Northumbria Rise To Goodchild Challenge

Team Northumbria volleyball head coach David Goodchild was left feeling a mix of emotions after his side’s back to back victories this weekend over London Orcas and Tendring.

“If I am being honest about the girls, it was an absolute tale of two days,” said Goodchild.

“The first day we were dreadful and there were way too many ups and downs.

“We gave away way too many points, we didn’t stay in system enough as a defensive team. Offensively we didn’t play smart enough and our serve pressure was weak.

“We were lucky to get a win if I’m being truthful. We should have been beaten.

“We were 13-12 down and won 16-14 in the fifth set which is a credit to the girls to turn it around. But as a performance that is not acceptable in my programme.”

Goodchild was pleased with how his side managed adjustments less than 24 hours later as the hosts eased to victory against Tendring.

“The plan for Tendring was to talk about what went wrong the day before and how we would execute a new game plan,” said Goodchild.

“We sat the girls down for 45 minutes after the Orcas game and went through the whole game and then we made them watch the game again prior to the Tendring match.

“We needed to respond to that.

“We were on the computer until 1.30am on Sunday doing a video file for the girls - turning the game around ready for them. It definitely helps.

“So fair play to the girls - they listened, acknowledged and bought in. They changed things that didn’t go well on Saturday. The highs were even higher but the lows were not as low.”

And while Saturday’s performance left a bad taste in Goodchild’s mouth, Sunday’s performance meant that he could leave Sport Central with a smile.

“We’re definitely moving in the right direction,” said Goodchild.

“Saturday was totally unacceptable but we beat a Tendring team who have a few good scholars from Essex university.

“I’m walking out of the gym happy but focusing now on the BUCS game against Newcastle University on Wednesday.

“It’s going to be a successful season. There’s some really talented, smart volleyball players out there. We’re only five weeks in and we’ve come through our two first real games this season with two wins.

“We’ll get stronger and stronger from here.”