Opposition Analysis By www.sportsperformanceanalysis.

com

Match Report
Game Time: Date:
Venue: Haigue Avenue

3V1
H/T 1-1

Southport FC V Macclesfield Town FC National League Game

Scouted Team: Macclesfield
Position
11/15 W Lost W W W W
9/24 Win Lost WIN WIN WIN WIN
 Opposition Analysis

N Southport P R/Y O OFF Goal N Macclesfield P R/Y ON OFF Goal

N
13 Jalal Schwan GK
25 Max Crocombe GK
12 Dan Cowman RB
2 Mathew Calloner RB
15 Tony Diagne LCB
12 Adam Blakeman LB
4 Neil Byrne RCB R19
6 Luke Foster RCB
19 David Fitzpatrick LB
5 Josh Thompson LCB
18 Danny whitehead CM 82
11 Gary Jones CM
16 Paul Rutherford WR 46 9 Christopher Holroyd WR
8 Andrew Wright CM 62 6 Paul Turnbull CM Y71
10 Andy Bishop CF 19
10 Jack Sampson CF
22 Michel Phenix CF
23 Danny Whitaker CM X45
17 Louis Almond WL 83 27/73
11 Daniel Rowe WL 23
Substitutes Substitutes
2 Andy Halls RB
19 Jonathan Viscosi GK 1 Richie Branagan GK
14 Cahrlie Joyce 46 24 Chris Churchman CM 82
24 Jack Ryan 62 5 George Pilkington LB 23
4 Liam Nolan 83 14 Kristin Dennis CF
9 Cole Stockton

Starting Shape
22 10
10 Southport Shape Macclesfield shape
1st Half 1st Half 11 9
18 23
4-4-2 4-4-1-1
6
17 11 8 16
19 12
2nd Half 2nd Half
15 4
12 5 6 2 4-4-1 4-3-2
25 13
 Scouted Team
GENERAL

General Information:
Second half shape Overall they tried to build from the back through the midfield and then get the ball wide on both
4-3-2 flanks. Although they did create a few chances they lacked a cutting edge and were safe and
comfortable on the ball. As the game wore on because of their shape Southport were able to get at
14 19
them and spread the play quickly and got forward much quicker which caught Macclesfield out.

18 23 They hold a good shape and keep the ball well. They like to got through midfield and then wide.
Where wide players run at the full backs inside and out. Dangerous in this way.
15 6 12

19 5
They look a little nervous in left centre back and right centre back.
23 As whole not a lot of height in the side bar 15 Diagne and 10 Sampson but thats it.

The sending off after 19 minutes was and then the shape of both sides was the telling factor, though
Southport were not the dominant side they hustled and harried consistently which got at Macclesfield
and Southport earned their luck.
Up to the sending off they had more possession and were the stronger of the sides without creating
anything.

They Scored a Penalty which was taken By N23 Whitaker who put the ball Right
footed hard and low into bottom Corner of the keepers right hand side. Went in off the
post nearly.

They play the ball from Tip off over oppositions right back for their left back to try get
on or defend a throw in in opposition defensive 1/3rd
45
 SCOUTED TEAM
Offensive Shape

Starting shape was 4-1-4-1 untill sending off then went to 4-3-2. with 9. Holroyd joining
10.Sampson.
Jalal long kicking from ground gained good distance and direction main target 9.
Holroyd on right wing. Long kicking from hands gained good distance but lacked
10
accuracy mostly over to right target 9.Holroyd. He Kicked short to build play from the
back. He also threw quickly mostly to Diagne on the left to set up counter attacks.His
11
18 23
9
kicks were long though and danger as he targets behind the fullbacks and gets the ball
into the final 1/3rd/ be aware.
19 6 12
Both centre backs passed short into midfield or over to their full backs when they had
15 4 time on the ball. When under pressure both kicked long looking for either 9.Holroyd on
the right and 11.Rowe on the left to feet or 10.Sampson who really doesnt look like a
45
target man though is of good size he didnt stay up high on the last man.
6.Turnbull in the holding role mostly passed short to whoever was available, moving
the ball on quickly. When under pressure he hit long central balls for the runs of
10.Sampson. He did not venture forward into the final third apart to take free kicks.
Both wide men had decent pace and did try to go on the outside. 11.Rowe. 9.Holroyd's
and 11.rowe took people on and had a bit about them in the final third. And look like
they can be dangerous. Though rowe had to go off because of red card and they
changed.
Both central midfielders 18.Whitehead and 23Whitaker moved the ball on quickly and
mostly accurately. They were always looking to get into the final third in support of
forward palyers. Whitehead has good pace and Whitaker average pace. Though
whitakers timing of his forward runs need to be watched as he is very clever and runs
blind side of his marker.
 ScoutedT eam
Shape in Posession and phases of play

