Our league match v Cashes Green has been rescheduled for Sunday 3rd
February at Naunton Park. Please confirm availability for this fixture
ASAP.
Saturday, January 26, 2013
Friday, January 25, 2013
Sunday 27th January - Match Postponed
Please note that our home fixture v Cashes Green has been cancelled.
--
Cheltenham Council has closed all pitches this weekend and we are unable to reverse the fixture due to the same issue.
This match will be rescheduled.
--
Marcus Bosano
email mbosano@gmail.com
tel. +44 (0)7973 659 628
LinkedIn http://uk.linkedin.com/in/marcusbosano
email mbosano@gmail.com
tel. +44 (0)7973 659 628
LinkedIn http://uk.linkedin.com/in/marcusbosano
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Training 23/01
Due to weather conditions training at Cheltenham College tonight is cancelled.
--
--
Marcus Bosano
email mbosano@gmail.com
tel. +44 (0)7973 659 628
LinkedIn http://uk.linkedin.com/in/marcusbosano
email mbosano@gmail.com
tel. +44 (0)7973 659 628
LinkedIn http://uk.linkedin.com/in/marcusbosano
Friday, January 18, 2013
Sunday 20th January
It will be no surprise to anyone that Sundays planned match v
Gotherington has been postponed due to adverse weather.
Gotherington has been postponed due to adverse weather.
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Running
With training cancelled tonight I have heard that three Cougars have been self motivated enough to get out running. Well done to Freddie, Sam and Luca - did anyone else venture out?
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
League Match V Gotherington Juniors
The squad for this weekend's fixture v Gotherington Juniors is in the team calendar on this website. If you are yet to confirm availability please do so via email or text. Note that the game is to be played at Swindon Village with, again, the full location details in the calendar.
Just another reminder to check the availability tracker and confirm as much as you can.
Just another reminder to check the availability tracker and confirm as much as you can.
Sunday, January 13, 2013
A tale of two weekends
January 13th 2013
Cheltenham Youth League - League Match
Cleeve Colts U13's V LFRC Cougars U13
This was an opportunity to restore some pride to the squad. The message was simple - step up and match your opponent. Last weekend a failure to do that saw us concede 5 goals in the second half. Today could not have been more different.
Changing the formation to prevent us being over run in midfield we started in a 3-5-2 line up. The back three of (right to left) George, Paddy and Harvey giving us pace in every position. The midfield five were then, again right to left, Sam, Willbo, Jacob, Freddie and Louis. Up front we played our two speedsters; Dan and Luca. We had a strong bench with Dan G, Max T, Max P and Jordan (a late arrival following rugby duty in Bristol).
Starting stongly and aware of a Cleeve rapid start we maintained possession well using the width of the pitch to good effect. The midfield trio were linking to good effect keeping the ball and standing up to the physical side of the game. On the break we looked strong with Daniel and Luca twitching like coiled springs in attack. Cleeve had the better of the early exchanges although were limited to a couple of long shots that were easy for Will to claim. With the Cougars playing the ball neatly an opening goal was inevitable, a surging run from Luca around the keeper to gently see the ball roll over the line - so gently that there was some doubt as to whether it was a goal or not. Referee blew for it 1-0. The game continued to ebb and flow although the Cougars were maintaining possession in the Cleeve half with Louis, Daniel, Jacob and Freddie all showing lovely tekkers. Cleeve were limited to breakawys with their number 9 showing great strength and power to break free only to be snuffed out by our back three played today for their pace with that exactly in mind.
The next goal went to Cleeve. From a corner their midfield player rose unchallenged to head in at the near post. 1-1. A lovely goal.
From here on in there was only one team in it. With less than 10 minutes in the half remaining Louis opening his account for the team lifting his shot over the outward rushing keeper. 2-1. Max T was now in the game and showed some lovely touches t link the play between midfield and attack. A player that we have really missed in recent weeks for the calmness he shows ont he ball and ability to play a pass. He continued his own excellent scoring run by registering two today.
The midfield trio were very strong today, with Jacob in the centre bolstered by Willbo and Freddie at the start there was strength and mobility in there. Both Willbo and Freddie relishing the physical challenges and Jacob scurrying around picking up all the loose balls and keeping the team ticking over. Jordan came on into midfield for Freddie halfway through the first half showing good physical strength and composure in possession.
Willbo, was the MotM today, playing in an unfamilar role today he stood up to the physical challenges of the game, used his head and strength and showed some lovely skills playing through balls into the channels and towards the strikers.
The half finished at 2-1. The team talk was simple - to keep playing the same way. To stand up to the physical challenge that would be coming at the start of the second half.
