There have been many draws between these teams today was no exception. LRFC started slow, Gotherington in the ascendancy and dominating possession. Will was called into action early to keep the game at 0-0. After an initial period of ten minutes or so LRFC started to get onto the ball more and force Gotherington back. Olly, out on wide right, was the outlet ball but with the ball played to his feet he wasn't able to really get forward quickly and was closed down by the spirited Gotherington defence.
The LRFC defence looked confident enough although had to keep their concentration as the Gotherington striker lurked. George and Ben held solid in the middle with Sam and Fin starting and Adam also coming in.
In the middle Ryan and Freddie were strong. Freddie dominant in the air and Ryan mopping up and destroying everything on the ground. Despite dominating possession LRFC could not find a breakthrough.
Against this Gotherington took the lead. Bulding play they found themselves int he LRFC area and finished from close range 1-0.
LRFC were struggling to find energy and tempo. Too many players were just crusing and going through the motions. The introduction of Alf from the bench made an impact, his energy and personality coming through and giving the team a lift. A change was made with the Jorge coming on up front for Hayden.
Hayden, playing against his old team, had a solid start, was busy and linked play well. A couple of half chances were saved or wayward but this was a good performance. As Jorge joined the game Luca and Olly were asked to swap wings.
This led to the equalising goal. With plenty of space on the right wing Ryan threaded the ball through the gap for Luca to run on to. With the ball ahead of him he was able to drop his defender bear on goal and finish low beyond the keeper. 1-1.
Gotherington were now defending deep and leaving one up front. They scored to take the lead with a lovely team goal. Building up play wide left they played a number of passes and found themselves in the LRFC area to finish from close range. 2-1.
The equalising goal for LRFC came from Alf following excellent wing play from Olly. His cross cut out the Gotherington defence leaving Alf with the task of placing the ball from close range. 2-2 how it would be at half time and full time.
Second half followed a similair pattern, LRFC dominated possession and territory yet Gotherington pose a real threat on the break every time they got the ball. There was an opportunity for LRFC to take the lead when Olly was brought down in the box. The ref let play continue and as the shot trickled wide blew for the penalty. Alf stepped up and struck a penalty well enough that, unfortunately, the Gotherington keeper at full stretch manage to get a hand to and palm wide.
LRFC threw all they had at Gotherington and with the clock counting down were in the Gotherington area but unable to apply a finishing touch.
The game played out 2-2.
While on an individual performance basis there were lots of positives the issues are the same. There was a lack of energy and tempo in the side and while LRFC create lots of chances they need to be much more ruthless in front of goal. That these chances are created by individuals means that the team is relying on them for the magic to score. When they play as a team they are excellent, there is a team spirit and understanding but there is also a feeling that turning up will guarantee a result.
Will made excellent saves to keep LRFC in the game and continues to develop into a strong captain. Through the first half particularly he was incredibly vocal, directing team mates and trying to keep the momentum going. At half time his contributions to team talks are insightful and well communicated. The other lads in the team need to develop the confidence to do this and take responsibility for their performances.
George was the MotM for an assured performance alongside Ben at centre back. Bringing the ball out from the back he found himself in the opposition penalty area a couple of times and was just unable to apply the finishing touch. One thing his time at Gloucester City has done is see him find his voice and he has become a leader on the pitch. A well deserved Motm and just a shame that the outcome of the match did not match his performance.
Ryan and Luca were other notable mentions today, Ryan for his constant and ferocious tackling that is always fair. His ability to come away with the ball from congested situations is quite remarkable. As the season develops Luca is looking more and more threatening, able to create something from nothing he just needs to apply a finishing touch to pick up where he was last season.
LRFC are getting stronger each game, they need to find the finishing touch and the tempo to blow teams away with their play.
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