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.
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