In reality we never looked in danger in the second half. With a brace from both Max T and Luca (scoring a memorable hat-trick) and a fine strike from Daniel who can generate incredible power with seemingly no back lift we were 7-1 to the good. More changes were made with the team reverting to a back 4 with Harvey, who had a very good game at the back, making way for Dan G. With rotation through the team now really making an impact to the pattern of play this was as much of a team performance as this group has ever put together.
The most pleasing aspect was the ability to learn from the previous week and put it right. The lads were not bullied or harassed off the ball today and played to win. A firmer less heavy pitch definitely helped the team with some of the passing just sublime. The goals were all team goals with the back three playing making great decisions, brining the ball out calmly when able and being more direct when under pressure.
Today we showed excellent team spirit, great respect to the match official and our opponent and a willingness to play for each other.
Much better to smile and let your football do the talking.
Cheltenham Youth League - League Match
Cleeve Colts U13's V LFRC Cougars U13
This was an opportunity to restore some pride to the squad. The message was simple - step up and match your opponent. Last weekend a failure to do that saw us concede 5 goals in the second half. Today could not have been more different.
Changing the formation to prevent us being over run in midfield we started in a 3-5-2 line up. The back three of (right to left) George, Paddy and Harvey giving us pace in every position. The midfield five were then, again right to left, Sam, Willbo, Jacob, Freddie and Louis. Up front we played our two speedsters; Dan and Luca. We had a strong bench with Dan G, Max T, Max P and Jordan (a late arrival following rugby duty in Bristol).
Starting stongly and aware of a Cleeve rapid start we maintained possession well using the width of the pitch to good effect. The midfield trio were linking to good effect keeping the ball and standing up to the physical side of the game. On the break we looked strong with Daniel and Luca twitching like coiled springs in attack. Cleeve had the better of the early exchanges although were limited to a couple of long shots that were easy for Will to claim. With the Cougars playing the ball neatly an opening goal was inevitable, a surging run from Luca around the keeper to gently see the ball roll over the line - so gently that there was some doubt as to whether it was a goal or not. Referee blew for it 1-0. The game continued to ebb and flow although the Cougars were maintaining possession in the Cleeve half with Louis, Daniel, Jacob and Freddie all showing lovely tekkers. Cleeve were limited to breakawys with their number 9 showing great strength and power to break free only to be snuffed out by our back three played today for their pace with that exactly in mind.
The next goal went to Cleeve. From a corner their midfield player rose unchallenged to head in at the near post. 1-1. A lovely goal.
From here on in there was only one team in it. With less than 10 minutes in the half remaining Louis opening his account for the team lifting his shot over the outward rushing keeper. 2-1. Max T was now in the game and showed some lovely touches t link the play between midfield and attack. A player that we have really missed in recent weeks for the calmness he shows ont he ball and ability to play a pass. He continued his own excellent scoring run by registering two today.
The midfield trio were very strong today, with Jacob in the centre bolstered by Willbo and Freddie at the start there was strength and mobility in there. Both Willbo and Freddie relishing the physical challenges and Jacob scurrying around picking up all the loose balls and keeping the team ticking over. Jordan came on into midfield for Freddie halfway through the first half showing good physical strength and composure in possession.
Willbo, was the MotM today, playing in an unfamilar role today he stood up to the physical challenges of the game, used his head and strength and showed some lovely skills playing through balls into the channels and towards the strikers.
The half finished at 2-1. The team talk was simple - to keep playing the same way. To stand up to the physical challenge that would be coming at the start of the second half.
In reality we never looked in danger in the second half. With a brace from both Max T and Luca (scoring a memorable hat-trick) and a fine strike from Daniel who can generate incredible power with seemingly no back lift we were 7-1 to the good. More changes were made with the team reverting to a back 4 with Harvey, who had a very good game at the back, making way for Dan G. With rotation through the team now really making an impact to the pattern of play this was as much of a team performance as this group has ever put together.
The most pleasing aspect was the ability to learn from the previous week and put it right. The lads were not bullied or harassed off the ball today and played to win. A firmer less heavy pitch definitely helped the team with some of the passing just sublime. The goals were all team goals with the back three playing making great decisions, brining the ball out calmly when able and being more direct when under pressure.
Today we showed excellent team spirit, great respect to the match official and our opponent and a willingness to play for each other.
Much better to smile and let your football do the talking.
Saturday, January 12, 2013
Venue 13/01
Our match v Cleeve Colts on Sunday 13/01 will be on pitch C which is up by the astro-turf pitch.
Details of squad are in the calendar.