10
10 9
9
11
11 18 23
18 23

6
19 12
19 6 12
4
15
5 4

45 45

Describe From the Goalkeeper, Does he
go short or long.
Jalal long kicking from ground gained good
distance and direction main target 9. Holroyd on
right wing. Long kicking from hands gained good
distance but lacked accuracy mostly over to right
target 9.Holroyd. He Kicked short to build play
from the back. He also threw quickly mostly to
Rowe on the left to set up counter attacks. His
kicks were long though and dangerous as he
targets behind the fullbacks and gets the ball into
the final 1/3rd/Ourfullbacks need be aware.
Phases of play Back Players to Midfield
Ball usually went through midfield and 23
whittaker was always available. Where he
used others in forward areas quickly his
running off the ball was very good and
passed and moved quickly.
The feature through midfield was to go
wide support and then look to go to front
They used their wings more so than trying
to go through the middle.
Back/Midfield to forwards long or short
In general their play was to go wide and
then through to front man 10.sampson
who was ineffective as he had to drop so
deep to get onto the ball. But I could see
him a second striker with missing dennis
being and 9.sampson I think would be
more dangerous. He had ability when he
got the ball just doesnt look like a lone
frontman.
The wide men had ability to take people
on and a trick around the box, backing up
the fullback will be needed.
 Opponent Team
Shape in Posession and Offensive organization

10
45
10
18
11 9
9

11
45
23
18 23
45 45 45 45
19 6
8
12
19 12
15 4 45 45
45 45
15 4

13

45 1

Formation in possession: 1st Half Style of Play: Opposition Reaction:

The shape when in possession very much
may leave them exposed in full back
areas. As the fullbacks on opposite side
push on in possession in line with their
midfield. both do not appear to have
electric pace and both fullbacks are an
area to exploit which suits our game.
11.Rowe Would come inside with 23
whitaker dropping in to space to look for
ball and 18. whitehead pushing on. 23
instigated a lot of attacks and switched
play from this well.
Macclesfield have a passing style of play and move
the ball quickly in good shape. I would say though
lack penetration in the final third (though Dennis I
believe gives them better options and is more
dangerous around the box.)
They do tend to go out wide rather than look for a
through ball. But once they pass wide the midfield
moves forward and together quickly. With 6. backing
the play and Holding the midfield area well and with
discipline.
11,Rowe looks like he has good crossing ability and
looks like he needs to be closed down quickly before
he gets to run at the fullback.
Southport Started with a 4-4-1-1 and
found it hard to get into the game,
macclesfield controlled the ball but lack
penetration.
After the red card southport kept shape
with 4-4-1 but their wide players really
tucked in. they won the midfield area and
played earlier balls especially in left
channel where the 15. diagne and 19
Fitzpatrick struggled. This is an area
where we could exploit. As well as n12
cowman. As he over commits at times.
 Team
Defensive Shape

Explain The Defensive shape when not in possession.

Jalal commanded his area well on high crosses and long diagonals but was indecisive
when low crosses were put into the danger area. he was hesitant coming off his line.
14 Cowman n12 at right back got tight and tackled well enough but lacked pace and looks
11
9 like he could be exposed on his outside. he is also vulnerable to back post balls and
18 23 switches of play.

19.Fitzpatrick at left back was caught out of position a number of times. he did not get
2
15 8 tight enough and allowed space for crosses to be delivered and balls to be played into
space between him and N15 diagne Although he is very tall he did not compete well
5 4
enough in the air.

