Sunday, November 30, 2014
Six of the best against Gotherington.....
Cheltenham Youth League u15's
LRFC Cougars (6) v (3) Gotherington U15's
Naunton Park
You could have been forgiven for thinking, that much like the week
before, this game would be a bore of attrition. Having only played the
previous week and drawing 0-0 both teams could have easily felt that
they were going to have the better of the spoils today. That could not
have been further from the truth with what happened today where 9
goals were shared.
The game started in the manner we expected with Gotherington straight
onto the front foot. They showed much more guile in attack than they
had the week before and we were forced into some customary last ditch
defending. When we did have the ball we were neat in possession and
progressed forward in a very measured manner. The full backs able to
push on supporting the midfield.
In the centre Freddie was winning header after header with Ryan ever
industrious at his side. If they ever give up playing football they
should consider fighting crime. Just in front of them Jacob was
controlling things and trying to link play with the wide men, Louis on
the left and Max on the right and Jorge up front. He would go on to
score two goals, the first a header from a corner and then a finish
low into the corner for some excellent build up play.
The back four were excellent, again, today and that they are starting
games and playing together is starting to show. George and Lewis in
the centre have power, pace and ability although Lewis ends to realise
his left foot is not just for standing on. The starting full backs
were Sam and Dan. Both excellent, we then had Tom and Adam who came on
in those roles and performed equally well.
Adam made his debut and was very assured in defence. Adept with either
foot and brave with some headers he made calm clearances and helped to
retain possession with some neat passing. There was even a little
glimpse of his skills with some neat footwork on the edge of our area
to see him jink his way out of danger. His fitness was flagging a
little towards the end but this was a very solid and accomplished
debut.
Making up the trio on the bench were Tom and Luca, evidence of the
strength of this squad. Both played a significant part on this match
with Tom playing both full back positions and centre midfield and Luca
playing on both wings and centre midfield.
The scoring was opened by Max. Midway through the half, we were camped
in the Gotherington half and passing the ball in front of their back
4. Jacob spotted Max' darting run and played the ball. Max still had
work to do and finished over the keepers head. 1-0.
We weren't able to push on from this with Gotherington equalising for
the penalty spot. The striker tripping following a tangle with the
full back. Will, in goal, went the right way but the penalty was too
well struck for him to keep out.
The move of the game followed, Louis and Jorge linked down the left
playing a couple of 1-2's to send Jorge clear for his shot to crash
off the upright. Jorge would hit the post again in the same match.
Today he led the line excellently setting up goals for Jacob and Luca
at the expense of his own ambitions.
With less than 5 minutes to go in the half it looked like it was going
to be 1-1. Jacob them scored with a header from a corner. Luca, on for
Max burst from deep and played his cross which was hit out by the
defence. From the corner, that Jorge took, Jacob rose unchallenged and
saw his header hit the back of the net.
With a couple of minutes remaining we instructed the team to keep it
tight, it was important to go into half time ahead. That we did having
doubled our advantage, again through Jacob. The ball crossed for him
to finish low inside the post. 3-1 and half time.
At the start of the first half we scored again this time through
Freddie who bundled his way through fro midfield and finished into an
empty net having gone through the keeper. 4-1. There was then another
penalty. It went Gotherington's way from a heavy handed challenge.
Could have gone either way really.
It was dispatched goal wards, Will went the right way but it was too
well struck.
4-2.
There were three more goals. Luca restored our 3 goal cushion
following excellent and unselfish work from Jorge. He then doubled his
tally with a fine finish after e ball broke to him I the box.
Gotherington would score from open play and the game finished 6-3.
This was an excellent performance, we looked strong in all areas and
could have had more goals today. Jorge hit the post twice and Louis
saw his goal bound shot cleared off the line. We scored 6 today with 4
players getting onto the score sheet. Excellent work all round.
Sam was MotM, his performances in full back have been growing and
today he was at his marauding best. Making clearances, he has
excellent technique and in the second half playing on the right of
midfield was unlucky not to score himself after being sent clear.
Perhaps the most shocking moment of the game was not any of the goals.
