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?
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