LRFC Cougars (2) v (0) Lakeside U14's
Naunton Park
This was not a game for the purist. It would have been, for those old
enough to remember, better watched on Ceefax.
There were two moments of quality and both led to goals. The first
started by Willbo breaking up play deep in the Lakeside half. He fed
the ball to Freddie who played it inside to Jorge (when he scores we
will use his Latin name otherwise he's just George!) on the edge of
the area he turned and finished with a dipping curling effort over the
keeper but under the cross bar. A great finish and doubling his tally
for the season so far.
The game would stay at 1-0 until there were just less than 10minutes to play.
The second moment started from deep in our half where Tom picked up
the ball and played it to Louis in the wide left position. Tom
continued his run taking the return pass from Louis in his stride.
Powering forward he looked up and played a perfect ball for Daniel to
chase. Finally a quality ball for the strikers to latch onto and Dan
made no mistakes dispatching the ball into the far left corner as the
keeper closed down the near post. Three passes and a goal. 2-0 and how
the game would finish.
That only partly tells the story, the game could have been a very
different proposition as Lakeside on an early foray into our half had
a shot that crashed off the cross bar and out. A warning.
Where we failed in this game was as much down to panic as it was with
the defending that we faced. Unable to get our passing game going as
Lakeside were committed and energetic throughout we resorted to
hopeful balls forward which this Lakeside team can head back all day.
Where the ball was played hopefully on the ground they had pace and
strength at the back that was the equal of our strike force.
What was needed was quality.
The lads needed to trust that they could play their game and not try
and take Lakeside on at theirs. It is also worth noting that for all
the commitment that was on display there was not one bad tackle.
Lakeside played with excellent controlled aggression towards the ball.
While the game was at 1-0 we were nervy and resorting to last ditch
defending. George at the back was like a wasp all over the pitch.
Making tackles and winning the ball. Ben behind him continued his
early season good form showing lovely technique to win the ball and
play sensible passes. With Harvey, Freddie and Sam playing the
full-back positions we looked pact and capable to keep them at bay.
Freddie had another storming match. Starting at full-back he used his
(footballing) intelligence well which aligned with his physical
strength makes him a tough prospect to play against. Later in the game
he would move into midfield and there was a period where it seemed he
was a magnet for the ball. This excellent performance earned him the
man of the match.
As always we look for positives and there are always some. We headed
the ball well, we stood up well to a physical team and we scored two
excellent goals. What we need is more composure and trust of team
mates. Better quality of the final ball. While our strikers have speed
and technique they need better quality passes to be able to do the
damage we know they can.
This was a solid hard working performance and showed that we had
learned something from the defeat in the County Cup.
Monday, September 30, 2013
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
Sunday 29th September - League Match V Lakeside U14's
This Sunday we are at home, Naunton Park, to Lakeside in a return to league action. Kick-off is at 2pm so we should aim to meet at 1:15pm so we can set-up the pitch and sort the team etc.
The squad for the game will be
The squad for the game will be
1. Will F
2. George G
3. Ben
4. Sam
5. Dan G
6. Jacob
7. Luca
8. Max
9. Freddie
10. Callum
11. George M
12. Will D
13. Dan H
14. Harvey
15. Louis
16. Tom
Unavailable for this match are Lewis and Conor.
Monday, September 23, 2013
County Cup 22/09
County Cup - Charlton Rovers Reds (4) v (2) LRFC Cougars
Some match reports are easy to write, this one less so.
The lads have not been that down after a defeat in a long time.
Perhaps ever. They were a little shell shocked.
We knew that Charlton Rovers were going to start strong, as they had
in the league match a fortnight ago. We weathered that storm but
looked a little shaky this time. Under pressure in midfield we
struggled to keep possession or get meaningful ball to the strikers.
Defending was a little last ditch at times with Freddie and Ben
catching the eye with composure on the ball. Lewis centrally was
holding up well and his pace was required a couple of times. Dan G in
the other full back position started well.
In midfield the ploy was to play 2 holding midfielders, Jacob - ever
present - with in a new pairing Will D alongside him. This was
deliberate with Will instructed to play the deeper role. Win headers
and generally act as the stopper. He did this to great effect using
nice technique to sand-wedge the ball out to the wide players and up
front.
