2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games Views and Analysis
By Kirsty Mackay of East Grinstead Hockey Club
Kirsty Mackay has made 32 appearances for England and Great Britain Indoors and Outdoors and represented England recently at the Rabobank World Cup and the Investec London Cup. Kirsty has competed also at EuroHockey Nations Championships, World League and EuroHockey Nations Indoors.
Thoughts on our semi-final performance ?
Australia in the final; how do you think we will do ? Who will England need to perform ?
Thoughts on our semi-final performance ?
I thought it was an excellent performance, the best performance I have seen us put in for a while. We absolutely dominated New Zealand for the 70 minutes. We had all of the possession and when NZ had the ball they looked as though they had run out of ideas. They either hit the ball off the side of the pitch or passed the ball onto an English stick. Our team defence was resolute and we just played with confidence and the determination not to lose any 50/50; any foot race or any tackle. It was great to watch us play with our mojo back! I am sure NZ will be severely disappointed with their team performance here, there was no unity and their experienced players did not deliver. I did think they're young defender Samantha Charlton had an excellent game but we were too strong for NZ today!
Well, I honestly think it can go either way in a final regardless of previous results and current form. I know that the girls will be up for this today and will be wanting to put the previous result right! I think the crowds will help today; it will be like playing in with a home advantage in England. The Scottish crowds have bee very supportive of the home nations, it has been a great atmosphere so far and Scotland have done themselves proud as hosts !
Obviously, we have seen Australia attacking with real pace and they have been very clinical. I think if we can minimise them winning penalty corners against us, we will help ourselves massively. As we have all seen and as I've previously alluded to, the Australia short corner routine is the real difference at the moment and has filled their team with a confidence that they have not previously had. Kenny has seemed to have been the favourite choice at this tournament demonstrating some excellent accuracy with her flicking at corners, yet we still need to be mindful of Flanagan who was on top form at the world cup too. I feel that between the D's we competed with them in our first encounter here and came out with some great opportunities. I still think that we can definitely capitalise on their defensive line, apply pressure and use our pace and physicality to get some positive outcomes in the D.
We need everybody to perform today, no individuals will win us the game. We just need to focus on our game, take it to them and play with confidence. Just another great team performance as per the semi-final and we will see where it will take us!
Obviously, we have seen Australia attacking with real pace and they have been very clinical. I think if we can minimise them winning penalty corners against us, we will help ourselves massively. As we have all seen and as I've previously alluded to, the Australia short corner routine is the real difference at the moment and has filled their team with a confidence that they have not previously had. Kenny has seemed to have been the favourite choice at this tournament demonstrating some excellent accuracy with her flicking at corners, yet we still need to be mindful of Flanagan who was on top form at the world cup too. I feel that between the D's we competed with them in our first encounter here and came out with some great opportunities. I still think that we can definitely capitalise on their defensive line, apply pressure and use our pace and physicality to get some positive outcomes in the D.
We need everybody to perform today, no individuals will win us the game. We just need to focus on our game, take it to them and play with confidence. Just another great team performance as per the semi-final and we will see where it will take us!
Kirsty can be seen in action during the coming season playing for East Grinstead Hockey Club.
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