Or any saves made by Will. It wasn't the two penalty decisions or the
change in the weather. It was when Dan G got knocked not just off the
ball but to the ground. Hercules was floored....
I don't expect that to happen again.
Well done lads on another great performance and score line! That was
one of our games in hand and we did what we had to do!
LRFC Cougars (6) v (3) Gotherington U15's
Naunton Park
You could have been forgiven for thinking, that much like the week
before, this game would be a bore of attrition. Having only played the
previous week and drawing 0-0 both teams could have easily felt that
they were going to have the better of the spoils today. That could not
have been further from the truth with what happened today where 9
goals were shared.
The game started in the manner we expected with Gotherington straight
onto the front foot. They showed much more guile in attack than they
had the week before and we were forced into some customary last ditch
defending. When we did have the ball we were neat in possession and
progressed forward in a very measured manner. The full backs able to
push on supporting the midfield.
In the centre Freddie was winning header after header with Ryan ever
industrious at his side. If they ever give up playing football they
should consider fighting crime. Just in front of them Jacob was
controlling things and trying to link play with the wide men, Louis on
the left and Max on the right and Jorge up front. He would go on to
score two goals, the first a header from a corner and then a finish
low into the corner for some excellent build up play.
The back four were excellent, again, today and that they are starting
games and playing together is starting to show. George and Lewis in
the centre have power, pace and ability although Lewis ends to realise
his left foot is not just for standing on. The starting full backs
were Sam and Dan. Both excellent, we then had Tom and Adam who came on
in those roles and performed equally well.
Adam made his debut and was very assured in defence. Adept with either
foot and brave with some headers he made calm clearances and helped to
retain possession with some neat passing. There was even a little
glimpse of his skills with some neat footwork on the edge of our area
to see him jink his way out of danger. His fitness was flagging a
little towards the end but this was a very solid and accomplished
debut.
Making up the trio on the bench were Tom and Luca, evidence of the
strength of this squad. Both played a significant part on this match
with Tom playing both full back positions and centre midfield and Luca
playing on both wings and centre midfield.
The scoring was opened by Max. Midway through the half, we were camped
in the Gotherington half and passing the ball in front of their back
4. Jacob spotted Max' darting run and played the ball. Max still had
work to do and finished over the keepers head. 1-0.
We weren't able to push on from this with Gotherington equalising for
the penalty spot. The striker tripping following a tangle with the
full back. Will, in goal, went the right way but the penalty was too
well struck for him to keep out.
The move of the game followed, Louis and Jorge linked down the left
playing a couple of 1-2's to send Jorge clear for his shot to crash
off the upright. Jorge would hit the post again in the same match.
Today he led the line excellently setting up goals for Jacob and Luca
at the expense of his own ambitions.
With less than 5 minutes to go in the half it looked like it was going
to be 1-1. Jacob them scored with a header from a corner. Luca, on for
Max burst from deep and played his cross which was hit out by the
defence. From the corner, that Jorge took, Jacob rose unchallenged and
saw his header hit the back of the net.
With a couple of minutes remaining we instructed the team to keep it
tight, it was important to go into half time ahead. That we did having
doubled our advantage, again through Jacob. The ball crossed for him
to finish low inside the post. 3-1 and half time.
At the start of the first half we scored again this time through
Freddie who bundled his way through fro midfield and finished into an
empty net having gone through the keeper. 4-1. There was then another
penalty. It went Gotherington's way from a heavy handed challenge.
Could have gone either way really.
It was dispatched goal wards, Will went the right way but it was too
well struck.
4-2.
There were three more goals. Luca restored our 3 goal cushion
following excellent and unselfish work from Jorge. He then doubled his
tally with a fine finish after e ball broke to him I the box.
Gotherington would score from open play and the game finished 6-3.
This was an excellent performance, we looked strong in all areas and
could have had more goals today. Jorge hit the post twice and Louis
saw his goal bound shot cleared off the line. We scored 6 today with 4
players getting onto the score sheet. Excellent work all round.
Sam was MotM, his performances in full back have been growing and
today he was at his marauding best. Making clearances, he has
excellent technique and in the second half playing on the right of
midfield was unlucky not to score himself after being sent clear.
