Match Report - BBK VS IFK Simrishamn (Söndag 19 Aug)

Sundays' match continued BBK's P-13 tough start to the new start season. After playing Tomelilla last week and then playing the current champions Simrishamn back to back, we knew Sunday would be an interesting contest, and so it proved. In temperatures in excess of 29oC and against a team where almost every Simrishamn player was taller than our tallest player, we knew it would be a long game. It reminded me of the story of David vs. Gholiath, however in this case David did not come out as the winner!

As BBK walked out on to the pitch we knew it would be a hard fought game. Despite this, BBK remained firm and held Simrishamn to 0-1 to half time, through continuous chasing and pressing. However, on a baking hot summer's day to keep playing at this intense level would be impossible. Despite our frustrations of being pinned back in our half of the pitch for the majority of the first half, the defensive back line began to learn if they could keep a high line this would reduce the number of Simrishamn attacks. This began to work very well towards the end of the first half, with Simrishamn being caught offside on a number occasions. However, as the team began to tire the back line dropped deeper and deeper inviting the Simrishamn players to attack us.

At half time the BBK players looked completely drained and we knew in the second half it would be difficult to maintain our play at this level for another half. As we began to tire, Simrishamn took full advantage of this and started the play the ball behind our back line and run on to the ball. This tactic worked very well, with Simrishamn scoring the majority of their goals in the last 15 minutes.

Despite the score line, we can a lot of positives from the game. BKK was extremely disciplined for most of the match, with our players focusing on their positions and working very hard to close down the Simrishamn attackers. However, we lacked a strong attacking front line that was able to hold the ball to give our defenders a much needed rest for periods during the game.

We can take the learning’s from this game and can use these to help us in our next game against Janstorps AIF.

Well done and let's keep our heads up!

Sunil