Weekend Off

Our fixture on 4th October against Quedgeley has been postponed. We have no match now until 11th so enjoy your weekend off! 

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Marcus Bosano
email mbosano@gmail.com   
tel. +44 (0)7973 659 628
LinkedIn http://uk.linkedin.com/in/marcusbosano

Fixture Rearrranged

Our league match against Quedgeley Wanderers on 4th October has been rearranged for February. 

It is likely that there will be a replacement fixture organised for this weekend. Watch this space for updates.

Under 16
From:
SUN 04 OCT 2015 14:00
Quedgeley Wanderers U16 -v- Leckhampton Rovers Cougars U16
Status: Postponed
Venue: Waterwells, Quedgeley #2
To:
SUN 07 FEB 2016 14:00
Quedgeley Wanderers U16 -v- Leckhampton Rovers Cougars U16
Status: Normal
Venue: Waterwells, Quedgeley #2

Cheltenham Youth League U16's - League Table and Results 27/09

A classic game of two halves

This was LRFC's 4th match of the season and having played and beaten
the teams that finished above them last season it was important that
they did not slip up today. In one fell swoop they would undo all that
good work and let other teams back into the challenge.

This message was spelled out clearly at the start of the match with
the coaching staff wary of complacency.

That LRFC went a goal down was not what anyone was expecting. That
manner of the goal had some fortune about it but was nonetheless well
taken. A mix up between defenders giving the Abbeymead striker a
chance that he could not fail to miss. This goal really buoyed
Abbeymead and for the rest of the half they were the stronger side.
They were first to the loose balls, more combative when the ball was
in the air and generally looked a bit faster, taller and stronger than
the LRFC team.

LRFC made a number of changes to playing personnel to plug the gaps
and strengthen the side. The issue identified was midfield where they
were being overrun. The more creative players were sacrificed for
those that will tackle and challenge, to take the sting out of the
game and then make changes to push for goals.

It was not all Abbeymead but the chances that LRFC created were blazed
over or wide.

At half time Abbeymead were leading 1-0.

The team talk at half time was to energise the team, the performance
in the first half was flat. No communication, no zip or energy. The
players were lethargic but the message must have got through.

Within 30 seconds of the restart LRFC scored a goal. A fine piece of
individual skill and tenacity from their wide striker. The tempo was
set and Abbeymead found themselves camped in their own half for large
periods of the match defending as LRFC enjoyed the majority of
possession. Chances came and those that were on target the keeper was
the equal of.

Abbeymead did create one excellent chance that saw the LRFC keeper
make a save that he had no right to. Breaking down the left wing the
shot was hit with power and flying towards the top corner. The LRFC
keeper, at full stretch, got a strong hand to it diverting it around
the post for a corner. A remarkable save.

With less than 10 minutes remaining the game was still at 1-1. It
looked a case of whoever scored next would win the match and this
proved to be the case. The LRFC front players linking well for the
left winger to race through and score beyond the keepers dive.
Excellent link up play between both wide men. The third goal from the
same route, the left winger outpacing the defender to score.

Finally LRFC could relax. The final whistle followed shortly
registering a 3-1 win.

The way this LRFC team played in the two halves could not have been
more different. I the first half there was no tempo to the play and
with Abbeymead playing very direct and through the middle LRFC
regressed to the same. Rather than use the patterns of play that had
got the results so far this season they played straight lines down the
middle that for the Abbeymead defenders was simple. Once they started
playing with purpose and pace out wide they got their rewards.

Communication remains a significant issue for this team to address and
mix-ups between defenders will surely be punished by stronger teams as
the season progresses. It's an easy fix but one that only the players
can do themselves.

There are always positives and the way this team adapted to the
changes made in order to get a foothold in the game and then turn that
to victory should not be underestimated. This is a strong squad, they
are working for each other now they just need to speak up.....