In front of the holding pair were Max, Louis and Harvey with then Luca
starting up front.
Our front players linked well and played some nice football but it was
too far away from the Charlton Rovers goal to be meaningful. When we
broke there was a lot of grass to run into which enabled defenders to
cover. When we did get clear it was Luca who played the ball out wide
around the keeper only to see his shot his the post and rebound out.
Charlton Rovers then scored twice in quick succession. A shot leaving
Will no chance and then a goal scrambled from our failure to clear a
corner. 2-0 up and momentum very much with them. We needed a goal
before half time to stay in the game.
Cue some changes, and, being a cup game the ethos around these was
very different. We needed to get back into and win the game. Dan G
made way for Harvey to drop back into defence, Luca came into central
midfield for Jacob and Dan H came on in attack.
We got a goal back before half time from the boot of Dan H, starting
on the bench due to a back injury, he unleashed his power and
outpacing a defender, rounding the keeper finished from distance. 2-1
at half time.
The second half instructions were to keep playing our way. To keep the
ball moving and be decisive. To not be outwitted or outmuscled in
midfield. There was an improvement.
Willbo moved to centre back for the struggling Lewis, Jacob came on in
midfield and Dan stayed up front. Max and Louis started to link more
and make progress down the left. Louis had a great match and went
close on a couple of occasions with some long range efforts. The
intelligence and movement around their link play was excellent.
Charlton Rovers took the kick-off and played the ball back. Dan H
burst forward robbing the defender and shooting powerfully across the
goal into the far bottom corner. 2-2 and game on.
The game was now more evenly contested in midfield with Luca and Jacob
both showing incredible box-to-box energy. George M, playing wide
right was getting more involved and playing some nice passes to the
front players. He would take a nasty whack in the face later for his
troubles but kept his composure and calm.
Neither team was able to make the breakthrough.
With a little more than 5 minutes remaining, just as both teams were
preparing for penalties, the breakthrough came. Charlton Rovers
latching onto a through ball that as we had all pushed forward saw him
finish high over Wills head. 3-2.
Kitchen sink time.
Pushing more players forward in search of an equaliser defending was
very much secondary. Another ball down to the Charlton Rovers winger
saw him bundle past Lewis and score from distance.
I guess you may as well lose 4-2 as 3-2.
The game finished shortly afterwards.
As always you look for positives and there were plenty. Freddie at
full back is growing into the position. Willbo, who was motm, showed
composure in both midfield and defence. Not frightened of using his
head he also has good technique and calmness on the ball. Out on the
left Louis is always a threat and his link play is excellent. A proper
winger who can weave his magic with a drop of his shoulder. You
realise how good he is in the physical games when the opposition
struggle to get near him. Ditto Max, he showed some great touches and
passing but was unable to play the killer ball. This was testament to
the Charlton Rovers defence that played a high line meaning we did a
lot of our attacking play too far for the goal.
Harvey is developing into a talker of the pitch - something we all
need to do more of. Luca showed good ability and incredible energy as
a box to box midfielder in the central positions. Jacob, as ever, just
never stops playing.
The games come thick and fast now and we have an opportunity to put
this behind us and move on with a league fixture this Sunday against
Lakeside. As long as we continue to learn from our victories and
defeats we are not going too far wrong.
Some match reports are easy to write, this one less so.
The lads have not been that down after a defeat in a long time.
Perhaps ever. They were a little shell shocked.
We knew that Charlton Rovers were going to start strong, as they had
in the league match a fortnight ago. We weathered that storm but
looked a little shaky this time. Under pressure in midfield we
struggled to keep possession or get meaningful ball to the strikers.
Defending was a little last ditch at times with Freddie and Ben
catching the eye with composure on the ball. Lewis centrally was
holding up well and his pace was required a couple of times. Dan G in
the other full back position started well.
In midfield the ploy was to play 2 holding midfielders, Jacob - ever
present - with in a new pairing Will D alongside him. This was
deliberate with Will instructed to play the deeper role. Win headers
and generally act as the stopper. He did this to great effect using
nice technique to sand-wedge the ball out to the wide players and up
front.
