Sunday April 12th
Charlton Rovers Reds (2) V (7) LRFC Cougars
The first half of this game, actually the first half of the first half saw the Cougars play some of their best football in what seemed like a long time. Failing to score in their last two matches they vanquished any thoughts of crisis with an opening display that set the tone of the match and assured the victory.
The attacking quartet, playing into the wind, managed the conditions perfectly with their quality in possession telling very early. The opening goal came from Jorge who was put through brilliantly by Jacob, playing wide on the right. Lifting the ball over the defender it dropped in Jorge's path for him to lob it over the keeper. Nice finish, 1-0.
The second goal came from a similar route. Jacob enjoying a lot of space wide right was sent through by Tommy, playing number 10, he crossed into the box where Luca was waiting he controlled the ball and finished past the keeper 2-0.
Jacob would then score himself capping an influential period for him and to make it 3-0 with barely 15 minutes played.
As good as the attacking players were the platform was provided by the midfield and defence that kept the pressure on the Reds and won possession back. Tom in centre midfield showed remarkable fitness levels that even those of us that have seen him perform like this are still amazed and impressed by. Playing alongside Ryan there was little chance that the Reds would breach that unit. The back four held firm, George restored following injury and with Lewis out Freddie dropping back alongside him. In full back positions Adam and Dan G.
In the first half the wind played a significant part with long passes hit by the Reds running out of play. With the angle of the wind Dan G was the busier of the full-backs and he played accordingly. Always motivated when playing against his old team today was no different.
Will made an excellent save early on and as the first half progressed needed to be secure in his handling as Reds hit long shots that flew at the goal, wind assisted.
The first half ended 3-0 to the Cougars and with some of the best football we have played being on display.
Reds came out for the second half much more determined and pushed the Cougars back into their own half and penalty box. A resultant corner saw the Reds awarded a penalty for pushing. The penalty was scored emphatically, a thunderbolt high to Wills left. He went the right way - he always does......
As the game progressed the outlet for the Cougars was on the wing and on the right where Luca had replaced Jacob. Outpacing his marker he finished low from an acute angle to bag his brace. The hat-trick would follow in similar fashion with his fourth being all about desire and anticipation. With the Reds defence failing to deal with the clearance he raced onto the loose ball to beat the keeper from close range. Louis would also score with a shot/cross that drifted on the wind over the keeper.
The Reds would score their second goal with a fine individual effort from their number 8. Running from deep his powerful shot evading Will.
Tommy came close to opening his account for the Cougars. Luca reaching a ball down the left and playing it across goal but behind Tommy's run. Tommy hung a leg out but ended up somehow back-heeling the ball clear!
There was a lot of quality on display today, Cougars passed the ball excellently and attacked as a unit. The trio of Jacob, Tommy and Luca behind Jorge worked hard, linked well and showed the right desire and power that Reds could not cope with. That Cougars were three goals up inside 15minutes is testament to this. This was Tommy's best game for the Cougars so far, he's settling into the side and starting to influence play as he learns about his team mates and how we play.
Defensively cougars were strong today, rotation did not affect our stability. Freddie started at centre back, Dan G also played there as did Ryan for much of the second half. In full back Dan G and Adam started but were replace with Sam and Tom as the game progressed. Ben came on in centre midfield to apply some composure on the ball and, as ever, did not put a foot wrong.
Tom and Jacob were serious contenders for the MotM but when a player scores four goals then it's hard not to give it to them. Well done to Luca but more importantly well done to all the lads for a serious team performance that puts us back on the right road.
With Painswick beating Lydney both teams are coming into form as the final approaches. Cougars are still pushing for 2nd in the league and need to maintain this form over the final 3 league matches. Next up are Cashes Green on 19/04.
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