13 Both centre backs backed off when ran at and gave away space. Although when they
did get tight they both tackled well. Allcenter backs are decent in the air. Though
Pilkington lacks a bit of height and presence you could target this weakness.

Turnbull in the holding role played well he got tight pressed quickly and tackled well.
He was good in the air. Covered around others to provide protection and was available
to help when others were in trouble.
Holroyd on the right tracked back diligently pressed quickly and effectively. On the left
Rowe did not track back consistently or diligently often leaving Fitzpatrick exposed. But
only on for 19mins

In the centre of midfield Whitehead and Whitaker pressed quickly and tackled well.
They tracked runners diligently and both got goal side quickly.
Up front Sampson chased and harried to good effect.

Overall they generally defended well with their main weakness being in both full back
areas. Pilkington's lack of height in the centre could be exploited to some degree. And
with Diagne in centre back he is slow and cumbersome and would struggle against a
small pacey forward.
 Opponent Team
Defensive Shape

Weak Defensive Areas

Both fullback areas and are exploitable.
With 19.fitxatrick not being as good a
defender, and 12 cowman commiting and
10

9
not having great recovery speed.

18
6 23
Also with 15Diagne looks a bit nervous
45 12 and rushed when defending he could be
15 5
exploited.

45

I would say 5pilkington will play as 4byrne

Defensive Shape 2nd half diagram
needed if different.
Enforced shape change 4-3-2 but it
allowed southport get around them and
win posession as they were still playing in
areas that put themselves into trouble.
was sent off 5Byrne is quite small though
Defensive Strengths reads game well and good player, he
could be exploited in the air.
They are very organised and push up in a
very good shape. They have a good
understanding of what they are doing and
work very hard.
The midfield work very well as a 3 and
cover each other well. Though not very
physical they position themselves well.
 Opponent Team
Defensive organization

Out of Possession and shape in Transition after Loosing the Ball

1.Do they recover their shape quickly when they loose the ball
Not all the time. 11.Rowe switches off and leaves his fullback isolated.
45
12Cowman does not recover quickly. He is comfotable with play infront of him.
45
45 But I think a fast wide man would really trouble him.
45 45

45 45 45

45 45
2.Who switches off
11.Rowe
45
12. Cowman

3.Who Lacks recovery speed

19. Fitzpatrick and 12 Cowman

4.Who over commits going forward

5.Any other information

From the kick off, they played back to Byrne who hit long diagonal over to left wing target Diagne.
 Scouted Team
Summary

Best headers Set Pieces? Key Team Strengths Key Team Weaknesss
15. Diagne stands 6'2" mostly back post runs STRENGTHS
occasionally static near post.
12, cowman 6 goes up for corners They have penetration down both flanks Both full backs can be got at and it is possible
4. Byrne stands 6'2" mostly central runs.but wint Holroyd on the right and Rowe on the left. And to get to the byline on both sides. Fitzpatrick is
be playing can be dangerous slow as is his replacement Halls is also slow on
10. Sampson 62 4Byrne is dominant in the air and reads the the turn. He was on the bench
game well. As is 15Diagne and sampson The fact they go into wider areas when they
Whitaker and Whitehead in the centre of could attack into a channel or longer ball really
midfield closed down collectively. Moved the lacks penetration. At last in this game.
Who is main target? ball on quickly and made intelligent supporting
runs into the final third. Sampson often isolated and his movement is
15.diagne not elusive enough.
Who are Best Defensive Headers? They pass the ball well and pull teams from one They are not very cpmpetitive in midfield and if
side to other and probe for gaps. we dominate them here we will control the
15. diagne 12. Cowman 6 Turnbull game.
They left the back post free with no player on it
and have no really brilliant headers of the ball.
Size of Key Personnel If we could drag everyone towards front post
6ft2 15.Diagne area and whip a ball to back post with a 1v1
Sampson with our best header could be a good chance
created.

Unusual or Long throw ins?