Perhaps the most shocking moment of the game was not any of the goals.
Or any saves made by Will. It wasn't the two penalty decisions or the
change in the weather. It was when Dan G got knocked not just off the
ball but to the ground. Hercules was floored....
I don't expect that to happen again.
Well done lads on another great performance and score line! That was
one of our games in hand and we did what we had to do!
Wednesday, November 26, 2014
Gotherington in the league...
Sunday we return to league action with a match against Gotherington, funny how the fixture computer does this. It's like Cashes Green all over again.
We are the home team and kick off is at 2 so let's meet at 1:15 to set up the pitch and prepare.
Both teams will feel they have the measure of the other following the 0-0 draw this Sunday just gone. What we need to do is make the bigger pitch count and not try to walk the ball into the net.
It's a simple game and if you don't shoot you don't score!
All the games are now tough as we are up there to be beaten. We currently lie third in the league but with games in hand on both teams above us. What we need to do is make those games in hand count!
The squad for this Sunday is notable for two reasons.... Adam will make his debut and we see a return to the squad of Luca following a 6 game absence with a broken wrist.
1. Will F (Captain)
2. George
3. Lewis
4. Sam
5. Hercules
6. Jacob
7. Ryan
8. Freddie
9. Jorge
10. Taylor
11. Louis
12. Adam
13. Luca
We are the home team and kick off is at 2 so let's meet at 1:15 to set up the pitch and prepare.
Both teams will feel they have the measure of the other following the 0-0 draw this Sunday just gone. What we need to do is make the bigger pitch count and not try to walk the ball into the net.
It's a simple game and if you don't shoot you don't score!
All the games are now tough as we are up there to be beaten. We currently lie third in the league but with games in hand on both teams above us. What we need to do is make those games in hand count!
The squad for this Sunday is notable for two reasons.... Adam will make his debut and we see a return to the squad of Luca following a 6 game absence with a broken wrist.
1. Will F (Captain)
2. George
3. Lewis
4. Sam
5. Hercules
6. Jacob
7. Ryan
8. Freddie
9. Jorge
10. Taylor
11. Louis
12. Adam
13. Luca
14. Tom
Ben is unfortunately still injured for this game.
Ben is unfortunately still injured for this game.
Sunday, November 23, 2014
Cougars find voice...
Matthew Wyatt U15 League Cup Semi-Final
Gotherington (0) V (0) LRFC Cougars
LRFC Cougars win 4-5 on Penalties.
The pitch was sticky, the middle like a bog where you might find a neanderthal man buried and preserved. To find him you'd need to be looking down and this match involved far too much looking up. The ball spending a lot of time whizzing through the air, generally towards our goal.
Gotherington have always been a difficult team for us to play against. Last season we were 2-0 up and ended up conspiring to draw 2-2 and this has been a familiar tale over the last few seasons. That their pitch is on the small side of regulation, and apparently was put in place in 1965, does not help us either. This game followed a familiar pattern Gotherington playing a very effective, direct, approach against our passing game. It made for an interesting contest.
We enjoyed the lion share of possession but at 0-0 Gotherington remained a threat on the break. Despite this chances for both sides were few and far between. In the second half particularly we really dominated but failed to make a clear chance. Jorge going close with a looping header was the best we had.
Without dwelling on the game too much there was a significant positive which was that the team is finally finding its voice. George along with Sam was marshaling the back line, Freddie talking and calling in midfield and up front Jorge was leading the line by example. This is what we want, what we have been trying to get the team doing for a very long time. The pass of the game came from such communication.....with play building down our right, Taylor burst forward down the left in acres of space. He shouted for the ball, Dan G looked and switched play putting the ball right into his path, the pass of the match. Taylor did well to get his shot away and the keeper well saved.
At full time it was 0-0. Penalties.
The five caballeros were Jorge, Jacob, George, Max and Freddie. Will in goal. They all scored, excellent penalties. Jorge took the first settled our nerves. The first Gotherington player missed his penalty, the ball hitting the underside of the bar and bouncing out. It would have been an excellent strike and after that the Gotherington penalties were all excellent. Will did get his hand to one but the power took it beyond him. We had the final penalty to win the tie.
