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.
No comments:
Post a Comment