Remaining Fixtures

​Our remaining league fixtures have been confirmed and updated on the Cheltenham Town Youth League Full-Time site. ​

They are...

Sunday 12/04 - Charlton Rovers Reds 

Sunday 19/04 - Cashes Green Youth

Wednesday 22/04 - Charlton Rovers Blues 

Sunday 26/04 - Gotherington Juniors

All the fixtures are away matches with kick-off's at 2pm except the fixture on 22/04 which being a Wednesday kicks off at 1830hrs. 

There is then the League Cup Final on Sunday 03/05 with kick-off at 1340hrs. 

With some rescheduling of matches there are gaps in availability... please review the availability document and if there's a gap please email me ASAP.

Sunday 22/03 - Fixture Cancelled

The league match against Charlton Rovers Blues this Sunday has been
cancelled with them forfeiting the fixture. We get the three points
but lose a match which is a shame.

Enjoy the weekend!

Charlton Rovers Blues

Sunday we are in action again, this time away from home, against Charlton Rovers Blues. This is the team that came back very strongly against us in the league cup semi-final only to then lose on penalties. That performance will buoy them and particularly as we have lost our last two matches.

Lets make sure we work hard, defend as a unit and attack as a unit like we were trying to do in training yesterday.

The game will be played at Sappercombe Lane, Off Horsefair Street, GL53-8NF, with kick-off at 2pm lets meet at 1:30.

The squad for the game will be...

1. Will 

2. Lewis

3. Ben

4. Tom

5. Hercules

6. Jacob

7. Luca

8. Sam

9. Jorge

10. Max

11. Tommy

12. Finn

13.  Freddie

14. Ryan
15. Adam

Lets play with the flair and drive we showed in the early season. Work hard and be brave!

LRFC Cougars (0) v (2) Painswick Youth

This was a game of two halves and while LRFC didn't deserve to really
get anything from the game they should have plenty of heart going into
the league cup final against the same team.

The first half and Painswick were cutting through the LRFC midfield
as though it wasn't there. Their desire, movement and passing much
better than LRFC's despite the continual efforts of Freddie and Ryan
in holding positions and the back 4. When in possession LRFC were too
stretched and unable to keep the ball. It should be remembered that
Painswick they were playing down the slope and with the wind. That's
not to make any excuses because they were the better team. LRFC were
just unable to get any cohesion in their passing and team play.

The opening goal came from good build up play to see Painswick into
the LRFC box. With the striker forced wider and wider he squeezed a
shot in from an improbable angel with some help for a bobble on the
dry ground. 1-0 and while the goal had some good fortune about it it
was with the run of play.

The pattern of play continued and LRFC changed formation moving to
more of a 4-3-3. While this narrowed their play it meant that they
were not so overrun in midfield. Tom coming on to replace Louis and
playing in typical style. Breaking up play and confident in his
dribbling.

Max also came onto the pitch replacing Jorge with Luca moving to
striker to try and stretch play with his pace. This did push Painswick
back a little as the threat up from from LRFC was different, with some
space developing LRFC were able to retain possession and Tommy hit a
stunning strike from distance only to see it crash off the crossbar.

Painswicks second goal came from the penalty spot. As the striker
raced into the box he drew the foul - the decision was an easy one.
Will went the right way, he always does, but was unable to reach the
shot. 2-0 and how the game would finish.

Where LRFC struggled in this match was in matching an opponent that
passed the ball very well leaving them chasing shadows. When they were
able to get the ball LRFC were relying on individual magic to try and
create something rather than building team play. This was more as a
result of the midfield being forced back to defend and the gap between
defence and attack being so great. As the game progressed and LRFC
attacked more and put more attacking players on there were gaps at the
back.

Tom on at least two occasions squeezed every ounce of energy and pace
from his legs to make some last ditch tackles and emerge with
possession. This was an MotM performance for his tough tackling, last
ditch covering and retaining of possession under pressure. Reminiscent
of a young Cafu.

The second half LRFC played much better although still lacked the
energy to support the attacker when we had possession. The game would
finish 2-0. For the second game in succession LRFC failed to score. In
this match they barely mustered a shot. For all Painswick played the
better football Will did not really have any significant saves to
make. This may be because Painswick had taken their foot of the gas
but at this level that rarely happens.

Once again LRFC finished without first choice centre backs. George is
still injured meaning they started with Jacob alongside Lewis. While
this made sense tactically at the start of the match LRFC need Jacob
to be playing further forward. With Lewis coming off at half time,
along with Sam, both of whom were carrying knocks and aches Dan G was
played centrally alongside Freddie, switching with Jacob.

Adam continued his excellent recent form by doing the simple things
well. Always assured with the ball played to him and in the tackle he
was a real contender for the MotM.