Monday, January 7, 2013
A game of two halves
Sunday 6th January LRFC Cougars U13 (2) V (5) Cleeve Colts
This was a real game of two halves. On a spongy pitch where one corner in particular was very touch and go the game went ahead despite some last minute head scratching about the conditions. We kicked off playing down the slope (there is a slight slope on the middle pitch at Naunton Park). With the familiar 4-2-3-1 formation.
George at right back, Jordan and Paddy as centre backs and Willbo at left back. Freddie and Jacob played in front of them. The attacking quartet was then Sam on the right, Dan H in the number 10 role with Louis wide left. Up front Luca played in an unfamiliar position. From the off the Cougars started well putting immediate pressure on the Cleeve goal. There was a spell where in the first 10 minutes we must have had 15 corners. Despite this territorial advantage we were unable to make it count so for all the pressure a goal was not coming. Cleeve were struggling to get out of their goal area let alone their half. Conditions played a part but the Cougars tails were up and there was some nice interplay with Louis, Dan and Luca linking to good effect.
Not long into the first half we lost Willbo who felt sick. Dan G came on at left back and had a good half, defending well and showing ability with both feet.
The opening goal came from a neat finish from Luca in the box. After some lovely build up play from Louis and Dan H he took his shot early with the ball rolling inside the far post 1-0. There was then a Cleeve break with their number 9 bursting through only to hit his shot straight at Will F in goal. A warning shot that we needed to heed. The second goal, when it came was also the Cougars, the ball was fed through by Dan H for Luca to chase and finish beyond the keeper, in off the post. 2-0 and looking comfortable. There was then a rasping drive hit by Dan from way outside the box, with the ball arrowing towards the top corner the Cleeve keeper made an out-standing save to deny what would have been an excellent strike. We had more chances with both Luca and Dan going close with chances and Louis clear with the ball on his right foot could only stike it at the keeper (good that he took it with his right though).
The half finished with the Cougars dominant although only 2 goals up.
The second half kicked off with Cleeve taking the centre. Clearly fired up with instructions to start fast and hard. They flew at us down the middle of the pitch only to see a shot fly narrowly over the goal. The next 20 minutes we were not in the game. cleeve were first to every ball and basically wanted it more. They pulled one back with a neat finish at the near post from the inside left position. The equalising goal was scored from an improbable angle from the byline by the right post. Definately one of those where you ask 'did he mean it?'
Cleeve continued to apply the pressure with their number 10 getting a hat-trick seemingly through desire to win the ball. Will, who had an excellent game in goal, made a stunning save to deny a long shot only to see the cleeve number 10 burst through into the box to score from close range. We were ragged now and every Cleeve attack looked likely to bring a goal. Changes were made with Max P coming on initially into midfield and then latterly up front where he was much more comfortable and effective showing good skills on the ball. Working space he managed to get a couple of shots away but on a heavy pitch struggled to get the required power to trouble the keeper. That was it for the last 20 minutes really, when we did get shots away there was nothing to trouble the keeper.
Chasing the game at 5-2 we pushed Jordan into midfield where we were being over run. Jacob and Freddie and then Max P and also Sam fought to try and retain possession but were over run. As the game played out we threatened on occassion but in reality the game was over.
A game of two halves where in the second half there was only one team that wanted to win it and win it they did. The importance of momentum was evident again today, at half time and 2-0 up we had the momentum. Cleeve flew at us with desire and purpose in the second half and we froze particularly in defending (all over the pitch). We need to show much more aggression towards the ball than we did. When the ball is loose in the box it should be a Cougar that gets there not an opponent. We were guilty of ball watching, relying on other team mates to win back possession rather than take responsibility. Against an opponent that wanted it we had no real answer. Fitness appeared to be an issue too - maybe too much xbox over Christmas ;)
I was pleased with the maturity shown at the final whistle too. The lesson being if you are going to talk trash you better make sure you win!
We get an opportunity to put it right with the return against Cleeve next Sunday (13/01). Once again lets learn the lessons from Sunday and show them what we are really about.
This was a real game of two halves. On a spongy pitch where one corner in particular was very touch and go the game went ahead despite some last minute head scratching about the conditions. We kicked off playing down the slope (there is a slight slope on the middle pitch at Naunton Park). With the familiar 4-2-3-1 formation.
George at right back, Jordan and Paddy as centre backs and Willbo at left back. Freddie and Jacob played in front of them. The attacking quartet was then Sam on the right, Dan H in the number 10 role with Louis wide left. Up front Luca played in an unfamiliar position. From the off the Cougars started well putting immediate pressure on the Cleeve goal. There was a spell where in the first 10 minutes we must have had 15 corners. Despite this territorial advantage we were unable to make it count so for all the pressure a goal was not coming. Cleeve were struggling to get out of their goal area let alone their half. Conditions played a part but the Cougars tails were up and there was some nice interplay with Louis, Dan and Luca linking to good effect.
