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.....
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