In front of the holding pair were Max, Louis and Harvey with then Luca
starting up front.
Our front players linked well and played some nice football but it was
too far away from the Charlton Rovers goal to be meaningful. When we
broke there was a lot of grass to run into which enabled defenders to
cover. When we did get clear it was Luca who played the ball out wide
around the keeper only to see his shot his the post and rebound out.
Charlton Rovers then scored twice in quick succession. A shot leaving
Will no chance and then a goal scrambled from our failure to clear a
corner. 2-0 up and momentum very much with them. We needed a goal
before half time to stay in the game.
Cue some changes, and, being a cup game the ethos around these was
very different. We needed to get back into and win the game. Dan G
made way for Harvey to drop back into defence, Luca came into central
midfield for Jacob and Dan H came on in attack.
We got a goal back before half time from the boot of Dan H, starting
on the bench due to a back injury, he unleashed his power and
outpacing a defender, rounding the keeper finished from distance. 2-1
at half time.
The second half instructions were to keep playing our way. To keep the
ball moving and be decisive. To not be outwitted or outmuscled in
midfield. There was an improvement.
Willbo moved to centre back for the struggling Lewis, Jacob came on in
midfield and Dan stayed up front. Max and Louis started to link more
and make progress down the left. Louis had a great match and went
close on a couple of occasions with some long range efforts. The
intelligence and movement around their link play was excellent.
Charlton Rovers took the kick-off and played the ball back. Dan H
burst forward robbing the defender and shooting powerfully across the
goal into the far bottom corner. 2-2 and game on.
The game was now more evenly contested in midfield with Luca and Jacob
both showing incredible box-to-box energy. George M, playing wide
right was getting more involved and playing some nice passes to the
front players. He would take a nasty whack in the face later for his
troubles but kept his composure and calm.
Neither team was able to make the breakthrough.
With a little more than 5 minutes remaining, just as both teams were
preparing for penalties, the breakthrough came. Charlton Rovers
latching onto a through ball that as we had all pushed forward saw him
finish high over Wills head. 3-2.
Kitchen sink time.
Pushing more players forward in search of an equaliser defending was
very much secondary. Another ball down to the Charlton Rovers winger
saw him bundle past Lewis and score from distance.
I guess you may as well lose 4-2 as 3-2.
The game finished shortly afterwards.
As always you look for positives and there were plenty. Freddie at
full back is growing into the position. Willbo, who was motm, showed
composure in both midfield and defence. Not frightened of using his
head he also has good technique and calmness on the ball. Out on the
left Louis is always a threat and his link play is excellent. A proper
winger who can weave his magic with a drop of his shoulder. You
realise how good he is in the physical games when the opposition
struggle to get near him. Ditto Max, he showed some great touches and
passing but was unable to play the killer ball. This was testament to
the Charlton Rovers defence that played a high line meaning we did a
lot of our attacking play too far for the goal.
Harvey is developing into a talker of the pitch - something we all
need to do more of. Luca showed good ability and incredible energy as
a box to box midfielder in the central positions. Jacob, as ever, just
never stops playing.
The games come thick and fast now and we have an opportunity to put
this behind us and move on with a league fixture this Sunday against
Lakeside. As long as we continue to learn from our victories and
defeats we are not going too far wrong.
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
Sunday 22/09 County Cup
It looks like we'll have a full squad (11 starters +5 subs) for Sundays fixture v Charlton Rovers Reds in the County Cup. kick-off at 2pm in Charlton Kings so lets aim to meet at 1:30pm.
Squad
1. Will F
2. George G
3. Ben
4. Lewis
5. Dan G
6. Jacob
7. Luca
8. Max
9. Freddie
10. Callum
11. George M
12. Will D
13. Dan H
14. Harvey
15. Louis
TBC
Conor
Unavailable
Sam
Tom
Beep Test
Training tonight included the dreaded beep test. All the lads and coaches dug in and delivered some impressive results.
The test will be when we do it again at the end of the season to see how much they have all improved by.