Fitzpatrick long up the pitch in
defensive areas and they go short
with runners switching movement
around the attacking area.
 Scouted Team
Summary

Style of Play Direct or through Best Players Any Players Suspended

midfield?
Everythrough the levels from the back
through to mdfield then wide.
Is Midfield Narrow or provide width?
Midfield has a good shape about it and
they cover the ground well. All move
together and fast. Though are not very
competitive. Which can be exploites
23. whittacker has ability to play
forward and quickly and makes good
forward runs.
N11 Rowe and N.9 Hothroyd both have
pace and ability to run at people with
a trick
Does Striker Drop deep
Yes Sampson drops deep which was
bad when you need a target man to
hold up higher.
Byrne will be suspended and I have
included some squad players profiles
too.
Any Players Injured
Kristian Dennis player of
month for november but was
told recovering from a knock
so they rested him. Was in
panel.

Though Dennis who was not playing I Fitness levels/Energy Fade

How do the midfield shape protect the heard recoverng from a knock
back four
Turnbull doesnt commit and protects
his back four. Sometimes both other
midfielders attack at the same time
leaving them vulnerable to counter.

Recommendations defending
A A both full back areas are where we
I would recommend being able to keep
a high line and not allowing much room
between defence and midfield so as to
deny space to play into.
I would say both fullbacks will need help
from wide men as their wide players
have a bit about them.
Be alert and aware of short freekicks
and corners
In midfield area to watch the runs of
23Whitaker and 18whitehead they
crowd the area with their 3 though may
play slightly differently at home. Where
they may play with two upfront.
Scouted Team
Recomendations
Recommendations Attacking A
can get around the outside of them.
And also n15 diagne is not as mobile.
A smaller striker I feel would casue him
all sorts of problems and the space
between him and the left back is there
to exploit.
The other full back does get forward
12cowman but he over commits and
pace and someone very wide I would
feel would trouble him a lot. It would
also force n9 to do a lot of defensive
work and limit them both going
forward.
Both centre backs do ot like players
running at them either from outside to
in.
They seem very vulnerable from set
pieces and do not put a player on the
back post.
 Player Descriptions
No:1 Name Jalal Schwan Age 32 Height 188cm 6ft2 Position GK Foot left

Tall with athletic build left footed goalkeeper. Long kicking from ground gained good distance and was generally accurate mostly
over to the right wing/channel target Holroyd, occasionally over to the left target Rowe. Long kicking from hands gained good
distance but was not very accurate mostly over to right target Holroyd. Kicked short to both full backs. Commanded his area on
high balls well but was indecisive on low crosses across the six yard box. Hesitant coming off his line. Handling was generally good.
Long kicks are dangerous

No:2 Name Dan Cowan Age 19 Height 183CM 6ft Position Right Back Foot Right

Average height and build, right footed, right full back. Offensively, he went generally long with his passing, looking nervous, and
worried about making mistakes.. Defensively he struggled, a winger that would cut insideand outside against him might be a
good option. Is a definite weak area if playing.

No: 15 Name Tony Diagne Age 24 Height 187cm 6ft2 Position Left centre Foot Left

He got sucked inside consequently leaving a lot of space between he and the left back. Although very tall he did
not compete well for high balls as he did not jump or read flight well. His passing was generally good short to midf with occasional
long diagonals picking out Holroyd on the right wing. He looks vulnerable and a bit slow on the turn and a fast player may
exploit.He put in a few decent floated crosses beyond the centre. Average pace.
 Player Descriptions
No: 4 Name Neil Byrne Age 22 Height 190 6ft2 Position Right Centre Back Foot Right

Tall with athletic build right footed centre back. Dominant in the air he read flight well jumped well and got good distance on his
headers. He was sent off which changed the game. Distribution was mostly long either over the top for runs of Dennis or over to
Rowe on the left wing. With time he passed short to Halls or Pilkington. He backed off when ran at giving away ground.
reasonable pace he covered round and tackled well enough.

No: 19 Name David Fitzpatrick Age 25 Height 178 5ft10 Position Left Center Back Foot Right

Average height and build, solid and ordinary is the way I would describe this performance. He defended well when ball around
him but backed off as people ran at him causing himself problems. Allowed wide men to play balls into space behind for forward
to run onto and caused 15.diagne problems as he was then on the turn where he is not as mobile. He struggled on long balls
though was ok with competing directly in the air. His passing was good and varied. But lacks pace that could be exploited. Rarely
overlapped.

