Sunday, October 9, 2016

Improving

More than a result what this Leckhampton side needed was a performance. A performance that showed improvement on the last two games. The issues are plain to see and today went a long way to arresting them. 


It didn't start to well though. Cam taking the lead with a back post header from a corner. This was inside 4 minutes.


Whereas Leckhampton might have let their heads drop this time they didn't. Showing more composure they passed the ball well creating a couple of half chances. This was though a very good Cam side, well organised and more than that physically strong and with good ability. 


Leckhampton pressed and pulled a goal back to make it 1-1. Hayden with a lovely improvised finish. Flicking the ball high above the onrushing keeper to see it bounce into an open net. 


If Leckhampton had been able to hold this until half time maybe they could have regrouped and gone again. Cam scored to spoil that, finishing beyond Will from the inside left position. 


The first half drew to a close, Leckhampton were still in the game. The message at half time was to have a go, that Cam were there for the taking. For all Cams physicality they struggled on occasion with Leckhampton quick passing and quick feet. 


Cam scored a 3rd quite quickly after the restart. Leckhampton got a second wind and pressed more and more there was space to attack Cam but maybe a lack of confidence in front of goal. 


Cam got their 4th and probably the goal of the game to make it 4-1 and how it would end. Leckhampton continued to press and show quality. More than recent weeks they also showed a level of commitment that has been missing. 


Cam were the better side and deserved their win. The score line only tells a small part of the story.


There were strong performances today. In particular Alf had probably his best game this season. Strong tenacious and combative in the air he won a lot more balls than he perhaps should have done. 


In the back 4 George, Fin and Sam were all familiar but Freddie was not. He shone in this position. Combative and with skills he used his physicality on more than one occasion to keep Cam at bay.


It was in midfield where the improvement was noticeable. Alf, Ryan, Jacob, and Adam all playing in there and working hard. More than that winning the ball and playing it intelligently. 


Jacob was motm, knitting play, neat in possession. Great tackling and great awareness of what's going on around him. This was a return to form for a player that this side has relied on for many seasons. 


There were though good solid and improving performances all over the pitch. Hayden and Jorge worked tirelessly often alone up front. Hayden scoring  an improvised goal. The wingers worked against strong full backs but kept going. 


Improved all over the pitch.


There were injuries, Hayden with a foot, Ryan with a hamstring and Freddie with a knee. This looked particularly bad and hopefully will be nothing more than a sprain. 


Yes Leckhampton lost the match. But the performance was massively improved and that is what was surely asked for. 


The only way is up...


Friday, October 7, 2016

County Cup venue

Sundays County Cup match v Cam Bullldogs will be played at Rednock School, GL11-4BY. 


We will be playing on a 3G Astro turf pitch. 


Meet at 1:20 for 2pm ko. 

Wednesday, October 5, 2016

GFA County Cup Match - Sunday 9th October

Sunday we are away in the GFA County Cup first round to Cam Bulldogs. The venue for the game is yet to be confirmed but looks likely to be Everlands, Cam, GL11 5NL

I will validate the venue once it is confirmed.

Squad for this match will be.....
  1. Will
  2. George
  3. Freddie
  4. Sam
  5. Fin
  6. Adam
  7. Ryan
  8. Jacob
  9. Luca
  10. Alf
  11. Olly
  12. Dan
  13. Jorge 
  14. Hayden
WORK HARD AND BE BRAVE

Sunday, October 2, 2016

Thrashed at Lydney

Lack of confidence shatters LRFC ambitions. 


Following the poor show against Painswick last weekend LRFC needed to show a reaction. They did of sorts but the issues perhaps run deeper than can be fixed in a week. 


Thee was improvement but against the team that has won the league the last two seasons it was too little. 


Goals make the difference and give teams confidence. This LRFC side needs to get into a lead and build from that. It nearly happened that way with an LRFC free kick from distance crashing off the crossbar. At 0-0 if that goes in maybe LRFC can be buoyed by that. 


Lydney took the lead soon after - with LRFC pushing a high line the striker raced through into the space behind to chip the keeper, 1-0. There was then another LRFC chance cleared off the line. Lydney broke and scored to make it 2-0. At 1-1 maybe there was something to grab hold of.


LRFC then slid into the sort of performance that saw them dumped out of the cup. Looking at the game it's too easy to say that Lydney wanted it more but that's how it appeared. First to every loose ball, always on the move, driving back to defend their own goal. LRFC showed this only in flashes.


This LRFC side needs to find its form that is for certain. They have not become a bad team overnight but they are playing very bad indeed. 


There's not enough movement, not enough communication and not enough trust. They are reactive to play rather than anticipating it. Too ponderous in possession and too slow to recover. Fitness is a big part of this and some of the squad need to consider if they can play a full 90 minute game or not. That is the minimum requirement and while LRFC had 4 substitutes today Lydney only had 1.


The touch, the cohesion and confidence will come back it just needs a goal or two. 


It's the County Cup next week and a chance to build on the very small shoots of recovery. If the players do nothing else this week they should continue to develop their own fitness levels.