IDA Bermuda Play Against Coleraine
The International Development Academy Bermuda Select played their third game at the Budget Energy Super Cup Northern Ireland yesterday [July 30].
Competing in the Boys’ Minor Division, the IDA Bermuda Select were defeated 3-1 by Northern Irish side Coleraine. Shiloh Stevens scored for IDA Bermuda.
Richard Todd, the IDA Bermuda head coach, wrote on social media: “Coleraine are a good team with technical ability and very good movement with and without the ball when in possession.
“IDA committed to playing a low block and being more compact to frustrate Coleraine, hoping to counter when we win possession.
“Execution and commitment to the approach from IDA were good, and we were effective in frustrating the opposition with collective defending – forcing them to play in front of us.
“Except for the one error and slip in the box on the ball by our defender, we would have held them scoreless in the first half.
“At half-time, we spoke about the need to improve when we gain possession. Disappointingly, we were caught very early in the second half with bad positioning by a defender, letting the opponent in on goal and conceding.
“The players who came into the game with the sub changes in the second half began to demonstrate the possession and ball movement we were seeking, and we were now creating and putting a total approach together.
“The reward was scoring our first goal through Shiloh Stevens, who worked hard to win back possession and get into the box for a good finish.
“Unfortunately, we could not find an equaliser and gave up a goal at the death to lose 3-1.”
Todd added: “The players are learning what it takes to play and compete as a team. They have made a start to play proper football.
“Despite the loss, they are on track with showing improvement in each match, now we need to pull it all together for the semi-final flight and a chance to advance to a final.
“Spirits are good, they are buying into the information and working to continue to learn and grow.
“Equally important, we provided an opportunity for others to start the match today and get good minutes of play.
“Every player has now had the chance to be a starter – this is important to provide exposure, and the only way to learn and grow is to have time in the match.”
IDA Bermuda face Glenovan in the Bowl semi-final today.IDA