We needed someone cool, with presence, a leader of men, a player with cool sophistication and effortless charm, a player that the global audience watching live could get behind. A player that could inspire a generation, bring small children and women to tears, a player who could tame a tiger. A player who could star in an Athena print holding a baby. We didn't have one of those so Freddie took it.
Like Max before him, Freddie put his penalty into the bottom right corner the ball flying straight into the side netting. Perfect!
Each week it gets harder to pick an MotM such is the quality and commitment that we are playing with. Today Ryan was MotM for a performance of committed energy. He does so much destructive work in central midfield and on a heavy pitch like today that is far from easy. Over the last week or two he has also added creativity from midfield and was threading balls through from deep. We are seeing what a player he is.
Next up in the Matthew Wyatt U15 League Cup will be Charlton Rovers Blues, in the semi-final, who beat Bishops Cleeve United 4-1 today. We played them in October winning 3-1. The other semi-final will be between Painswick and the winner of Lydney and Charlton Rovers Reds.
We get to do the same again next week as we face Gotherington at home in the league. Lets learn from this match and make it count next.
Wednesday, November 19, 2014
League Cup Quarter Finals - Gotherington Away
We are in action this weekend in the Quarter Finals of the Matthew
Wyatt U15 Cup v Gotherington. This is an away fixture that will be
played at Malleson Road, Gotherington, GL52 9ET. The pitch is behind
the village hall.
Gotherington have been a tough opposition for us over the years, but
if we play with the intensity, spirit, commitment and quality that we
did against Painswick, in our last match, we are a match for anyone.
Remember that!
The squad for the match will be....
Will (Captain)
George
Lewis
Hercules
Sam
Jacob
Finn
Ryan
Taylor
Freddie
Jorge
Tom
Max
Louis
Wyatt U15 Cup v Gotherington. This is an away fixture that will be
played at Malleson Road, Gotherington, GL52 9ET. The pitch is behind
the village hall.
Gotherington have been a tough opposition for us over the years, but
if we play with the intensity, spirit, commitment and quality that we
did against Painswick, in our last match, we are a match for anyone.
Remember that!
The squad for the match will be....
Will (Captain)
George
Lewis
Hercules
Sam
Jacob
Finn
Ryan
Taylor
Freddie
Jorge
Tom
Max
Louis
Sunday, November 16, 2014
George's orange pants...
Painswick Youth (2) v (2) LRFC Cougars
Imagine lining up your team for a crucial league match against an
opposition you have never beaten or, in fact, got a point off.
If that wasn't hard enough, your squad of 17 players is decimated by
injury, illness and of all things, a grounding, leaving you with 11
fit players. Then one more thing your centre back cannot run because
of a hamstring injury so he goes in goal. Your keeper plays at full
back.
That was part of the story today, the other part was that those 11
players played their hearts out. And their lungs, their spleens and
possibly some other organs too...
Lining up improbably with George in goal, the back 4 from right to
left were Will F, Lewis, Freddie and Taylor. The midfield 4 were,
centrally, Jacob and Ryan, supported by Max and Finn. The link play
was to be Louis hugging the left touch line up front Jorge ploughing a
lone and often fruitless furrow.
First half and we were set up to park the bus. We knew Painswick would
be strong, we also knew that the way the league is playing out they
needed to win. With a paucity of playing resources we needed to
frustrate and defend strong hoping for some magic up front when the
ball broke.
We weathered the initial, inevitable, storm - George in goal making a
couple of saves from long shots. His confidence visibly growing.
Painswick began to exert more pressure forcing us back further and
further. From one of the corners the ball dropped in the centre of the
goal bouncing off the Painswick players groin and falling over the
line. 1-0 and to their credit Painswick did not celebrate the goal
acknowledging the good luck that brought it.
The second goal when it came was also from a corner and very well
worked. The ball played to the back post where the Painswick striker
had peeled off and finished well. 2-0.
It would have been easy to let our heads drop but to the lads credit
they didn't. We won a free kick centrally and close to half way. We
sent Lewis up front and as he sauntered into the box he got the
attention of a couple of the Painswick players. As George sent the
ball direct into the area Jacob was on hand to direct the ball from
close range beyond the keeper into the net. 2-1.
