E.N. Thoi Lakatamias vs Ethnikos Assias (Coca Cola 3rd/4th Division 24/25)

Final Score: Thoi 1 (Pen 4:3) 1 Assias

After making my first-team debut off the bench a matter of weeks ago, I made my first official start for the first-team in the cup match against Assias. The game was evenly contested through the whole match as we faced off against a strong 4th division opponent. We conceded an unfortunate goal in the 20th minute and fought all the way until the 96th minute where we found a great goal from our midfielder in the dying seconds. The score stayed square and led us into extra time, and then into penalties where we eventually won.

Now onto my individual performance. I am happy with how I played, and I feel a significant improvement in my defensive capabilities since joining Thoi. My confidence has increased in that respect and has benefited my overall game. The pitch was a difficult one to play on, so being on the ball was risky at times, but I still did my part there too. My leadership and communication was also sound.

Things to improve for myself are my physical capabilities, which are improving, the timing of my headers and having more of a ‘leap’ to win the aerial battles more convincingly, and overall fitness which I lacked slightly due to the fact I haven’t had the consistent intensity of first-team football. Onto the next, more to come.