Another throw-in?

Cheltenham Youth League - 3rd March 2013
Cashes Green (2) v (8) LRFC Cougars
Marling School 

With a number of cancellations and postponements over the last few weeks it was nice to finally play some football. The game was at Marling School and the pitch despite a slope was in good condition for us. A firm pitch with short grass. It was however the smallest pitch we have seen since we have played mini-soccer. The touchline was barely half a yard beyond the edge of the area. Throw-ins would be like corners.

With a squad of 12 we lined up in a 3-5-2 formation. Will.I.Am ever-present in goal, in front of him a trio of George, Freddie and Willbo. The midfield 5 was Louis, hugging the left touchline, then Flymo making a welcome and energetic return to the team, Jacob, Sam and Dan H. Up front we had Max T as the libero with then Luca as striker.   

The last time we played CG we won 9-0 although the game did not fee like a 9-0. CG battled and made us work for the victory. Today was very much the same. We started very well, playing neat passes and the right wing with Dan H was proving the outlet. An early shot flashed over the bar and a couple of crosses when there was the first meaningful action. Max T felled in the area, looked a penalty, even the opposition thought it was but it wasn't given.

The opening goal, when it came was from the right wing. The ball played across the area with Luca finishing from half a yard. CG pulled one back to level the scores. They definitely had their tails up and were looking strong; riding the storm the quality we had with the ball on the deck started to tell. The next goal was from Louis in a similar goal to the first. The ball played across the goal from the right and Louis finishing at the back post. 2-1.

Louis would go on to score a first half hat-trick to cap a very strong half on the left wing. With Tom darting around all over the pitch linking the play we were very strong in attack. This was a game where pace was not a weapon that it normally is for us. With the pitch so small it was more about passing and technique. to move the ball quickly, we played some lovely moves where there were a number of passes from defence to attack all 1 and 2 touch. 

When CG broke it was with power and purpose, latching onto long clearances and driving towards goal. The defensive trio held firm with Freddie showing composure and winning a number of headers to keep them at bay. George did what George does, swooping in to make tackles when you think that there's going to be a shot. With Willbo showing strength in the tackle and poise with distribution we rarely looked troubled. 

It was midfield where the game was won. With Louis from wide left scoring a first half hat-trick and finishing the scoring with a 4th high into the net after Jacob had hit the post. Tom rampant and seeing shots either saved or drift agonisingly wide of the post. He made a great return and was unlucky not to score. Sam mixing it in the middle and doing a turn wide right put in a solid display. The front players linking and playing it like a 5-a-side team. 

Dan G had a good run out in the side today, initially at right back as part of a 4 then at the start of the second half staying on the right as we switched to a back 3. Learning his lesson and not diving in he made good tackles and as the game progressed got more involved winning headers. That he is two-footed often gets missed but he was able to use these skills well today.

The 5th goal was scored from Luca finishing with the outside of his boot into the roof of the net. There was then an own goal from a Dan H corner. instructed to have a shot he fired it towards goal and it rebounded of an unfortunate CG player into the net. 

CG scored a 2nd goal from some skillful play down the left. The ball being played across the goal and with us all bombing forward left short handed at the back. While disappointing to concede the result was never in doubt. 

Max T scored the 7th finishing from a central position in front of goal after a bit of a scramble. Then Louis capped a fine individual display with his fourth. Jacob picking the ball up on the right danced through the penalty area only to his shot hit the post. the rebound fell to Louis who calmly picked his spot. 

There have been and will continue to be sterner tests but this CG side are a physical side that play very direct. It is a real contrast with how we like to play. Today we showed good composure and took our chances. Pace was not an option and so skill and tekkers were the order of the day.




Well done to Louis for his MotM display and special mention in despatches for George who had a superb game in defence. Winning tackles and playing with composure in possession. Jacob was also a dominant force today, midfield dynamo and was unlucky not score.

One of the most pleasing aspects of today's performance was that we played the way we were facing. Knocking the ball back to defenders who were then able to clear the lines and switch play. Confidence in possession.

Well done to the lads today - a good win!