What was missing was LRFC playing as a team. This was as much to do
with the manner that Painswick approached the game as anything.

LRFC has an opportunity to put this right on May 3rd in the League Cup
Final. This game is far from being out of their reach, they just need
to believe more. While they were outplayed they only lost 2-0 to a
goal with some fortune about it and a penalty.

With players returning from injury this will help their squad as they
will not need to play players out of position to cover the gaps.
Essential will be a fully fit squad. On that performance Painswick are
the best the best team that LRFC has faced so far. Can they play that
well again?

*****Cup Final Update*****

The Cup Final, where we will meet Painswick, will be played on Sunday May 3rd at Cheltenham Town FC. The match time is yet to be confirmed. 

The squad details and shirt numbers need to be confirmed to the league to be put into the programme. The following is the list as i have it with the shirt number then the player name....can you message me if this is incorrect before Sunday 15/03 evening - I will then send it to the league on Monday.

1. William Fenley

2. Freddie Palmer

3. Daniel Griffiths

4. Sam Hansson-Willey

6. George Garrad

6. Ben Higgs

7. Luca Bosano

8. Lewis Carter

9. Daniel Hodgin

10. Jacob Burgess

11. Tommy Callinan

12. Tom Carter

15. Taylor Unett

15. George Mooney

17. Finn McDonnell

20. Louis Casey

21. Max Timothy

23. Ryan Coldridge

24. Adam Fielding

Note this message has also been posted to our Facebook page.

Sunday 15/03 - Painswick at home

Being a Division 1 side means one thing for certain; the big games come thick and fast.

No sooner are we over the Lydney result than we have Painswick. In unusual developments we, for the first time ever, get to play them at Naunton Park. We should remember what happened last time we played them where we drew 2-2 with a squad that can best be described as unbalanced. George was in goal, Will played at full back and hit the post. Taylor played left back. It was a heroic performance. 

There is also the added spice that this will be a dress rehearsal for the cup final which will be played in early May. 

Kick off is at 2pm so lets meet for 1:15 so we can set-up the pitch etc... 

The squad for this match will be...

1. Will (Captain)
2. Lewis
3. Freddie
4. Jacob
5. Adam
6. Sam
7. Luca
8. Jorge
9. Taylor
10. Tommy
11. Ryan
12. Louis
13. Hercules
14. Max

Tom is to be confirmed depending on how his tennis goes on Saturday. Lets hope their loss is our gain.

Ben and Finn are both unavailable and George and Dan are still recovering from injury. 

Game. Heads. On.

Training Cancelled - 11/03

Note that due to other commitments training this Wednesday (11/03) at the College is cancelled. 

As homework the lads should be encouraged to go for a 20-30 minute run. Lets see who does it!

LRFC COugars (0) V (1) Lydney Youth

This was a significant game against title rivals, to remain in direct contention we needed to win that would have put Lydney a point ahead of us with everything to play for over the remaining few games. What might have been. While the league now looks a dream the fat lady has not sung and a lot can happen.

When setting up the squad for the game the significance of the fixture was highlighted but it was moderated with the message that if we lose then so be it but lets make sure we do so giving it everything. We did lose, narrowly 1-0, but we gave it everything and everyone can hold their head high.

We lined up in our usual formation but with three of our consistent starters in the back four unavailable through illness and injury meant a radical change. Freddie and Jacob were unconventional centre-backs, Sam familiar in the right back slot and Adam coming in on the left. in front of them the midfield shield was Ryan with Ben. The attacking trio was Louis, Luca and Taylor with Jorge up front. On the bench Finn, Tom and Tommy, making his debut. A strong starting lineup and strong bench.

Lydney started very strong, a very direct style with two up front when they had the ball. The defenders as soon as they received the ball hitting it long and forward. The strikers already on the move anticipating the direct play. This had the affect of making our midfield drop deeper leaving too large a gap between the midfield and attack. We started slow, don't we always, and weather the initial onslaught. Some last ditch defending and safe handling from Will in goal keeping Lydney out. Jacob and Freddie were winning the ball in the air and had the ability to play it out. On the wings Sam and Adam had little defending to do and were able to support attacks frequently. When we had possession we were under pressure immediately and struggled to put some passes together. Turnover in possession was frequent. 

The pattern of play continued and slowly LRFC started to come into the game. With space out wide LRFC were trying to hit Jorge too early and then too slow to support him. Luca in the number 10 was doing more defensive work and the wingers, Taylor and Louis did not get much to work with. It was 0-0 and LRFC tend to start slow. 

