have recognised this with their performances on and off the pitch.

Keep it up lads. Lets get the lino onside on Saturday too with some Positive Mental Attitudes (PMA). Having a go will only get their back up and any 50/50's will go to the oppositions defence.

COME ON TOWN : GENIUS IS ONE PERCENT (Brendon's corners and free kicks) "Carefree"!!!! PERSPIRATION IS NINETY NINE PERCENT

Jason ?? New signing ??

Should have been M instead of J!! Mason has settled in so well and quickly at left back. Don't you think? Two games played. Two wins. Two clean sheets. He is a new signing is he not??. You got any opinions on football? Glad to read that there are some Forum Members who appreciate a sensible and informed discussion.

COME ON TOWN. COME ON YOU SULPHURITES

Personally I think your the tree of knowledge football wise and think your knowledge of zone 14 is unbelievable. Funny I was with Alex Ferguson today for lunch and he didn't have the foggiest about zone 14. Funny that. Mason good signing. I'm yet to see him run at players and cause havoc though. Does knock a lovely curved ball up the line and loves a tackle.

I'm still looking for Area 51.

I want to believe !

S.

Just get in the zone on sat lads. 3 points

When you can score from the half way line as Mason did a couple of seasons ago Rotherham Youth Team v Chesterfield Youth Team (You Tube) who needs to run at defenders or even bother with the "Golden Square"!!

FC Utd arrive at the CNG having lost three on the trot and fallen into the relegation scrap. They will be fighting for their lives and motivated by a 500+ following. We will more than match them on and off the pitch!! We've not put ourselves in this position to take our foot off the accelerator. First twenty minutes I expect will be a battle to get control in midfield. The ref will be busy. We have to be ready for the challenge and play the to our strenghts. Simon has acknowledged in the recent Advertiser article that defensively we were leaking too many goals (25 in 9 league games). This has been addressed as witnessed in the last three games. Three wins and only one goal conceded.

"In life, you've got to be careful not to spend too much time bemoaning things you can't change. You can waste a lot of time and energy doing that. Its counterproductive." Nigel Pearson, former Leicester manager.

Watching our squad develop from the end of last season into this it has been apparent that by selecting the same squad/team and not bringing in players right, left and centre has helped to build a team spirit that is hard to beat. The players by playing week in week out have got to know each other much better and are playing some lovely football.

Gascoigne played with Burrell in midfield for Sheffield FC so they know each other and should link up well. Watching them play should be interesting.

Good luck tomorrow lads. Onwards and upwards.

COME ON TOWN

Ball and Socket wrote:When you can score from the half way line as Mason did a couple of seasons ago Rotherham Youth Team v Chesterfield Youth Team (You Tube) who needs to run at defenders or even bother with the "Golden Square"!!

FC Utd arrive at the CNG having lost three on the trot and fallen into the relegation scrap. They will be fighting for their lives and motivated by a 500+ following. We will more than match them on and off the pitch!! We've not put ourselves in this position to take our foot off the accelerator. First twenty minutes I expect will be a battle to get control in midfield. The ref will be busy. We have to be ready for the challenge and play the to our strenghts. Simon has acknowledged in the recent Advertiser article that defensively we were leaking too many goals (25 in 9 league games). This has been addressed as witnessed in the last three games. Three wins and only one goal conceded.

"In life, you've got to be careful not to spend too much time bemoaning things you can't change. You can waste a lot of time and energy doing that. Its counterproductive." Nigel Pearson, former Leicester manager.

Watching our squad develop from the end of last season into this it has been apparent that by selecting the same squad/team and not bringing in players right, left and centre has helped to build a team spirit that is hard to beat. The players by playing week in week out have got to know each other much better and are playing some lovely football.

Gascoigne played with Burrell in midfield for Sheffield FC so they know each other and should link up well. Watching them play should be interesting.

Good luck tomorrow lads. Onwards and upwards.  

COME ON TOWN

The depth of the squad has also been important as we have still had to cope with injuries to Thirlwell, McGurk, Ellis, Gazza, Fallowfield, Cadman, Knowles, Kerry et al. But if you wanted to pick out one word to summarise the whole situation it would be "team" and within this I include players, supporters, management, medical staff, ground staff and every other volunteer - FACT, our away form this year has been stunning and no surprise it coincides with our best ever following off the pitch with the Avon Trappe family singers regularly outperforming the home support.
Well done to everyone - lets enjoy the ride

gedmaloney wrote:

Ball and Socket wrote:When you can score from the half way line as Mason did a couple of seasons ago Rotherham Youth Team v Chesterfield Youth Team (You Tube) who needs to run at defenders or even bother with the "Golden Square"!!

FC Utd arrive at the CNG having lost three on the trot and fallen into the relegation scrap. They will be fighting for their lives and motivated by a 500+ following. We will more than match them on and off the pitch!! We've not put ourselves in this position to take our foot off the accelerator. First twenty minutes I expect will be a battle to get control in midfield. The ref will be busy. We have to be ready for the challenge and play the to our strenghts. Simon has acknowledged in the recent Advertiser article that defensively we were leaking too many goals (25 in 9 league games). This has been addressed as witnessed in the last three games. Three wins and only one goal conceded.

"In life, you've got to be careful not to spend too much time bemoaning things you can't change. You can waste a lot of time and energy doing that. Its counterproductive." Nigel Pearson, former Leicester manager.

Watching our squad develop from the end of last season into this it has been apparent that by selecting the same squad/team and not bringing in players right, left and centre has helped to build a team spirit that is hard to beat. The players by playing week in week out have got to know each other much better and are playing some lovely football.

Gascoigne played with Burrell in midfield for Sheffield FC so they know each other and should link up well. Watching them play should be interesting.

Good luck tomorrow lads. Onwards and upwards.  

COME ON TOWN

The depth of the squad has also been important as we have still had to cope with injuries to Thirlwell, McGurk, Ellis, Gazza, Fallowfield, Cadman, Knowles, Kerry et al. But if you wanted to pick out one word to summarise the whole situation it would be "team" and within this I include players, supporters, management, medical staff, ground staff and every other volunteer - FACT, our away form this year has been stunning and no surprise it coincides with our best ever following off the pitch with the Avon Trappe family singers regularly outperforming the home support.
Well done to everyone - lets enjoy the ride

Whoops!!! Apologies to the von Trappe family