TRAINERS REVIEW.
Despite what had been written to the con
trary, it was quite a satisfactory send-off to
the competitive season, for our 1st eleven to
divide the points at stake with E.D.O., after
being two goals behind late on in the game.
This surely is sufficient evidence that our
players have the capacity of „fighting back"
and do not despair in the face of adversity.
What is more, a draw was thoroughly
deserved; either side might have won the
game in the closing minutes, but the most
pleasing aspect of the game was that A.F.C.
appeared to finish the game much fresher
than our opponents. It so happens, that our
season opens against perhaps the two strong
est opponents in the league; this may easily
be to our advantage. Every effort should be
made to fare well at the commencement of
the season, as this will give in the necessary
confidence to carry on with every hope of
finishing the season in a good position in
the league table.
Here let me lay further stress on the im
portance of looking at the ball when shooting.
There is a saying in golf, which advises
the striker to keep his eye on the ball, this
advice strongly applies to the footballplayer
when shooting for goal. It is not necessary to
be looking at the goal when actually kicking
for goal, prior to this, the shooter should al
ready have glanced up at the goalposts, and
having ascertained their whereabouts, his
eyes should be transferred to the ball, and
kept on it, until the ball has left his foot. Only
in this way can accuracy be expected. An
other point in our 1st elevens play, and one,
that has already been mentioned to the play
ers most directly concerned, and which must
be here repeated on account of its importance,
is the dealing with corners awarded against
us. The onus of looking after the clearinq
of these kicks, rests with the keeper, full
backs and in a lesser degree, the half backs.
Our defence has been content to stand by and
watch our opponents' head the ball without
endeavouring to do so themselves. The
nearest player to the ball placed in our goal
mouth from a corner, should contest the issue
bij leaping high into the air and try to head
the ball away and not watch our opponents
head is unchallenged. If the keeper finds it
necessary to leave his goal to attempt a punch
away of a corner, the full backs (both) should
temporarily drop back into the goal, in case
the keeper should fail in his effort to punch. If,
also, during the course of the game the keeper
intends to leave his goal, it is his duty at once
to shout a warning to his full backs; the
keeper has a full view of the situation and he
must not expect his full backs to know what
is happening behind, without receiving a clear
indication from the keeper as tó his intentions.
Now we come to the all important question of
diet. To win matches it is essential that we
are able to play at top pressure for the full
ninety minutes, and to do so, our physical fit
ness should receive strict attention. A
moderate limit should receive strict attention.
A moderate limit should be placed on the
amount of smoking indulged in, particularly
on match days and no heavy meals should be
partaken of immediately prior to a match. A
very light lunch is quite sufficient, and should
be taken at least two hours before the game
is due to commence. After the game is the
time for a real hearty lunch. It is an act of
great folly to indulge in sandwich eating (no
matter how light they be) during the interval
in the game, nothing at all should be eaten at
this time, tea alone (not cold water) will be
found to be very satisfying. In closing I may
mention that it would help matters considera
bly, if all first team-players made it a point
to arrive regularly each Thursdayevening for
training.
BROMILOW.
Septr. 29, 1931.
ONS EENIG DOEL.
Er was een een tijd,
Het is land geleên,
toen stond A.F.C.
nog nummer één.
We waren toen haast
's Lands Kampioen.
We waren toen nog
in heel „goede doen".
Men rilde van ons
We speelden een spel
technisch heel goed;
we konden het wel.
Die tijd is voorbij,
Wat hadden we pret.
Wat waren we toen
toch vaak erg
- 9 -
A.F.C.-ers, begunstigt onze adverteerders!