Dan G - 5.2
Fred - 6.2
Willbo - 7.9
Ben - 9.2
Tom - 12.2
Luca - 10.5
Gus - 10.3
Harvey - 9.5
Sam - 11.5
Callum - 9.2
Will F - 9.2
Simon - 7
Mark - 8
Marcus - 11.4
Rob - 11.1*
*Joined the test in round 5
The test will be when we do it again at the end of the season to see how much they have all improved by.
Dan G - 5.2
Fred - 6.2
Willbo - 7.9
Ben - 9.2
Tom - 12.2
Luca - 10.5
Gus - 10.3
Harvey - 9.5
Sam - 11.5
Callum - 9.2
Will F - 9.2
Simon - 7
Mark - 8
Marcus - 11.4
Rob - 11.1*
*Joined the test in round 5
Monday, September 16, 2013
Fintan FC (1) v (0) LRFC Cougars
It's not often at this level you get a 1-0 score line and but for good
defending and excellent goal keeping the reality is we could have lost
this game by a bigger margin.
The game was played on the 3G astro at All Saints Academy, a fantastic
pitch and probably the biggest pitch we will play on. We coped much
better than in the summer where the heat took a tool. As we expected
Fintan started strong and came at us. Ben and George held firm in the
heart of the defence with the full backs covering as needed. Behind
them Will made a tentative start but was assured whenever the ball
came to him. Oa windy day his concentration to deal with long range
efforts was evident.
After an initial onslaught we had some possession and released Daniel,
playing as the striker, to chase. Against the towering Fintan defender
Daniel outpaced him only to see the ball run out of play. Just when we
were thinking that this would be a good outlet he pulled up injured. A
muscle injury in his back making it difficult for him to move and
breathe.
A quick shift of playing personnel to accommodate this saw Luca move
to the striker role, Sam moving to wide right and Max coming on it he
midfield.
With both teams playing neat football it was a game that was easy on
the eye although Fintan always looked more likely to score with a more
direct and energetic approach in the final third. Conversely we were
neat in possession but struggling to support the front player. Freddie
playing at full back for the second week had an excellent match.
Playing both left and right full back, he was able to use his
technique and control on the ball to great effect. This may yet turn
out to be he best position. He was man of the match following a solid
performance and excellent support play.
He was run very close by Dan G, also playing fullback, who had his
strongest game for us against very good opposition. Genuinely two
footed his confidence grows with every match.
The other candidate was, in goal, Will. In the second half
particularly Will made 3 or 4 saves to keep us in the game and his
save diving to his left to stop a free kicks going into the top corner
was excellent.
The only goal of the game came from our corner. We took it at the
right end but with the team pushed on and, in particular gaps down the
middle of the pitch, Fintan broke at pace and scored. 1-0.
We continued to defend deep with the game being played predominantly
in our half. We were neat in possession but when we tried to play
expansively our touch was slightly off and the move would break down.
Something we can work on.
With the game developing as it was the role of Jacob I the heart of
midfield should not be overlooked. His tireless work to tackle and try
and thread the ball through to the front players an exercise in energy
and fitness.
With players falling to injury and fatigue we had to call upon the
versatility of our players. With a number playing different positions,
Willbo played full back and centre-back, Freddie and Dan played both
full back positions with Fred also doing a turn in midfield. Sam
played a number of positions in midfield, Luca played wide right,
centre midfield and striker.
Late on there was a lovely moment where Max turned it on. Dancing into
the penalty like a salsa dancer, he dropped his shoulder and shimmied
his hips to get some space as two Fintan players went the wrong way.
He played the ball across the goal from the byline only to see Fintan
recover and the ball trickle out for a goal kick.
With Daniel succumbing to an early injury, Ben struggling with his
knee and George nursing a knee injury. Oh and Luca struggling with his
heels late on and Max picking up a calf injury late on there was a
strong case to get St Johns ambulance on standby. Maybe we will look
into that for future games.
This was a game that it felt like we could have got something if the
squad had been a little deeper giving us options. The lads on the
pitch gave it there all and, understandably, at the end were
shattered.
I do not think we will play like that and lose the match again.
Sent from my iPad
defending and excellent goal keeping the reality is we could have lost
this game by a bigger margin.