That was the final action of the half. Momentum was firmly with us.
At half time the lads stuffed Jaffa cakes while the message was to
keep going and working for each other.
The second half started and could not have been more different. Max
and Louis were getting on the ball more linking with Jacob and
providing some quality through to Jorge. As Painswick looked a little
lethargic the quality of our passing was starting to flow.
The equalising goal, when it came, was from that interplay. The ball
played to him in the inside right channel. He swivelled and struck a
shot with accuracy and drive into the top left corner. A great goal
and just reward for the shift that Jorge had put in.
With the match poised at 2-2 we needed to play with more discipline
that we normally do. To not take risks at the back. As Painswick piled
on some late pressure they won a succession of corners that we were
equal to, some brave defending and more excellent keeping keeping them
at bay.
The final whistle followed, ending the game at 2-2.
This was an unusual feeling as whenever we have drawn matches before
they have felt more like defeats this was much more than that. This
could have easily been a game that we lost, Painswick had a number of
subs and are a strong side. We had players out of position and no real
options to change anything. We kept the spine of the team as solid as
possible with the more creative players playing in wider positions.
It worked. Taylor and Will were both excellent in full back positions
with Will almost opening the scoring from a long drive that evaded
everyone and hit the post before drifting wide. Taylor stuck to his
task and was brave in the tackle.
Lewis and Freddie were solid through the middle, Lewis' pace getting
us out of trouble on more than one occasion and Freddie's strength and
positional sense not to mention quick feet seeing him able to thwart
attacks and spring our own. Ryan was constant energy, disrupting play
and never giving up. His drive through the middle alongside Jacob kept
the team ticking over. A lot of Ryan's work is unnoticed but not by
his team mates.
Jacob was the MotM for a return to form at exactly the right time.
Busy in midfield,breaking attacks and showing deft touch and skills to
retain possession. He got the goal that got us back into the match and
was a constant threat.
Max, Finn and Louis were playing in unfamiliar roles and having to do
more of the defensive duties than they are used to. They grew into
these positions both having much stronger second halves. They linked
well and When on the ball the Painswick defenders were not able to get
close to them.
Jorge was tireless in his work today. Chasing lost balls and operating
largely on his own. In the first half particularly the gap between him
and the rest of the team was massive. He never tired, he never gave up
and when he had an opportunity he took it with aplomb. He has now
scored 12 this season and they have been absolute blockbusters and
important goals.
At the end of this match the lads were spent, I am sure that everyone
involved with the team was incredibly proud of their effort and
quality on a day where they could have been forgiven for throwing in
the towel. Jacob was MotM but there were 10 other very strong
candidates.
Imagine lining up your team for a crucial league match against an
opposition you have never beaten or, in fact, got a point off.
If that wasn't hard enough, your squad of 17 players is decimated by
injury, illness and of all things, a grounding, leaving you with 11
fit players. Then one more thing your centre back cannot run because
of a hamstring injury so he goes in goal. Your keeper plays at full
back.
That was part of the story today, the other part was that those 11
players played their hearts out. And their lungs, their spleens and
possibly some other organs too...
Lining up improbably with George in goal, the back 4 from right to
left were Will F, Lewis, Freddie and Taylor. The midfield 4 were,
centrally, Jacob and Ryan, supported by Max and Finn. The link play
was to be Louis hugging the left touch line up front Jorge ploughing a
lone and often fruitless furrow.
First half and we were set up to park the bus. We knew Painswick would
be strong, we also knew that the way the league is playing out they
needed to win. With a paucity of playing resources we needed to
frustrate and defend strong hoping for some magic up front when the
ball broke.
We weathered the initial, inevitable, storm - George in goal making a
couple of saves from long shots. His confidence visibly growing.
Painswick began to exert more pressure forcing us back further and
further. From one of the corners the ball dropped in the centre of the
goal bouncing off the Painswick players groin and falling over the
line. 1-0 and to their credit Painswick did not celebrate the goal
acknowledging the good luck that brought it.