The opening goal came just before the midway point in the first half. Lydney breaking down the right and maintaining possession. As the LRFC defence moved across and the midfield dropped to support there was a big space in the middle of the box. The ball was played across and there was the Lydney player to stroke home unchallenged 0-1. Plenty of time. 

This woke up the LRFC players who pressed for a quick retaliation. The ball was in the net but the linesmans flag was up well before the ball was even struck. Shame as it was a smart finish. Now in possession LRFC were starting to put passes together and link play. Pulling Lydney out of position but unable to get close enough to their goal to put them under real danger. Following a substitution, Ben coming off to be replace by Tommy there was the moment of the match...

Attacking just outside the Lydney area the ball was played forward and half cleared by the defence. Tommy siezed onto the loose ball and struck a superb volley that was dipping towards goal and would have flown in under the cross bar. Just when everyone was thinking that was the equaliser the goal keeper somehow stretched his hand and was strong enough to push it over the bar. It was an excellent shot and unfortunately for LRFC and equally excellent save. 

Before half time LRFC would create one further chance, Luca breaking down the left and seeing his clipped shot under pressure drift agonisingly wide of the goal with the keeper beaten. 

Half time, only 1-0 and still with time. There was enough in the final moments of the game for LRFC to believe that they could get something out of it. 

The second half started in direct contrast to the first. Lydney getting the ball down and playing more through the midfield. Ryan was at his combustible best and must have run twenty miles through the game. there cannot be a player that has made more tackles in the Cheltenham Youth League this season than the quiet man of the team. LRFC made further changes with Finn and Tom coming on. Tom as a libero and Finn on the wing. We started to get more possession and were linking well. The slope of the pitch and wind making a difference. 

The full backs continued to catch the eye and Jacob and Freddie were developing a formidable partnership. Jacob was even heard to shout during the game. Excellent!

As the game continued LRFC pressed forward more and more leaving them vulnerable on the counter. As Lydney reverted to the long ball their striker pairing were unable to capitalise playing crosses too long or passes just short. At 1-0 the game is finely balanced and they must have sensed that themselves. As LRFC pressed any shots on goal were too weak to trouble the keeper. Lydney sticking to their task of blocking and fighting for everything. Under that pressure the LRFC forward players struggled to put realpressure on their goal. 

LRFC made some final personnel changes as time ticked on and maintained pressure with a succession of corners but the strike on goal let alone the goal just wouldn't come. At the final whistle Lydney celebrated like they had won the league. The LRFC players were down but had given a sterling account of themselves. 1-0 the final score. Only the second game we have failed to score in this season. 

There was so much that this LRFC team should take from this game. It was a top of the table clash and although they came up short they never gave up. This was a game where the LRFC centre backs were unavailable leaving the team short of options in more attacking positions as midfielders had to deputise. Freddie and Jacob were excellent back there and maybe Lewis and George will have to work harder to get their places back. Sam at right back buried himself for the team and with only a couple of minutes remaining had to come off as he had nothing left. Adam on the left had an excellent match, keeping it simple and defending first. As the game wore on and LRFC pressed forward he was linking excellently with his winger and starting to communicate. This was something that in games like these needs to be remembered. 

Where matches are tight and the opposition strong and combative players should concentrate on doing the simple things first. Receive the ball and get it under control before moving it quickly. In matches like this one speculative tricks and weak flicks serve to put teams under pressure when they don't come off. With the destructive work being done by the holding pair and back 4 possession should be valued. There were too many instances of LRFC players not getting the ball under control and keeping possession. In their remaining fixtures this is something that LRFC needs to learn from. 

The versatility of the LRFC squad was evident again, midfielders as centre backs, wingers and midfielders rotating through different attacking and defending positions and performing well. The understanding between the players is evident as is their spirit. They fought to the end and should be rightly proud of their efforts. 

Men of the match were Freddie and Ryan although in truth any all of the back four were strong candidates. Ryan is simply a workhorse and whatever he is eating before games should be marketed as rocket fuel. He continues to be a remarkable player for this team. As does Freddie, at centre back he was strong agile and determined, leading the team by example and showing real leadership. 

With five league games remaining there is always a chance that Lydney could yet slip up, there is also the small matter of Painswick who are sneaking up on the rails. The fat lady hasn't sung yet but she is warming up.....

LRFC Quiz Night - 20th March

Unique Raffle for "Tea and Tour of the Houses of Parliament"

Martin Horwood, our MP, has kindly offered the club "Tea and Tour in the Houses of Parliament" for four people.

If you are interested, please email your details (as per the instruction below) to davepitts@blueyonder.co.uk. Your name will be entered into the draw which will take place at the Club's Quiz Night on Friday 20th March 2015.