Dan (A) was motm for setting things up for a much better second half.
A fine goal and a hand in the other two. His injection of pace and
drive lifted the team. Other performances of note were Alf,
particularly when playing centrally, who showed some great touches and
strength, Ryan who started from the subs bench then made up for it by
doing the work of at least 3 players. Freddie who is Mr consistent and
Ben who is becoming week-by-week an accomplished centre back. Luca
caught the eye with two more goals and in the second half across the
squad there was improvement.

League Match - Home to Abbeymead

Sunday we are in league action at home to Abbeymead.

Abbeymead currently sit 8th in the league, after two matches, having beaten Quedgeley and then losing to Longlevens.

We need to make sure we approach this game with the same focus and desire as we did the last two or those results will count for nothing.

The match will be at Naunton Park with kick-off at 2pm. Lets meet at 1:15 to set up etc and so on...

Squad for the match will be....

1. Will (Captain)
2. Lewis
3. Ben
4. Adam
5. Dan G
6. Sam
7. Jacob
8. Ryan
9. Freddie
10. ​Ryan
11. Alf​
    
    
12. Max
13. Tommy
14. Luca
15. Jorge
16. Dan A

​See you Sunday!

Football Fitness...

Every workout day you have you NEED to run. No skipping out on this - it's the most important aspect. Since soccer is an endurance sport you should run for an amount of time not a distance. Here is a basic lay-out:

• Week 1-Stretch. Run for 15 minutes. Cool down walk. Stretch.
• Week 2-Stretch. Run for 25 minutes. Cool down walk. Stretch....and so on and so forth just increasing the time each week until your running about 40 minutes everyday. Once you are stay at that time.

http://m.wikihow.com/Get-Fit-for-Soccer 

Three in Three

LRFC U16's (5) v (4) Lydney

This was a real ding-dong of a football match.

Lydney won the league last season and on the evidence of today you
could see why. They have a definite way of playing, they never give up
and show real quality too. The game though was decided ultimately by
pace.

LRFC started the game in blistering fashion with Dan and Luca
providing the spark in the opening exchanges. Lydney when they had the
ball played it direct and were winning the first ball and second ball.
Some sterling defending by Tom, Ben, Lewis and Adam keeping them at
bay and in front of them Ryan and Freddie getting busy. Despite
Lydney's early pressure it was LRFC that looked the most likely to
score. Dan on the right wing linking well with Tommy in the number 10
and Jorge starting up front.

The opening goal came from Luca, breaking forward with typical
directness down the left wing the keeper moved out from the near post
leaving a gap for Luca to slot in to. This was followed by a second
goal very quickly from similar dynamic play and a link up with Dan A
that shows massive promise as they are both sharp, direct and with
pace to burn. Jorge marked his return to the starting line up with a
fine finish inside the box for some really flowing football.

LRFC found themselves 3-0 up inside 15 minutes. A fantastic score line
but with a lot of football to play. Lydney kept piling the pressure,
their heads not dropping.

The pattern of play then started to shift in favour of Lydney and they
pulled a goal back to make it 3-1 with a goal from a free kick. A more
sweetly struck free kick you will not see at this level. The ball flew
over the wall and right into the top corner. Will went the right way
but just could not reach it. It was perfect.

Lydney would score their second from the penalty spot. The penalty was
given for a foul in the box although none of the players really called
for it. The penalty was finished with aplomb. Will went the right way,
he always does, but although he got a touch it was too powerfully
struck.

LRFC restored their two-goal advantage with an attack from kick off to
make it 4-2 going into half time. Jorge finishing what was not an easy
chance from close range after some outstanding work from Dan on the
right wing.

Second half and LRFC were under pressure from the start. Lydney
determined to get something from the game. Lydney scored early in the
half to make it 4-3. They got their 4th from a corner. The ball being
played into the box and the Lydney player powering through the middle
unchallenged to get the goal. 4-4 and Lydney in the ascendency.

The game defining moment would come soon after this. Luca, playing
wide left, was put through and as he raced into the box the full back
closed him down. He got past him and as he did so had his shirt pulled
dragging him to the floor as he shot wide.

It was a correctly given penalty and a booking. The ref went one stage
further sending the player off as he was the last man. Whilst this
seemed harsh in the context of youth football and there was surprise
all around those are the laws of the game. The penalty was finished by
Luca who steered the ball into the top right corner. 5-4 and how the
game would end.