The second goal when it came was also from a corner and very well
worked. The ball played to the back post where the Painswick striker
had peeled off and finished well. 2-0.
It would have been easy to let our heads drop but to the lads credit
they didn't. We won a free kick centrally and close to half way. We
sent Lewis up front and as he sauntered into the box he got the
attention of a couple of the Painswick players. As George sent the
ball direct into the area Jacob was on hand to direct the ball from
close range beyond the keeper into the net. 2-1.
That was the final action of the half. Momentum was firmly with us.
At half time the lads stuffed Jaffa cakes while the message was to
keep going and working for each other.
The second half started and could not have been more different. Max
and Louis were getting on the ball more linking with Jacob and
providing some quality through to Jorge. As Painswick looked a little
lethargic the quality of our passing was starting to flow.
The equalising goal, when it came, was from that interplay. The ball
played to him in the inside right channel. He swivelled and struck a
shot with accuracy and drive into the top left corner. A great goal
and just reward for the shift that Jorge had put in.
With the match poised at 2-2 we needed to play with more discipline
that we normally do. To not take risks at the back. As Painswick piled
on some late pressure they won a succession of corners that we were
equal to, some brave defending and more excellent keeping keeping them
at bay.
The final whistle followed, ending the game at 2-2.
This was an unusual feeling as whenever we have drawn matches before
they have felt more like defeats this was much more than that. This
could have easily been a game that we lost, Painswick had a number of
subs and are a strong side. We had players out of position and no real
options to change anything. We kept the spine of the team as solid as
possible with the more creative players playing in wider positions.
It worked. Taylor and Will were both excellent in full back positions
with Will almost opening the scoring from a long drive that evaded
everyone and hit the post before drifting wide. Taylor stuck to his
task and was brave in the tackle.
Lewis and Freddie were solid through the middle, Lewis' pace getting
us out of trouble on more than one occasion and Freddie's strength and
positional sense not to mention quick feet seeing him able to thwart
attacks and spring our own. Ryan was constant energy, disrupting play
and never giving up. His drive through the middle alongside Jacob kept
the team ticking over. A lot of Ryan's work is unnoticed but not by
his team mates.
Jacob was the MotM for a return to form at exactly the right time.
Busy in midfield,breaking attacks and showing deft touch and skills to
retain possession. He got the goal that got us back into the match and
was a constant threat.
Max, Finn and Louis were playing in unfamiliar roles and having to do
more of the defensive duties than they are used to. They grew into
these positions both having much stronger second halves. They linked
well and When on the ball the Painswick defenders were not able to get
close to them.
Jorge was tireless in his work today. Chasing lost balls and operating
largely on his own. In the first half particularly the gap between him
and the rest of the team was massive. He never tired, he never gave up
and when he had an opportunity he took it with aplomb. He has now
scored 12 this season and they have been absolute blockbusters and
important goals.
At the end of this match the lads were spent, I am sure that everyone
involved with the team was incredibly proud of their effort and
quality on a day where they could have been forgiven for throwing in
the towel. Jacob was MotM but there were 10 other very strong
candidates.
Thursday, November 13, 2014
League Match V Painswick
This Sunday we are in league action away to Painswick (not sure why but we have only ever played them away). the match kicks off at 2pm and will be played at King George V Playing Field, Vanderbreen Street, Bisley, GL6-7BN. It's around a 30minute drive and we should meet for 1:30.
Painswick have always been a strong side and currently lie 8th in the league on 6 points having only played 3 matches and losing one. This will be a very stern test of our early season form. Lets make sure that the lads are all well rested and focussed on this match. I have given them permission on Sunday to request breakfast in bed to enable them to rest their limbs as long as possible.... ;)
The squad for the game is as follows.....
- Will (Captain)
- George
- Lewis
- Hercules
- Sam
- Tom
- Jacob
- Ryan
- Freddie
- Finn
- Taylor
- Louis
- Max
- Jorge
Monday, November 10, 2014
New Signing...
We are pleased to announce that we are in the process of signing Adam Fielding to the squad. Adam has been training with us for a few weeks showing the right commitment and ability to add to our squad.
