LRFC Cougars (12) v (1) Cheltenham Saracens
The Burrows
Cheltenham Saracens have not had a great start and were bottom of the league with three defeats from three matches. Although looking at their results they were defeats by the odd goal or two.
Playing as the home team at Burrows we were on pitch #1 which was our old home pitch and venue where we had some great results.
Starting in a 4-2-3-1 formation with a back 4 of Willbo, Ben, George and Palmer, the holding two (that's HOLDING for Toms benefit) were Jacob and Tom! In front of them Louis out left, Max through the middle and Luca right. Dan the striker. Will Fenley in goal.
Playing up the slope in the first half we started strong. It was clear early on that the wingers were the outlet ball. After some initial midfield exchanges Tom broke forward, he played a pass switching play to Dan who on the inside left position opened his body and finished with a strong side foot into the far corner. A great pass and excellent taken goal. A great start. This was closely followed by a goal from Luca, bursting through from the right wing position he finished beyond the keeper. 2-0, nerves settled and while there was still a lot of football to play we were able to relax.
At the back Ben was composed and assured on the ball. Efficient in possession taking only 1 or 2 touches to push the ball forward. Alongside him George was picking up all the loose balls and making interceptions. With Freddie wide right an outlet and Willbo showing tenacity and composure we looked very strong defensively.
In attacking positions the goals continued. Dan would complete a hat-trick as would Jorge. There was a brace for Will T on his debut (including a memorable goal with the outside of his left boot over the keeper into the far corner) a goal apiece for Louis, Jacob, Tom and Luca. It's been a long time since we scored 12 goals in a game. All of which was underpinned by an out-standing performance in the number 10 position by Max.
A game in which he pulled the strings and had the strikers and wide players dancing to his tune. The puppet master. It was said from the touch line that Max could make a zimmerframe unsteady such is his ability. Gliding through the game and threading passes as the game wore on he showed great energy and commitment tracking Saracens runners as the broke from defence. It was a very deserved MotM performance for a class player.
Once again we played great football, we passed the ball quickly and decisively. We were able to make a number of substitutions without affecting the pattern of play. We also had the boys playing different positions, Jacob playing central midfield and centre back, Ben playing the same positions. Sam and Freddie alternating between right full back and right side of midfield. Jorge played striker, number 10 and holding midfielder. Will T played holding midfielder and wide left. Versatility.
That's what we want and sometimes when short of players for games what we need. The tempo we have been playing in training and in the last two matches is starting to develop into a pattern of play. The lads are becoming more and more comfortable playing a quick passing game which is something we have always tried to do since we started as a league club all those years ago.
Saracens, to their credit, did not let their heads drop and when an opportunity in front of goal presented itself late on they took it. With us playing an increasingly high line there was space in behind. A ball played through and the Saracens striker fired a shot over Wills head leaving him no chance. 12-1 and how the game would finish.
We have training on Wednesday (23/10) and then a break as it's half term. There's no game next Sunday (27/10) and no training the following Wednesday (30/10). We return to action on 03/11 with a league match against Southside - this is the start of a double header with Southside who we will face again in the league cup quarter final the following week.
We need to try and maintain our momentum over the break and continue this excellent form.
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