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.