Welcome aboard Adam!
County Cup Blues
GFA County Cup
LRFC Cougars U15 (2) V (3) Fintan FC
This game highlighted the importance of momentum in sport and how finely balanced it can be.
This was an excellent cup match, there was full blooded commitment, ability and drive in both teams. But for better finishing the result could have been different. Fintan started the quicker of the two teams and were direct and strong in their approach play. After that initial 15 minutes or so we started to come into the game and began playing some really great stuff. Freddie and Ryan were tireless in midfield with Ryan catching the eye with a bustling and energetic performance. Up front we struggled to get quality ball to Jorge. When we did he scored, a brave finish at the far post as it loomed into his view.
We had other chances too, Jorge took an excellent shot early and from distance that just flashed past the post. Jacob went close with a header from a corner making too solid a contact if anything. We also had a penalty saved that was taken from a spot that looked more like a bucket than a penalty spot. Had we gone in at 2-0 it felt that Fintan's heads might have dropped. At 1-0 they were very much in the game and given belief with the penalty save.
Second half and again Fintan started strongly again. Momentum had swung in their favour.
They got a goal back following some indecision at the back. 1-1. The complexion of the game changed now with Fintan chasing and appealing everything.
We then scored the goal of the game. We were starting to get on the ball more and get our passing game going. As we built down the left the ball was with Louis. He dragged the ball back to avoid a challenge and then struck a shot from distance that flew over the keep and into the net. A stunning strike. 2-1 and momentum back in our favour. The turning point of the game came in the most fortuitous of circumstances. With the ball pinging around in midfield the Fintan player whacked it forward. It was a clearance, not a shot.
Tell that to the ball. It flew towards our goal and dropped in over Wills head. Impossible to save. 2-2 with around 5 minutes to play. We then panicked a bit and as we were pushing for the winner conceded a third goal as, with no defence to speak of Fintan broke down the right and squared the ball to finish in what i believe the FIFA players call a sweaty goal.
It was the final decisive action.
Had we taken our chances in the first half the game would have been over. We didn't and to Fintan's credit they never gave up.
In training we work on decisiveness in both attacking and defensive positions. Get the clearance away when we are defending and get the shot away when we are attacking. Against Fintan we did, despite conceding 3, defend better, we just lacked that killer instinct in front of goal.
With Painswick in the league our next opponents we will need to make sure we have our shooting boots on.
Ryan was the MotM for a performance of constant energy that saw him at his destructive best. Avery strong performance against a strong opposition.
Wednesday, November 5, 2014
GFA County Cup Match
This Sunday is a return to action following the half term break, we
are at home in the County Cup against Fintan FC.
We know that Fintan are a strong side despite their position in the
league (they are currently 12th with 4 points from 5 games). We should
remember that we have never beaten them.
The forecast for the weekend is pretty horrendous so make sure the
lads have jackets as we have a number of subs and will be rotating.
As we are the home team let's meet for 1:15 so that we can set up the
pitch etc.
The squad for the match will be...
Will F
George
Lewis
Sam
Hercules
Jacob
Ryan
Taylor
Finn
Louis
Freddie
Tom
Max
Jorge
Oh and if we get a penalty in the match Lewis takes it.
are at home in the County Cup against Fintan FC.
We know that Fintan are a strong side despite their position in the
league (they are currently 12th with 4 points from 5 games). We should
remember that we have never beaten them.
The forecast for the weekend is pretty horrendous so make sure the
lads have jackets as we have a number of subs and will be rotating.
As we are the home team let's meet for 1:15 so that we can set up the
pitch etc.
The squad for the match will be...
Will F
George
Lewis
Sam
Hercules
Jacob
Ryan
Taylor
Finn
Louis
Freddie
Tom
Max
Jorge
Oh and if we get a penalty in the match Lewis takes it.
Sunday, November 2, 2014
Back in Training
This Wednesday (05/11) training resumes at the Cheltenham College astro-turf pitch from 1755-1855hrs.
Our next fixture is Sunday (09/11) at home in the GFA County Cup to Fintan.
Our next fixture is Sunday (09/11) at home in the GFA County Cup to Fintan.
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