No: 6 Name Paul Turnbull Age 26 Height 183cm 6ft Position Central Holding Midf Foot Right

Average height and build, right footed, central midfielder. Turnbull works hard for the team, and covers a lot of ground. He is key
going forward, linking play well with Whitaker and Bell in short passing sequences. He can also pass mid to long range with decent
accuracy. He takes set pieces near to goal, and also he gets in positions to receive balls right sided where he can whip in crosses
first time into the danger area.

No: 11 Name Daniel Rowe Age 23 Height 177cm 5ft10 Position wide Left Foot Left

Below average height with average build left footed left side midfielder. Listed as 6'0" but is at most 5'10". Tidy on the ball with a
good first touch and control took his man on, on the outside and delivered a few decent well placed left foot crosses from the
byline. Passing was mostly short and safe to Whitaker. Quick to press and close down angles. Won little in the air. Did not track
back consistently or diligently. Replaced 19 as red card to defender
 Player Descriptions
No: 18 Name Danny Whitehead Age 21 Height 179cm 5ft10 Position Left Central Midfield Foot Right

covered a lot of ground and got into final third mostly in right channel. Made some well timed runs into channel. Good pace and
control he made a few penetrating direct possession runs. Passing was mostly short, safe and secure to Holroyd, and Whitaker,.
Quick to press and tackled with tenacity. Tracked runners diligently getting goalside quickly.
No: 23 Name Daniel Whitaker Age 34 Height 178cm 5ft10 Position Right Central Midfield Foot Right

Average height and build right footed central midfielder, Hard working box to box covered a lot of ground showing good energy
and stamina. Got forward mostly in right channel to support Sampson mostly stayed on the edge of the area but picked his runs
inteligently. Passing was mostly varied long and short to feet of Holroyd, Sampson and Whitehead passing showed good vision
and creativity, occasionally early ball over the top for runs of Holroyd in inside channel between left back and centre back. Quick
to press and tackled well. Average pace but timing of his runs were good.

No: 9 Name Christopher Boothroyd Age 28 Height 180cm 5ft11 Position Right Midfield Foot Right

Average height and build right footed right side midfielder. Decent pace and good close control, he took his man on with some
success. Wasnt great with his crosses but took his man on though was allowed to get on ball too easily. Quick to press and got his
foot in. Tracked back diligently support his full back. Good in the air their best target for long balls out of defense. Passing was
mostly short to his full back who overlapped when he went inside.

No: 14 Name Kristian Dennis Age 25 Height 180cm 5ft11 Position Striker Foot Left

Didnt play but has in most other games player of month for august for the league (report from a different game) Average height
with stocky build. Played mostly as a lone striker and was often isolated. Showed good temperament working hard across back
four and making runs in channels. Good first touch but did not hold ball up well enough. Was prone to be caught offside especially
in the first half. Good pace. Good movement and mobility but was elusive in and around the box. Good touch and turn. Won little
in the air.
 Player Descriptions
No: 7 Name Theo Bailey Jones Age 21 Height178cm 5ft10 Position Sub Foot left

In previous squads Not in this one Below average height with average build left footed left side midfielder. Replaced Rowe after
81 minutes. Heavy touch. Good pace. Quick to press.

No: 10 Name Jack Sampson Age 22 Height 187cm 6ft2 Position Striker Foot Left

Tall with biggish build left footed striker. Was decent dropping short bu took himself out of the game. You can see is decent but
was very effective as his team opted to go wide without any real service intot he box for him. If they played more crosses in he
could be a handful. Average pace. Did well in the air looking to flick on ball for runners but lacked support at those times s as they
look to play short first.

No: 2 Name Andy Halls Age 23 Height 183cm 6ft Position Right Back Foot

Unused Sub Description froma previous Game

Tallish with strong build right footed right back. Got tight and tackled well enough but was slow on the turn and lacked pace. He
got forward in support but not in front of the ball he linked up effectively with Holroyd. He was slow in recovery and got stranded
upfield on a number of occasions. When in forward positions he put in some decent early right foot crosses. Vulnerable in the air
especially to long diagonals and back post crosses. Distribution was either long into channel for runs of Holroyd and Whitehead or
No:24 Name Chris Churchman Age28 Height Position Foot
short into feet of Whitehead.