The game was played on the 3G astro at All Saints Academy, a fantastic
pitch and probably the biggest pitch we will play on. We coped much
better than in the summer where the heat took a tool. As we expected
Fintan started strong and came at us. Ben and George held firm in the
heart of the defence with the full backs covering as needed. Behind
them Will made a tentative start but was assured whenever the ball
came to him. Oa windy day his concentration to deal with long range
efforts was evident.
After an initial onslaught we had some possession and released Daniel,
playing as the striker, to chase. Against the towering Fintan defender
Daniel outpaced him only to see the ball run out of play. Just when we
were thinking that this would be a good outlet he pulled up injured. A
muscle injury in his back making it difficult for him to move and
breathe.
A quick shift of playing personnel to accommodate this saw Luca move
to the striker role, Sam moving to wide right and Max coming on it he
midfield.
With both teams playing neat football it was a game that was easy on
the eye although Fintan always looked more likely to score with a more
direct and energetic approach in the final third. Conversely we were
neat in possession but struggling to support the front player. Freddie
playing at full back for the second week had an excellent match.
Playing both left and right full back, he was able to use his
technique and control on the ball to great effect. This may yet turn
out to be he best position. He was man of the match following a solid
performance and excellent support play.
He was run very close by Dan G, also playing fullback, who had his
strongest game for us against very good opposition. Genuinely two
footed his confidence grows with every match.
The other candidate was, in goal, Will. In the second half
particularly Will made 3 or 4 saves to keep us in the game and his
save diving to his left to stop a free kicks going into the top corner
was excellent.
The only goal of the game came from our corner. We took it at the
right end but with the team pushed on and, in particular gaps down the
middle of the pitch, Fintan broke at pace and scored. 1-0.
We continued to defend deep with the game being played predominantly
in our half. We were neat in possession but when we tried to play
expansively our touch was slightly off and the move would break down.
Something we can work on.
With the game developing as it was the role of Jacob I the heart of
midfield should not be overlooked. His tireless work to tackle and try
and thread the ball through to the front players an exercise in energy
and fitness.
With players falling to injury and fatigue we had to call upon the
versatility of our players. With a number playing different positions,
Willbo played full back and centre-back, Freddie and Dan played both
full back positions with Fred also doing a turn in midfield. Sam
played a number of positions in midfield, Luca played wide right,
centre midfield and striker.
Late on there was a lovely moment where Max turned it on. Dancing into
the penalty like a salsa dancer, he dropped his shoulder and shimmied
his hips to get some space as two Fintan players went the wrong way.
He played the ball across the goal from the byline only to see Fintan
recover and the ball trickle out for a goal kick.
With Daniel succumbing to an early injury, Ben struggling with his
knee and George nursing a knee injury. Oh and Luca struggling with his
heels late on and Max picking up a calf injury late on there was a
strong case to get St Johns ambulance on standby. Maybe we will look
into that for future games.
This was a game that it felt like we could have got something if the
squad had been a little deeper giving us options. The lads on the
pitch gave it there all and, understandably, at the end were
shattered.
I do not think we will play like that and lose the match again.
Sent from my iPad
Sunday, September 8, 2013
Match Report v Charlton Rovers Reds
LRFC Cougars (3) v (0) Charlton Rovers Reds
The season opener on a lovely day, perfect for football. With 16
players in the squad rotation was always going to be a balancing act.
This was made easier in unfortunate circumstances with Lewis
succumbing to a recurrent back injury within the first 10minutes. He
was replaced by Ben who had an excellent debut. His reading of the
game and composed excellent distribution increased in value as the
game wore on.
The game kicked off and Charlton Rovers started very strongly playing
long balls deep into our half and applying significant pressure in
midfield. A battle that we actually lost. Or were losing. Jacob and
Conor performed heroics in midfield trying to plug gaps but this was
very much backs to the wall stuff with little outlet of quality
available. Charlton Rovers meantime kept coming. Early chances fell
their way and but for better finishing and some excellent goal-keeping
from Will could have easily gone in front.
Will, in goal, started with a clean sheet is game where he was called
into action on more than one occasion. The goalkeeper position is
often overlooked but Will was excellent today.
Our own attack was limited to chasing long balls. Luca, ever willing,
in a number of one-on-ones with the keeper was unable to get the break
with the ball always just over-running. As the first half neared its
end we got the breakthrough with the best team move of the match.