Email Subject :: HoP Raffle

Email details required :: Number of Raffle tickets being purchased

                                      Surname & Initials of people buy tickets

Name of associated LRFC team

Each raffle ticket costs £5 and you will be advised how to pay once you have registered your interest.

Division 1 Fixture - Lydney (08/03)

Sunday we have a top of the table clash against Lydney who currently sit in top spot with 4 more points for the same amount of games played. 

This will be a real 6-pointer. We did beat Lydney convincingly earlier this season although we should in no way expect a game like that this time around. They have shown incredible consistency in winning 12 games and losing only the 1 against us.  

To show how close we are as teams and how tight Sunday will be our records are very similar. Lydney have scored 50 goals and conceded only 19 compared to our 52 scored and 19 conceded. Very little in it. 

The match will be played at The Burrows (Moorend Grove, Leckhampton, GL53-0HA). We are the home team so should meet at 1:15 ahead of the 2pm kick off. We currently have a referee appointed for this match and lets hope it stays that way. 

We, again, have a full squad for this match. With George and Dan still injured and Max unavailable it shows the importance of having a large quality squad. 

1. Will (Captain)

2. Lewis

3. Freddie

4. Sam

5. Hercules

6. Ryan

7. Taylor

8. Finn

9. Luca

10. Jacob

11. Tom

12. Tommy

13. Jorge

14. Louis

15. Adam

16. Ben

Game. Heads. On.

Finalists!

A real game of two halves and had here been another 10 minutes or so of play there was probably only one team that would have won it and it wasn't the team in green.  

The game started so well and Jorge finished with real panache inside two minutes of play. Picking up the ball in the wide left position he hit an improbable shot with the outside of his right foot that flew into the top right corner. An excellent strike and 1-0. With a goal scored this fast we could be forgiven for thinking it was going to be a formality. Our second goal was hit into the same corner and was a rare goal for Lewis. He sent his free kick from barely inside our half flying forward with the keeper only able to palm it over his head and into the top corner. 2-0. Although 2 goals up we were struggling for fluency and not creating the chances that our possession deserved. There was space out wide but we were unable to exploit it. With Blues defending stoutly it was increasingly difficult. Our third goal came from some wing play. Luca driving into the box and finishing well from a tight angle. 

The second half was a completely different story. The Blues pulled one back from a penalty after Tom instinctively used his hands as the last man. It was a penalty but there was no card given as the referee believed the ball to be going wide so no goal scoring opportunity was denied. Will dived the right way but could not reach the shot. 3-1.

We continued for fluency in the game although were enjoying long spells of possession,  what we were not doing was creating chances or more accurately not taking shots when we were in the box. We are not Arsenal, we do not need to walk the ball into the net. We need to take opportunities as they are presented and too many times we just didn't. As the game continued the Blues came into it more and more. Defending strongly and showing increasing quality when attacking our end. They pulled it back to 3-2 and we looked shaky. 

With 5 minutes remaining the unthinkable happened and Blues scored an equalizer. 3-3. The referee blew the final whistle and that was it. Penalties. Had there been extra time the Blues would have probably won. They had their tails up and were on the rise. By contrast we looked cold, wet and drained. Will did a grand job as captain telling the lads this very fact and telling them that they needed to wake up and snap out of it. 

The penalty takers were Jorge, Lewis, Jacob, Luca and Freddie. Blues started and scored, Will went the right way, as he did for every penalty, but just couldn't reach the ball. Jorge then strode up confidently and put his penalty away. confidence was restored as this has been our third shoot-out this season and we had won the previous two (against Cashes and then Gotherington). Blues scored their second, Lewis his, Blues their third and then Jacob, always reliable, scored his. 3-3 with two remaining.

The fourth blues penalty was struck well enough but struck the upright and went wide. Luca scored his penaly. Blues scored their 5th to make it 4-4. We then needed a player with an iron nerve (although different language was used on the pitch). Up strode Freddie who buried his penalty. 5-4. the lads went mad - that's another cup final appearance! 

Lewis was MotM, playing centre back he was dominant, winning headers and making tackles and clearances. Showing much better reading of the game and taking control of situation. He scored a quite memorable goal and took a reluctant penalty very well. A really excellent performance. 

On reflection this was an odd game we had a 3 goal lead but never really got going. We had the majority of possession but never really created chances. We were neat in possession and did string passes together but lacked that final ball or moment when we could make it count. Conditions played a part and with weather that would have brought hardened trawlermen to tears. The wind and rain driving down across the field making it a very tough experience for our excellent spectators. 

We are in the final which will be played at Whaddon Road at the end of the season. Between now and then we have a cup final every week. With difficult division 1 fixtures and teams competing at the top we need to get the winning habit and maintain it. 

Well done to the lads today - not our best performance but irrelevant on a day when it was only the result that mattered.