LRFC matches against Painswick have thrown up all sorts of results. In the early years Painswick tended to win and win well. A strong muscular side. Recently though the result has been less predictable and Sunday was one such day.
A game of two halves. Painswick winning the first and LRFC the second. Both by a margin of 2 goals.
This was an excellent game of football that came alive in the second half after LRFC had pulled a goal back.
The first half went how many of these games have. LRFC started well and dominated the first few minutes. Winning and keeping possession. The front players though, struggled to make an impact.
That the opening goal was from a set piece was not a surprise. The LRFC players well aware of Painswick's ability from dead ball situations. The corner was flighted in and at the back post there was the header 1-0.
The second goal was from some excellent individual play. As LRFC failed to clear a seemingly simple ball out wide the Painswick player broke clear and drive to the box finishing well over The keepers head.
Although 2-0 there was no sense that LRFC were out of the game. But the players had to believe it.
LRFC started the second half strongly scoring early on to swing the momentum. Jorge put through in the inside left position squaring the ball under pressure for the onrushing George to smash home from close range.
LRFC had their tails up now. Will in goal was masterful. As Painswick won corners he was their equal, plucking the ball out of the air before a Painswick player could get a head onto it. Using the full width of his box and coming out to clear his lines when LRFC were all pressed forward seeking an equaliser. He also made telling saves to keep LRFC in the game. This was a captains and motm performance.
Lrfc made two changes that were telling to the game. The first was to drop Jacob to centre back alongside Ben. With the Painswick threat being more aerial than pace this change freed george to use his energy up the field. Jacob is a player that LRFC can trust in any position and he didn't disappoint.
That LRFC stepped up and showed spirit is perhaps something that they should be most pleased about. This has not always been so this season.
The second change was moving to 4-4-2 in search of the equaliser. This change saw LRFC rotate through strikers with Hayden, Jorge and latterly Luca and Gus all playing up front. It was the last par that combined to create a goal for george to complete his brace.
Fergus making a return to LRFC after what we can refer to as the wilderness years showed great touch and awareness. Neat in possession he played a number of positions, coming on initially for the impressive Alf in the centre of midfield then playing both wings and up front. He struck an immediate understanding with his team mates. It was like he'd never been away. A fine return for a fine player.
It was alf that caught the eye in the early exchanges. Combative and strong in the air he was all action. LRFC managed his effort as he was carrying a hip injury.
Hayden cemented his growing reputation playing in a number of roles as the team needed him. Such a technically proficient player he has possibly the best first touch in this team and was himself unlucky not to score.
This was an excellent advert for youth football. Two teams that approached the game in the correct manner. Well organised, a pattern of play they understood and the right amount of physicality.
Painswick created more chances but met an LRFC keeper in no mood to let them score and an LRFC team who really showed up.
Man of the match - Will
Goals - George (2)
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