Young on loan midfielder attacking midfielder or wide player. Has a good engine. Came on in 82 nd min he is on loan from
stockport county.
 Player Descriptions
No:7 Name Paul Lewis Age20 Height186cm 6ft1 Position Holding midf Foot

Not in squad Description from a previous report. Tall with average build right footed centre midfielder. Sat in front of the back four
and protected it well. Good in the air he challenged and jumped well. Quick to press he got tight and tackled with strength.
Passing was mostly short to Whitehead or Whitaker when he had time. Longer over the top for the runs of Dennis. Tracked
runners well. Occasionally got forward into the last third but only in the second half.

No: 5 Name George Pilkington Age33 Height 178cm 5ft10 Position Centre Back Foot Right

He came on after 19 minutes as macclesfiled had to change the shape of the side. Average height and build right footed centre
back. He is listed as 6'0" but is no more than 5'10". jumped and challenged well enough in the air but won little. Distribution was
short to Byrne or Diagne when he had time. Longer over the top for forward under pressure. he cleared his lines quickly and
effectively. Backed off when ran at although he did tackle well enough. Cover back and around making a number of interceptions.

No: Name Age Height Position Foot

No: Name Age Height Position Foot

Set Pieces
Corners from previous games

Macclesfield Town
14 KRISTIAN DENNIS
11 DANIEL M ROWE
23 DANNY WHITAKER
5 GEORGE PILKINGTON
15 TONY DIAGNE
4 NEIL BYRNE
8 PAUL LEWIS
9 CHRISTOPHER HOLROYD
18 DANNY WHITEHEAD
2 ANDY HALLS

Whitaker right foot high in swinging to back post.

Diagne the target.
Four runners Lewis, Holroyd, Byrne and Diagne.
Dennis on goalkeeper.
Rowe and Whitehead on the edge of the area.
Pilkington and Halls back.
Macclesfield Town
14 KRISTIAN DENNIS
11 DANIEL M ROWE
9 CHRISTOPHER HOLROYD
15 TONY DIAGNE
2 ANDY HALLS
4 NEIL BYRNE
8 PAUL LEWIS
18 DANNY WHITEHEAD
23 DANNY WHITAKER
5 GEORGE PILKINGTON

Corner left
Whitaker right foot low to the approaching
Rowe.
Rowe went to byline and crossed left footed.
Four runners Lewis, Byrne, Diagne and
Holroyd.
Dennis on the goalkeeper.
White on edge of the area.
Pilkington and Halls back.
Macclesfield Town
14 KRISTIAN DENNIS
5 GEORGE PILKINGTON
15 TONY DIAGNE
4 NEIL BYRNE
8 PAUL LEWIS
9 CHRISTOPHER HOLROYD
11 DANIEL M ROWE
23 DANNY WHITAKER
18 DANNY WHITEHEAD
2 ANDY HALLS

Corner Right
Rowe left foot high in swinging to centre.
Four runners Holroyd, Lewis, Diagne and
Byrne.
Dennis on goalkeeper.
Whitaker and Whitehead on the edge of
the area.
Pilkington and Halls back.
 Scouted Team
Offensive Set Pieces: Corner Kicks For

1 6 1 5
15 6
10 9
12 15 10

9 8

23 18
23 18

19 12

Whipped ball to back past. Everyone bar 12 hangs runs to near post top drag everone
away. Ball whipped to back. 10 and 15 block keeper.
. Whitaker and Whitehead on the edge of the area.
Pilkington Hoothroyd, sampson and diagne surround the keeper
fitzpatrick and cowan back back.
Trunbull on ball whipped ball supposed to be in ontop of group but wind
catches and its a bit off. Flight shown suggested delivery.

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 Scouted Team
Offensive Set Pieces: Corner Kicks For

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 Scouted Team
Attacking Set Pieces : Free Kicks For

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 Scouted Team
Defensive Set Pieces : Free Kicks against.

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