Tom, at left back, received the ball and played it inside to Ben at
centre-back. He played it into midfield, the ball was then pushed wide
to Daniel who burst forward in typical style. Luca made a run into the
box with Goerge galloping in behind him to finish emphatically
smashing the ball into the net leaving the keeper no chance. A great
way to open his account with us and to open the season.
A second goal came shortly afterwards. Louis and Tom linked
excellently playing short passes to maintain possession high up the
pitch. the ball eventually going out for a corner. Dan took it and
swung the ball right under the crossbar at the back post that beat the
keeper. With the Reds unable to clear their lines Jacob bundled the
ball over the line from close range. 2-0 and a big sigh of relief.
Second half and some more changes to personnel. Charlton Rovers kicked
off and scored immediately. The goal ruled out for offside but a
warning.
As the game wore on the intensity of the Charlton Rovers team began to
wane and we were able to start playing the ball around. Supporting the
midfield and more into attack. Max started to influence play more and
conduct the midfield and prompt the attack. There was time in the
final 5 minutes where he conjured a Ricky Villa moment, dancing into
the penalty area from the right wing, beating players with a swing of
his hips and a drop of his shoulder to lay the ball across the 6 yard
line. With players lined up the ball evaded them all reaching Callum
at the back post who hit his shot against the upright.
Max would then win a free-kick late in the game just outside the box.
An excellent strike from the free-kick that cannoned back off the
crossbar.
The third goal came from Dan who finally beat the keeper to a lose
ball and to ended a lob over his head into the net 3-0. Game over.
When we passed the ball today we really did look excellent, what we do
need to do is show a bit more steel across the whole team when dealing
with an early physical onslaught. We weathered the early storm earning
the right to play our football and getting the result.
MotM today was Jacob - perpetual motion, winning headers and
constantly breaking up play. His energy and industry alongside Conor
in midfield kept us in the game.
Conor had a strong match building on his Wednesday performance and
showing intelligence to cover the defence when Tom, in flymo mode,
went walkabout.
We showed good versatility today with a number of lads playing
different positions particularly full-back where we played Willbo,
Freddie, Sam, Tom and Dan G at different times in the game. Fitness
also looked good today with the lads getting back to their positions
very quickly when Charlton Rovers had the ball.
There's more to come from this team as we hit full stride. With Fintan
at the weekend this will be another physical test.
Sent from my iPad
The season opener on a lovely day, perfect for football. With 16
players in the squad rotation was always going to be a balancing act.
This was made easier in unfortunate circumstances with Lewis
succumbing to a recurrent back injury within the first 10minutes. He
was replaced by Ben who had an excellent debut. His reading of the
game and composed excellent distribution increased in value as the
game wore on.
The game kicked off and Charlton Rovers started very strongly playing
long balls deep into our half and applying significant pressure in
midfield. A battle that we actually lost. Or were losing. Jacob and
Conor performed heroics in midfield trying to plug gaps but this was
very much backs to the wall stuff with little outlet of quality
available. Charlton Rovers meantime kept coming. Early chances fell
their way and but for better finishing and some excellent goal-keeping
from Will could have easily gone in front.
Will, in goal, started with a clean sheet is game where he was called
into action on more than one occasion. The goalkeeper position is
often overlooked but Will was excellent today.
Our own attack was limited to chasing long balls. Luca, ever willing,
in a number of one-on-ones with the keeper was unable to get the break
with the ball always just over-running. As the first half neared its
end we got the breakthrough with the best team move of the match.
Tom, at left back, received the ball and played it inside to Ben at
centre-back. He played it into midfield, the ball was then pushed wide
to Daniel who burst forward in typical style. Luca made a run into the
box with Goerge galloping in behind him to finish emphatically
smashing the ball into the net leaving the keeper no chance. A great
way to open his account with us and to open the season.
A second goal came shortly afterwards. Louis and Tom linked
excellently playing short passes to maintain possession high up the
pitch. the ball eventually going out for a corner. Dan took it and
swung the ball right under the crossbar at the back post that beat the
keeper. With the Reds unable to clear their lines Jacob bundled the
ball over the line from close range. 2-0 and a big sigh of relief.
