Cheltenham Youth League Cup
Tuffley 4 (2) v (3) 5 LRFC Cougars
LRFC’s first Cup match was away to Tuffley. The platform in Harry Potter is probably easier to find than the ground but Glevum Park looked and played great.
Short of numbers with Seth not available, Hayden’s ankle not being up to it and Lewis inability to tell the time and date LRFC lined up in a slightly changed 4-3-3 formation.
In the early exchanges LRFC were dominant, Jacob controlling the tempo and linking well with team mates. With Alf and Luca wide and Jorge working hard through the middle there willing runners to be picked out. In defensive positions the back 4 of Ben, George, Sam, Tom and Will in goal were holding firm. Ryan was playing with intelligence covering George when he broke from deep.
Despite dominating possession Tuffley were first to register a shot and though it was pulled wide it was a warning. This led to the opening goal with Tuffley finishing from close range at the post following a mix up in defence.
The scores were levelled with a fantastic strike from Luca. Picking up the ball wide left he cut inside and sent a right-footed shot into the far top corner leaving the keeper with no chance. 1-1.
Tuffley would score again making it 2-1 in what was the last time they would be in the lead in this match. LRFC scores again to level with Alf sending an excellent header past the keeper from Gus’ header. Gus then put LRFC ahead with a lovely strike from a free kick, over the wall and beyond the keeper. 3-2 and how it was going to half time.
Second half and Tuffley had some fresh legs on the pitch. Lewis had also turned up for LRFC giving them an option off the bench.
Inexplicably LRFC started the second half lacking the intensity that saw them take the lead and conceded a goal very quickly following good work from Tuffley.
Luca then scored his second. Jorge pressed the defence winning the ball close to the byline his cross evaded everyone with Luca on hand at the back post to put it in from a foot out. 4-3.
Tuffley scored again to make it 4-4. The game was now a struggle for both side as fatigue set in. There was an unfortunate incident that saw Tom have to come off with a nasty injury. Losing his balance he slid into a challenge that saw players collide and Tom take the full force in an area that is really not designed for that impact. That saw his game end and him pick up a booking too!
A change was made, Sam coming on in his place. With less than 10’minutes to go the decisive blow was struck. Luca receiving the ball wide left drove towards the box and smashed a shot into the top right corner. The ball leaving his boot rising all the way.
It was a bit all hands to defend following this as Tuffley pressed for another equaliser. It wasn’t to be and LRFC are through to the next round of the league cup.
So many great performances today, Fergus and Jacob controlled midfield. George driving from deep, Ben making tackles he really has no right to. Alf a powerhouse on the right, Ryan quietly effective covering holes all over the pitch. Tom and Sam playing like Tripper and Rose. Up front Jorge showed he now gets what we want by working hard and putting his aggression into the game. Will in goal may have conceded 4 but kept LRFC in contention particularly late on. Luca showing the form of two seasons ago when he was destroying full backs and smashing home goals was the deserved MotM.