Cinderford Town AFC (2) (9) LRFC Cougars
If only all away days were played at a ground and on a pitch of this quality.
While there is nothing certain in football this was an opportunity for LRFC to regain some confidence in front of goal as they faced the leagues bottom side. LRFC showed the game the right amount of respect lining up with a strong starting 11. Will ever present in goal, a back 4 of Tom, Lewis, Ben and Dan G. A holding pair of Jacob and Ryan. Max restored to number 10, up front Jorge and on the wings Olly and Luca.
LRFC dominated possession from the off but found their shooting just off. They were also guilty of trying to walk the ball into the net rather than just taking the shot. the build up play, though, was starting to flow and the outlet, as it is so often for this team was on the wings. Cinderford, when they had the ball were hitting it long for their striker to chase, he did cause some problems with his pace but the LRFC defence was able to cover.
The opening goal came with some panache Jorge to sending a free kick into the far corner of the net from fully 25yards. A lovely free-kick and LRFC nerves settled. Jorge would complete a memorable first half hat-trick to put LRFC 3-0 up at the break.
As the pattern of play was set LRFC made a number of changes to test players in different positions. Dan G and Jacob finished as the centre-backs, Ben was given a run up front, Tom played left wing for a period (and scored with an emphatic finish). Alf played number 10 and right wing and may need to wash his kit this week as catching a ball full in the face left him with a bloody nose. Max also showed versatility playing number 10 and left wing. There was rotation and adaptability all over the pitch.
Olly scored a second half brace in the most casual manner. The first as he broke into the box rode a tackle that saw the ball ricochet off his shins and into the net. The second from close range following good LRFC build up play. Luca also got a pair of goals from a central striking position the first rolled past the onrushing keeper and the second a shot that smashed in off the inside of the post. Tom would complete the scoring with a close range finish following a cross into the box. Jorge completed his rout with a central finish following good pressure from the Cinderford centre. Luca and Jorge pressing forward to rob the Cinderford players and Jorge to score.
There was though, a moment when nerves crept back into the LRFC performance when Cinderford scored to make the score 3-1. A free kick just outside the box was well saved by Will flying to his left. While the LRFC players failed to react to the loose ball the Cinderford players didn't and put the ball home from close range. They would double their goals with a finish where they caught LRFC on the break with pace and directness.
It was important for LRFC to get back to winning and scoring ways. The recent slump has been arrested and with three games remaining it is important that they keep pressing to push Lydney all the way.
In the second half, in particular, LRFC played some great football getting a lot of joy down the right flank where Sam, Ryan, Jacob and Alf were linking well and playing intelligently. Cinderford really could not get near them when they played this way.
Jorge was the MotM for an excellent display leading the line - a first half hat-trick, a couple of assists and a 4th goal scored in the second half made this an easy decision. There is now a further fortnight's break before the next match away, in the Forrest again, to Sling.
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