After the game went to 5-4 Lydney threw everything at LRFC. They
worked and pressed all over the pitch and it did not look like they
were playing with 10 men. LRFC struggled to keep the ball and strong
more than a couple of passes together, such was the pressure and
commitment showed by Lydney. LRFC did though, continue to defend and
do so stoutly.

It was enough and at the final whistle they had won the game 5-4.

The opening 15 minutes or so saw LRFC play some of the best football
that they have done, ever. This was followed by a period that can be
marked down as defensive and obdurate. As good as LRFC were in the
initial exchanges they could not find a rhythm at all such was
Lydney's approach to the game and determination.

It should also be noted that LRFC did hit the bar from a lovely move
where Adam, motm today, switched play from the left side to the right,
the ball dropping perfectly to Dan whose shot hit the post and drifted
out. The move was deserving of a goal.

The way this LRFC team plays means the full backs do a lot of work.
Defending and supporting midfield. The three players in those
positions today all have different styles and had excellent games. Tom
is a nuisance to the opposition and can dribble seemingly through
brick walls. He had a tough game today and was under pressure
physically from the start. Sam is cultured on the ball and always
available, with the game in front of him he rarely puts a foot wrong.
Then today there was Adam. His first half performance was put
standing, winning headers, calling for the ball and making challenges.
That he is two footed saw him particularly effective today.

In midfield Tommy earned a start and was elegant in possession.
Picking up the ball deep and looking to thread it wide or forward at
every opportunity. Behind him were Freddie and Ryan who have the
simple brief to be destructive. They are very good at this.

LRFC had a strong bench today with Ollie, Jacob, Sam and Alf starting
there. Alf came on and played a couple of positions centrally looking
a real threat breaking forward from deep. Something for the LRFC
management to consider in future games. Ollie had a mixed bag of an
afternoon, with Lydney on the rise he found little space to work in
and when he did, and was brought down, he was booked for diving. Jacob
proved his value to the team playing the deep midfielder and also in
the number 10 role defending from the front.

LRFC should take a massive lift from this result and for the opening
period of the game where they were untouchable. What they need to
consider is how to keep enforcing their play against an opponent that
will not quit. It is too simplistic to say it is about fitness but
this is a part of it.

To win the opening three games and in the process beat the two teams
that finished above them in the league is an excellent start to a long
season.

LRFC face Abbeymead next in the league. A team that sits in 8th spot
having beaten Quedgeley 4-3 and losing to Longlevens 5-0. In contrast
LRFC, having played a game more than most of the league, sit at the
top with three wins from three.

LRFC Quiz Night - 14th November 2015

The LRFC quiz night will take place on Saturday 14th November. The Cougars are defending champions and have actually won the last two editions of this. There is a bar and it's an entertaining night. It would be great if we had two teams - perhaps a mums team and a dad's team?

Any volunteers to captain a side please let me know...

League Match - home to Lydney

Sunday we are in league action again with a match at home to Lydney. We should remember that Lydney won the league last season and so will be a tough opposition. We should also remember that we did beat them 3-0 last season (they also beat us 1-0!).

 

What does this all mean? It's simple - we are two very good teams who will be playing a tough match for 3 points.

Lydney started their 2015/16 campaign last weekend with a 6-1 win against Longlevens.

Lets meet at Naunton Park at 1:15 for the 2pm kick off...

 

The squad for this match that will be...

1. Will (Captain)
2. Lewis
3. Ben
4. Adam
5. Sam
6. Tom
7. Jacob
8. Freddie
9. Ryan
10. Alf
11. Jorge
12. Tommy
13. Luca
14. Ollie
15. Dan A

The all powerful Dan G and his trusty sidekick Max are both unavailable for this fixture.

Old Cougarian doing some work for Charity...

