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.