Xavier Brown assesses UEL’s prospects ahead of a crunch game against Anglia Ruskin.
This is set to be a fantastic Futsal match between two sides in desperate need of three points. UEL are coming into this on the back of a narrow 7-6 defeat to South Bank University. This was a game they dominated but were caught out on the break on numerous occasions.
UEL have heard a topsy-turvy season. They smashed Writtle University 14-3 back in November, but they have only one won out of their last five games and have conceded over 30 goals in their last three outings.
Anglia Ruskin are in fourth place, with UEL two points behind them in fifth. UEL have been missing some key players but now they are back to full strength, with Captain Robert Wheeler looking to steer them back in the right direction.
Cracker
East London have been underperforming at home with all of their victories coming on the road. A win would take UEL above Anglia Ruskin so this is set to be a cracker.
UEL Coach Trevor Tamatave is a keen believer in the two-two formation in which involves intense pressing on the ball. Tamatave has always said to his players “Everyone attacks and everyone defends”.
He also says that when defending he would like his players to pick up a man each. He is a coach who wants responses from his players: if you are not putting a shift in then you will be replaced.
Brilliance
UEL have fallen short on a few occasions, such as star player Heitor Moreira missing two penalties in their loss against Southbank University.
UEL are known for their quick passing and moving game, whilst Anglia Ruskin are renowned for their individual brilliance and mazy runs.
In the last outing UEL got a narrow victory in a crazy 24-20 win at Anglia Ruskin University.
UEL player Mike Okafor has had an excellent season and one of the club’s most consistent players due to his passion and his work rate, he also has excellent vision and has picked up a few assists this season.
Determination
Scott Taylor has also been instrumental with his strength and determination to win the ball back for his side. He has also chipped in with a few goals including a free-kick against South Bank.
Anglia Ruskin’s best football predominantly comes in the second half due to their philosophy on not tiring themselves out in the first period. They are in good form as they have won their last two games.
In February they comfortably beat Writtle University 7-4 and last week they earned a huge victory against title challengers South Bank. This could prove decisive as South Bank have defeated UEL both home and away this season.
Tamatave has stressed ‘Watch the player not the ball’, but many times UEL have conceded sloppy goals by getting attracted to the ball and letting a runner get in behind them for a tap in. This could essentially be the transition from playing 11-a-side to Futsal.
Unity
What should stand UEL in good stead is their team spirit. Whenever UEL score everybody celebrates together, even the substitutes. This shows the great unity within the squad and the belief they have.
Wheeler said: “Everybody needs to work as a team and give 100%, one player not putting a shift in is costly. It is clear that as a team we get on and have a muck around in training, but on Sunday it is strictly business and we definitely need a win to have any chance of finishing above an Anglia Ruskin side who are only improving”.