Remember Eric? Tall chap. Father to Will. Walks a lot. You must remember..... anyway having walked to basecamp Everest previously he's now walking to the summit of Kilimanjaro and looking to raise money for a local charity called Grippers. If you'd like to support his endeavour then you can do so via this link.

https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/kilimanjarogrippers

Why he can't just make do with Leckhampton Hill is beyond me.....

Photo's from LRFC V Southside Star (6th Sept 2015)

Thanks to Andy Thomas for these photo's from our season opener against Southside Star...

LRFC beat Painswick

LRFC U16's (3) V (1) Painswick Youth

Last season Painswick finished 2nd in the league, behind Lydney, and ahead of the LRFC Cougars. Although this was only the second match of the season it's reach could be right through to the end when the final shake-up takes place. There was some additional narrative with the LRFC Cougars beating Painswick in the U15's Cup Final having failed to beat them in any previous match. This was though a different LRFC team. The team that won the final had to play an unbalanced side and approach - with excellent recruitment over the summer, quality players already in the squad and a sprinkling of magic from the coaching staff (!) today was different.

Acknowledging that Painswick were very strong when in possession and through the middle of the pitch where their sharp passing is very effective LRFC altered their formation. Playing 4-5-1. This saw three holding players deployed centrally with two flying wingers and a pace up front. Will was in goal, the back four were Sam, Ben, Lewis and Tom. The holding three of Ryan, Freddie and Jacob, outside them Ollie on the right and Luca on the left. Dan A was up front. On the bench, Dan G, Adam, Jorge, Max and Tommy.

The thinking being to close out the space in the middle and then use the abundant pace of the wingers and striker to turn Painswick around and take the game to them. 

As predicted Painswick started strong. they are a big powerful side and in previous seasons would have brushed this LRFC team aside. This LRFC side is different now and showed incredible spirit and work rate to close down and win the ball. In the early exchanges retaining possession was difficult but as the game wore on beyond the first 10 minutes or so started to play more accomplished football. The wingers were the threat and had the beating of all the Painswick defensive unit bar the one full back. As good as he is he could not be in three places at once. 

LRFC's first attack saw Dan go close, the ball drifting just wide of the upright. The balance of play was shifting and LRFC were able to push out from deep defensive positions and retain the ball much better. Painswick did continue to create chances although these tended towards wild efforts that flew over or wide. The opening goal, as it did last week, came from the boot of Ollie. Bursting forward with typical power he let fly from distance - the ball arrowing into the far corner leaving the keeper no chance. A fantastic goal.

Painswick were steeled into action and had another period where they dominated proceedings although again without really threatening the LRFC goal. As the half wore on there was more space in behind and the game was getting stretched. LRFC then lost two players to heavy challenges, Tommy, who had come on as a sub was brought down taking a heavy knock to his ankle that saw his afternoon end prematurely. Sam would follow to the treatment table after getting a heavy knock after a clash. LRFC were luck not to lose Tom too who was brought down off the pitch as the ball had already rolled out for a throw-in. There was also a foul for a penalty that was not given, LRFC could be forgiven for thinking it was going to be one of those days. 

With both sides showing signs of losing their discipline half time was definitely needed.

With changes already made through the half, LRFC made further changes in anticipation of Painswick starting the second half strong and fast. This is exactly what happened but the defensive unit held firm. Lewis and Ben at the heart of the defense were out-standing. Lewis was strong in the challenge and used his head more this week than he did last week. An excellent sign for this team. It was Ben though that caught the eye with a flawless performance that saw him awarded the MotM. He did not put a foot wrong and for all his composure when taking the ball off opponents here he was an all action defender making more than one last ditch tackle to prevent strikes on goal. If football teams are all about partnerships this one between Ben and Lewis is looking assured and strong already. 

The second goal came from lovely link up play between Jorge and Max. With Painswick pressing up the field Jorge latched onto a loose ball and released it perfectly into Max' path. As he ran through he beat the keeper and slotted the ball cooly into the net. 2-0. 

The game continued to be played out in a full blooded manner with both teams not shirking a challenge. Painswick pulled a goal back with less than 10 minutes remaining. Finishing after a goal mouth scramble at the near post. 

