Bishops Cleeve Colts United (0) V (6) LRFC Cougars
A return to league action following the international break saw us pitched against one of the Bishops Cleeve teams, this time it was Bishops Cleeve Colts United. Playing on the Kayte Lane pitch it there was an impeccable minutes silence before kick-off in memory of Jim Harding.
We lined up in a 4-5-1 formation with the intent being to keep both wingers wide and have bodies in midfield to win the ball. We started very slow and but for some out-standing keeping from Will could have been 1-0 down. The Cleeve shot destined for the net was met full stretch by Will to push it away. It was a warning and a great save. Shortly afterwards we opened the scoring with Luca finishing following great work from Will T on the right. Bursting through Will's shot was well saved by the keeper who was unable to hold the ball it falling kindly for Luca to finish into the corner.
The second goal came very soon afterwards. Will T fouled in the box and duly despatching the penalty to the keepers right. The decision seemed a little harsh but if it's given you have to take it.
There was then a period of play where Cleeve dominated possession although never really created a clear chance. With our players pushing forward there were large gaps in midfield. But for typically stout defending from Lewis, George, Willbo and Dan G it could have been a very different outcome. We made changes to get a grip on the game. Freddie came on in the holding role and made an immediate impact. As did Sam coming on at right back and putting in an MotM performance. When he has the opportunity to break forward from deep you really see the best of Sam. Excellent supporting the midfield and strikers and put in some great defensive work too.
The goal of the game came from the boot of Jorge to put us 3-0 up. Coming down the inside right he played two one-two's with Jacob then Will T to finish beyond the keeper's dive. A really great team goal and a rare moment of quality on a day where we didn't play with the same tempo and sharpness that we have of late. Will T was a constant threat on either wing, on the opposite wing Louis was doing more defensive work than normal in support of his full-back. Dan G looked strong and assured in the right back position and then latterly on the left. Jacob, back to his best, was typically busy in midfield. Tracking back and supporting the attack at every opportunity he would score a goal to put us 4 up at half time.
The message at half time was to release the ball quicker and communicate. The pitch was quite lumpy which may have played apart but we were trying to dribble too much.
The game played out in the same manner but with two more goals to come. Jacob scored his second picking up a loose ball in the box to head home following good work from Callum and then Freddie who was unlucky not to score himself. Jacob would then, on his hat-trick, hit the post with a well struck shot. Tony's money is safe for another week.....
The final goal came from Luca. Jorge driving in from the right skipped past a number of challenges before slipping the goal to Luca who struck his shot across goal into the bottom left corner. It was the final action of the game.
This was a good result if not, necessarily, a great performance.
The pitch did not help but the same issues of indecision in defensive positions remain. We were also holding the ball too long, when we move it quickly we get our rewards. We need to do that against all opposition. That said the positives today were a clean sheet, Will F's distribution and commanding of his area grows with every game and he is really starting to develop a relationship with his centre backs when he comes flying out to make clearances. Sam at right back was excellent today both defending and supporting the attack. Lewis and Willbo in defence were strong Lewis in particular showed great athleticism to make excellent interceptions. Once he realises how big and strong he is he will be unstoppable! Will T was constant energy and drive on the wing with Louis putting in a more defensive performance than he would expect. Freddie is showing more and more mobility and great strength to support his undoubted skills. Jorge scored a cracking goal today and showed flashes of great skill on the ball. Ben was neat and tidy in possession and is yet to put a foot wrong. Completely composed on the ball whether in defence or midfield. Tom was typically bustling and must be a nuisance to play against. Just when you think you've shaken him off he pops up again....and again.... and again...and again...... Callum played much of the second half and was instrumental in Jacobs second goal. Luca didn't really get an opportunity to stretch his legs and the defence but whenever given the ball was prepared to take his man on and try to create.
So what do we need to do? It's really simple. We keep playing this way with tempo and commitment but...... we start to win the ball when it is in the air and compete more and we release the ball quicker so that the attributes of out attacking players can be used effectively. We have abundant pace through the attack but do not always get the best out of it.
We have a weekend off with no game on 1st December. Our next match is now on 8th December away to Painswick. Check the tracker here and if you've any gaps in availability please contact me to confirm.
*Man City beat Tottenham by the same scoreline today.
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