Redhill vs Hythe Town (12/04/14)

This weekend gone I went down to Redhill again to see them play visiting side Hythe Town. Hythe's goalkeeper was the busiest of the two goalkeepers and put on a great display to keep the score down.

Thoughts/analysis
Hythe's goalkeeper was solid for them and a real difference maker. Without him and his play on the day the scoreline would have been a lot different had he not performed so well. His team pretty much fell apart around him, making things more difficult as they argued amongst themselves and struggled to play a system, so was called upon to make more saves! It seemed to be a case of him almost having a 'blinder', and could have won man of the match for the away side.

• Managed to spill one low ball but otherwise had great and 'soft' hands; gobbled up rebounds, although was unlucky with a low ball that he spilled, rebounding straight off the body
• Great long balls thrown over arm to start attacks (rather than kicking) just like Schmiechel would; good eyes and reads to spot free players
• Low ready stance but not overly crouched like the Chips' goalie etc.
• Very high line up the pitch out of the box during the game
• Unlucky with the first goal from the penalty - almost went the right way to cover
• Great jump; great height and reach for high balls and crosses versus the current idea of scouts for a tall goalkeeper (urban myth of long arms = good goalkeeper!!)

A long throw (one of many) by the Hythe goalkeeper to start an attack.

Hythe's goalkeeper standing way up the pitch on a high press.

The only ball spilt by Hythe's goalkeeper.

Hythe's goalie with great ability to catch a high ball. Old school technique for the win!

Although it was more of a case of a defensive breakdown, it is important for the goalkeeper to be responsible and not drift off to sleep or lose concentration in an easier game. Greaves got caught out leaving his area to go for a high ball, only to end up making a hash of it. Just as a problem for pro's too, with Casillas experiencing a similar goal against Dortmund in UEFA semi-finals last week.

Here he would have been better being more decisive and gone for a clear than stop and second guess himself, causing further problems...

Greaves caught out in 'no man's land' on Hythe's only goal.

Kit
Hythe's goalkeeper's kit:

• Uhlsport goalkeeping gloves - not sure which model though! Looked like rollfinger gloves...
• Tape round socks, above and below shin pad!