LRFC then changed tactic, reverting to a 4-4-2 formation. Ollie pushing up alongside Dan and Luca tucking into midfield. LRFC clearly looking to protect what they had rather than push for more. There were, though, large gaps in the Painswick half and there was one final piece of action. Luca picked up the ball deep in the LRFC half and drove forward, as he crossed the half way line he played a weighted pass into Dan's path who finished into the far corner. 3-1 and how the game would finish. 

Ben was the MotM for a superb defensive display but there were excellent performances all over the pitch. Jacob, Ryan and Freddie broke up Painswick attacks with incredible energy and tenacity of tackle. It was good to see Freddie, in particular, relish the physical challenge and stay within the rules of the game. Across the back, Sam, Tom and Dan G matched their opponents for pace and strength (although Dan G is obviously the strongest player in the league). Up front this LRFC team now has many options, the pace and power of wingers and then the guile and skill of players like Tommy, Max and Jorge. Different threats for different phases of play. 

The final result was more than deserved it was earned. LRFC played with intelligence and took their opportunities. To a player they worked hard and took the sting out of their opponents through the phases of play. 

Lydney are up next week in what will be another test of the LRFC league credentials.

Sunday 13/09 - League Match home v Painswick

Sunday we are in league action again with a home match against Painswick. This will be a repeat of the U15's Matthew Wyatt Cup Final. Painswick opened their season with a 6-1 win over Bishops Cleeve so both teams are showing form ahead of what will be a very tough and significant match. 

The squad for the game is as below based on confirmed availability. 

1. Will (Captain)
   
2. Dan G
   
3. Adam
   
4. Sam
   
5. Lewis
   
6. Ben
7. Jacob
   
8. Ryan
   
9. Luca
   
10. Ollie
    
11. Dan A
    
12. Jorge
    
13. Tom
    
14. Freddie
    
15. Max
16. Tommy

The match will be played at Naunton Park with kick-off at 1400hrs. Lets meet at 1315hrs etc and so on!

As a reminder the maximum match-day squad permitted is 11+5 subs. We currently have 17 players which means if everyone is available then someone will have to be dropped. Last week unfortunately it was Tommy and this week it is unfortunately Alf. Please review the document here and if there are gaps in confirmed availability please email Marcus with updates. 

Similarly if anything happens between now and Sunday meaning that you cannot play please contact Marcus immediately so that the omitted player can be brought in.

Training on Wednesday 09/09

Training on Wednesday will be at Cheltenham College from 1755hrs until 1855hrs on the astro turf.

Please make sure that the lads are not wearing muddy footwear as this gets left all over the pitch. Simon will be taking the training so expect a hard session ;)

Hit for Six...

Naunton Park was bathed in sunlight on a glorious afternoon. It was finally upon us, the season opener against Southside. It's still not clear how this team are now U16's as none of the parents looks old enough. Has it really been 10 years for many of these lads?

With a maximum permitted squad of 11 starters and 5 subs LRFC lined up in 4-2-3-1 formation. Will, the captain, in goal. The centre back pairing was Lewis and Ben. Ben given the instruction to attack the ball and Lewis to sweep behind. The starting full backs were Adam on the left and Sam on the right. The holding midfield pair were Freddie and Ryan. In front of them Jacob started in the number 10 role with Jorge ahead of him. On the right was Ollie and the left was Luca. LRFC had a super-strong bench in Tom, Max, Dan G, Dan A and Alf. Not a weak player amongst any of the 16 and that doesn't include Tommy who did make the selection today. Quality-quality-quality.

The games started and LRFC were quickly into possession. Freddie and Ryan destroying and the full backs joining play to support the midfield. The outlet was always the wingers and both Ollie and Luca started strongly. Early crosses from Ollie found their way into the box but an LRFC head could not make a connection count. On the left Luca was looking sharp and went very close with a shot from just inside the half way line that narrowly missed. The shot was on as the Southside keeper was playing the sweeper keeper role to the maximum flying out of his goal to support his defence.