Second half and some more changes to personnel. Charlton Rovers kicked
off and scored immediately. The goal ruled out for offside but a
warning.
As the game wore on the intensity of the Charlton Rovers team began to
wane and we were able to start playing the ball around. Supporting the
midfield and more into attack. Max started to influence play more and
conduct the midfield and prompt the attack. There was time in the
final 5 minutes where he conjured a Ricky Villa moment, dancing into
the penalty area from the right wing, beating players with a swing of
his hips and a drop of his shoulder to lay the ball across the 6 yard
line. With players lined up the ball evaded them all reaching Callum
at the back post who hit his shot against the upright.
Max would then win a free-kick late in the game just outside the box.
An excellent strike from the free-kick that cannoned back off the
crossbar.
The third goal came from Dan who finally beat the keeper to a lose
ball and to ended a lob over his head into the net 3-0. Game over.
When we passed the ball today we really did look excellent, what we do
need to do is show a bit more steel across the whole team when dealing
with an early physical onslaught. We weathered the early storm earning
the right to play our football and getting the result.
MotM today was Jacob - perpetual motion, winning headers and
constantly breaking up play. His energy and industry alongside Conor
in midfield kept us in the game.
Conor had a strong match building on his Wednesday performance and
showing intelligence to cover the defence when Tom, in flymo mode,
went walkabout.
We showed good versatility today with a number of lads playing
different positions particularly full-back where we played Willbo,
Freddie, Sam, Tom and Dan G at different times in the game. Fitness
also looked good today with the lads getting back to their positions
very quickly when Charlton Rovers had the ball.
There's more to come from this team as we hit full stride. With Fintan
at the weekend this will be another physical test.
Sent from my iPad
Thursday, September 5, 2013
Friendly & Season Opener
Friendly v LRFC U15's
Thanks to Scott, Duncan's the LRFC u15's for last nights friendly. It was a good game with both teams playing some good stuff in patches. Importantly it showed the lads were missing a little match sharpness, there were chances created that last season would have been buried that were not, due as much to an excellent goal keeping performance by Olly as much as anything else. Some passes were also being played short and the lads touch was a bit rusty.
We also played some of the lads in a number of positions as we tried some things out. With new players coming in and the lads still growing and changing we needed to look at some alternatives and options. There were some excellent performances with Conor catching the eye with a barnstorming performance and a goal, Harvey at left back was excellent and has found his voice, organising the players in front and around him. This was really excellent to see and something we want much more of from all the lads.
The front players linked well and but for some good goalkeeping and a lack of sharpness could have registered onto the scoresheet. There were other positives too, the defence held well against a bigger and stronger opponent, we started to pass the ball well and we always look dangerous when the ball is threaded through to the front players. Reverting to 4-4-2 was a positive although it did limit some of our creativity from midfield and simultaneously leave us a little light in there. It was good though to be able to try some different tactics and set-ups. We need to take the positives into the season opener on Sunday.
We shouldn't forget that ultimately it is a simple game made complicated by idiots - as someone else once said.
Sunday 8th September - Season Opener
First of all apologies to all as this fixture appears to have snuck into the calendar unnoticed (by me).
On checking the FA Website last night our season starts this Sunday at home (Naunton Park) to Charlton Rovers Reds. I have texted you all for availability and updated the squad listing in the calendar. If you have not done so already please reply to the text to confirm.
Kick-off is at 2pm so let's meet from 1:15pm so that we can set up the pitch etc.
Players
With 18 players and an expected increase in availability for most matches there may be occasions where an available player(s) needs to be dropped from the squad as we are only permitted 5 substitutes. Hopefully this will not happen too often.
Subs
Thanks to those who gave me cheques for their subs last night. Can those that have not paid please arrange to bring this on Sunday. Cheques payable to 'Leckhampton Rovers' are preferred as reduces the overall admin effort.
New Kit
The club policy is that parents are responsible for the purchase of kit. Our supplier is Macron over in Gloucester and if the lads need replacement socks these cajust be bought locally. If new shirts/shorts are required please let me know so I can organise a quote from Macron that gets the best price. It might also be worth visiting them to try on kit to ensure the correct size is obtained.
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