Charlton Rovers Blues (1) v (4) LRFC Cougars
The game nearly didn't go ahead due to the state of the pitch. The referee made the right call that while it was cut up it was soft so the risk of injury was not there. Good news with both teams eager to get back to playing football.
LRFC started the game uncharacteristically well. Building play down the wings and retaining possession well. For the early dominance neither goals nor clear cut chances were coming. The main outlet was down the right with Sam overlapping Olly to join the attacks at every opportunity.
The first strike on goal came from build up down the right, the ball played to Dan who saw his excellent goal bound strike come back off the post. LRFC continued to dominate proceedings with CR looking to catch them on the break. Ben and Freddie held form in the heart of defence either taking the ball before it reached the striker or able to make the telling challenge.
The opening goal came from Luca, having been snuffed out shortly before following a tricky run into the box he made no mistake with his second opportunity. The ball played through, a quick turn and finish beyond the keeper.
CR would equalise before the half was up with their striker latching onto a long ball. Outpacing the LRFC defence and finishing smartly beyond the on rushing Will. 1-1 and how it would be at half time.
Second half and LRFC started with greater purpose. Ryan was starting to come into the game more and in the number 10 role Jorge was knitting play well, one his better performances this season for sure.
The second goal was scored by Olly, put through he broke into the box from the right wing leaving the keeper no chance. His 2nd was the teams 4th and followed a mix up between keeper and defender that he never gave up on and poked home from close range. In between Luca scored his second beating the keeper with a low drive as he pushed in from the left wing.
There were notable performances today from Tom at full back who has great energy and fitness but showed more calm on the ball today. Sam was the same and in the first half in particular was supporting attack after attack.
In the middle, Ryan grew into the game as it progressed. The stickier and muddier the pitches the busier he gets. He put in a tireless second half. Alf, similarly, worked hard and showed quality on the ball. This side is quite spoilt for midfielders that can play.
Max caught the eye, a player with better balance in this side there is not (little bit Yoda). On a pitch that heavy that he was able to glide as he did was quite something. A player improving with each game.
It was at the back where the Motm would emerge. Ben has been solid all season and rarely, never, puts a foot wrong. While today the team was attacking the defence needed to be on their toes. Ben, alongside Freddie who also had an excellent game, read the game, intercepted and put the team on the front foot with every intervention. A classy display from a classy defender.
Dan A did not get onto the score sheet today but came close on a couple of occasions. Notably in the second half after slaloming into the area and evading tackles he found himself in space. Rather than smash the ball home he attempted a back heeled flick. It didn't come off. Something his team mates will doubtless remind him of :)
As good as this performance was LRFC need to improve their fitness. Something that will be worked on at training on Wednesday.
There are now 5 league games remaking. While Painswick might sit atop the league it is still in the hands of this LRFC side. Nothing is more important than the next game and that's against Sling this coming Sunday.