Not long into the first half we lost Willbo who felt sick. Dan G came on at left back and had a good half, defending well and showing ability with both feet.
The opening goal came from a neat finish from Luca in the box. After some lovely build up play from Louis and Dan H he took his shot early with the ball rolling inside the far post 1-0. There was then a Cleeve break with their number 9 bursting through only to hit his shot straight at Will F in goal. A warning shot that we needed to heed. The second goal, when it came was also the Cougars, the ball was fed through by Dan H for Luca to chase and finish beyond the keeper, in off the post. 2-0 and looking comfortable. There was then a rasping drive hit by Dan from way outside the box, with the ball arrowing towards the top corner the Cleeve keeper made an out-standing save to deny what would have been an excellent strike. We had more chances with both Luca and Dan going close with chances and Louis clear with the ball on his right foot could only stike it at the keeper (good that he took it with his right though).
The half finished with the Cougars dominant although only 2 goals up.
The second half kicked off with Cleeve taking the centre. Clearly fired up with instructions to start fast and hard. They flew at us down the middle of the pitch only to see a shot fly narrowly over the goal. The next 20 minutes we were not in the game. cleeve were first to every ball and basically wanted it more. They pulled one back with a neat finish at the near post from the inside left position. The equalising goal was scored from an improbable angle from the byline by the right post. Definately one of those where you ask 'did he mean it?'
Cleeve continued to apply the pressure with their number 10 getting a hat-trick seemingly through desire to win the ball. Will, who had an excellent game in goal, made a stunning save to deny a long shot only to see the cleeve number 10 burst through into the box to score from close range. We were ragged now and every Cleeve attack looked likely to bring a goal. Changes were made with Max P coming on initially into midfield and then latterly up front where he was much more comfortable and effective showing good skills on the ball. Working space he managed to get a couple of shots away but on a heavy pitch struggled to get the required power to trouble the keeper. That was it for the last 20 minutes really, when we did get shots away there was nothing to trouble the keeper.
Chasing the game at 5-2 we pushed Jordan into midfield where we were being over run. Jacob and Freddie and then Max P and also Sam fought to try and retain possession but were over run. As the game played out we threatened on occassion but in reality the game was over.
A game of two halves where in the second half there was only one team that wanted to win it and win it they did. The importance of momentum was evident again today, at half time and 2-0 up we had the momentum. Cleeve flew at us with desire and purpose in the second half and we froze particularly in defending (all over the pitch). We need to show much more aggression towards the ball than we did. When the ball is loose in the box it should be a Cougar that gets there not an opponent. We were guilty of ball watching, relying on other team mates to win back possession rather than take responsibility. Against an opponent that wanted it we had no real answer. Fitness appeared to be an issue too - maybe too much xbox over Christmas ;)
I was pleased with the maturity shown at the final whistle too. The lesson being if you are going to talk trash you better make sure you win!
We get an opportunity to put it right with the return against Cleeve next Sunday (13/01). Once again lets learn the lessons from Sunday and show them what we are really about.
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
Training Cancelled
There is no training today (02/01) as the College is not open until Friday.
--
See you Sunday.
--
Marcus Bosano
email mbosano@gmail.com
tel. +44 (0)7973 659 628
LinkedIn http://uk.linkedin.com/in/marcusbosano
email mbosano@gmail.com
tel. +44 (0)7973 659 628
LinkedIn http://uk.linkedin.com/in/marcusbosano
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
Happy New Year!
Here's hoping that everyone had a lovely Christmas and wishing you all a very Happy New Year!
We resume league action this coming Sunday (06/01) with a home match against Bishops Cleeve. The squad details are in the calendar - if anything is wrong then please notify Marcus.
We are scheduled to have training on Wednesday (02/01) this will be confirmed as there is some doubt as to whether the college will be open or not.
Hopefully the boys have accepted and risen to the challenge set for them to complete four runs of around 20 minutes over the Christmas fortnight!?!?!
We resume league action this coming Sunday (06/01) with a home match against Bishops Cleeve. The squad details are in the calendar - if anything is wrong then please notify Marcus.
We are scheduled to have training on Wednesday (02/01) this will be confirmed as there is some doubt as to whether the college will be open or not.
Hopefully the boys have accepted and risen to the challenge set for them to complete four runs of around 20 minutes over the Christmas fortnight!?!?!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)