For all their possession LRFC struggled to make the breakthrough. The final ball being just off or the shot scuffed. Southside were limited to rare forays into the LRFC half and when they did work space to get a shot away the strike was not clean and Will was able to save comfortably.

The breakthrough came from a free kick. Ollie was driving in off the wing and brought down just outside the box to the right of the 'd'. As the team looked for Tommy (following his cup final heroics) to realise he wasn't there Ollie took the kick himself. All the smart money was on the ball going over the bar; it flew into the bottom corner beating everyone. 1-0. Having got the first goal LRFC could be forgiven for thinking that this would lead to more following quickly. They didn't, half time and it was 1-0.

During the half LRFC made a number of changes rotating the squad to keep it fresh and also to acknowledge that this early in the season their fitness is not yet as it should be or will be after a few more matches.

The first changes were Max and Dan A replacing Jorge and Jacob.

Max would go on to be the MotM - as the play stretched and Southside tired he started to run the game. Picking up the ball deep and playing it into the channels. A languid footballer that looks like he's on the verge of falling down such is his style yet he is capable of playing a killer pass that few can see let alone execute.

The second half saw LRFC score five more goals. Dan A would score two and set-up a third that went in off the wrong footed defender. It was his goal that showed when he is about and what he will bring to this team. As the ball rolled towards the touchline and with everyone having given it up he burst through, controlled the ball and played it across the goal for the defender to fumble his clearance and put through his own net.

Jacob would add two, although was upstaged by his brother scoring four on the neighbouring pitch, from the left wing position. One was a special goal that came from a move where the ball was brought out of defence, played through the middle and then out to Sam wide right. Into the box where Jorge got on the end of it and laid it into Jacobs path. A special team goal.

The game played out and finished 6-0 with Southside defending ever deeper.

This was an impressive LRFC performance against an opposition that eventually ran out of steam. There were a number of changes made that had little impact on the pattern of play. Every outfield player was rotated for some period. As injuries crept in, Ollie coming off with a dead leg and Alf taking a heavy knock on his ankle that LRFC had a full squad was invaluable.

There is room for improvement, sharpness will come as will fitness and sterner tests of their credentials. It starts next Sunday with a home match against Painswick in a repeat of the U15's cup final. That Painswick won 6-1 against Bishops Cleeve shows that they have started strongly too.

Well done to Max for his MotM and the squad on an excellent victory.

U16 Results 06/09

U16's Nando's Night

Friday 11th September is the lads team building night at Nando's - confirmed as attending are

• Jacob
• Ryan
• Lewis
• Alf
• Dan H
• Freddie
• Tom
• Sam
• Tommy
• Dan A
• Ben
• Jorge
• Max
• Tommy
• Luca
• Adam
• Alf
• Will

I will book a table for 1915hrs.  Note that Nando's, for those from out of town is, here.

​For the dad's the plan is to meet at the Beehive in Cheltenham near Leckhampton (1 Montpellier Villas, Cheltenham, GL50 2XQ) from 7/7:15... ​

LRFC Cougars - League Opener V Southside 06/09

Sunday we kick off in the league against Southside with the match to be played at Naunton Park. Kick-off is at 2pm and as we are the home side we should meet at 1:15 to set up etc.

We have a squad of 17 players and the maximum squad size is 16 (11 starting plus 5 subs) this means that if everyone is available I will need to disappoint someone. If come match day someone is not available for any reason please contact me as there will likely be someone who can play. 

The squad for Sunday, based on confirmed availability, is as follows.

Note that if you are yet to confirm availability you should check here and email Marcus the details.

1. Will (Captain)

2. Lewis

3. Dan G

4. Sam

5. Freddie

6. Ryan

7. Luca

8. Jacob

9. Max

10. Ollie

11. Alf

12. Ben

13. Jorge

14. Dan A

15. Tom

16. Adam 

training - Wednesday 02/09

training this Wednesday (02/09) will be at Naunton park from 1830 - 1945.

--

Marcus Bosano
email mbosano@gmail.com   
tel. +44 (0)7973 659 628
LinkedIn http://uk.linkedin.com/in/marcusbosano