That's it then...

The LRFC Cougars are no more. 

After 10 seasons in youth football the lads all move on to pastures new with work, university and a whole host of other opportunities open to them. If they continue playing football, and they all should, then this will be in the adult game. 

This website will remain in place should you need to get your fix of nostalgia! 

If you want anything further then contact Marcus. 

2017/18 - End of Season Awards

At the end of season awards the following were given..

Managers Player - Fergus Jackson
Players Player - Will Fenley
Clubman - Jacob Burgess
Most Improved - Alf Little
Top scorer - Fergus Jackson and Luca Bosano with 14 each (making them joint 4th in the league for goal scorers behind 3 Painswick players). 

It is probably also worth noting that we had 4 players in the top 10 for assists; 
Fergus in 3rd spot with 9, Luca 4th with 7, Jacob in 7th with 5 and Sam rounding out LRFC in 9th with 3. 

We were awarded more penalties that any side with 5 this season. 

We picked up 1 yellow card, only Charlton Rovers and Longlevens went the whole season without a booking. 

Clean sheets is an interesting stat this season with their not being many. The Painswick keeper kept 6 clean sheets for number 1 spot, then there were the keepers for Fintan and Charlton Rovers with 3 apiece then Will in 4th with 2. That only tells part of the story and the many saves that a keeper and in particular, Will, makes really influence results. 

One final stat from the Fulltime website. After each game managers award an MotM and this is recorded. Jacob and Will are in 1st and 2nd with 4 awards each this season. Evidence of their standing in this side and the league if ever that was in doubt. 

All these stats and more are available on the FA website; 
http://fulltime-league.thefa.com/Index.do?divisionseason=144741693&league=4333696 

2008-2018 :: 10 Amazing Years

10 Amazing Years!!

See a summary here...
(slides will play automatically and skip every 5 seconds)

Fair play

LRFC Cougars win U18 Sportmanship Award

After every game the managers complete an online form with the result details, who played, scored, assisted etc. One of the marks allocated is a sportsmanship award for the opposition.

We have won this award with an average score of 84.54 over the season. 

Gotherington were second with 80.83 and Tuffley 3rd on 80, joint with Painswick. 

Evidence that if you respect your opponent, match officials and team mates it does get recognised. 

Well done all!! Cup winners and maybe as important Sportmanship winners too. 

LRFC U18 Cup Winners 🏆

Painswick (⚽️) v (⚽️⚽️⚽️) LRFC Cougars

LRFC went into this game looking different. They had an aura that was different to league matches. This team knows how to win cups and now has a record of 3 out of 4. It is also in cups where they have beaten Painswick before even if they have been unable to do so in leagues. 

The Cheltenham Town pitch looked great bathed in glorious sunshine and 25 degree temperatures. A lovely playing surface and one that suited the way LRFC wanted to play. 

Learning lessons from the last league encounter LRFC started the game much the quicker and immediately imposed their pace and tempo on the game. 

They created an opening, Luca cutting in from the left hit a diagonal pass that Alf, who had a very strong game, latched onto. His goal bound shot left the keeper rooted to the spot and as everyone held their breath the ball came back off the upright. 

This was one of 5 shots that LRFC saw come back off the frame of the goal. But for the width of a post it could have been 8-1!

The opening goal followed not long after. The ball was cleared long towards luca, his header into Gus’ path saw him drop the defender, he then cut across the goal and as the keeper closed him down slotted calmly into the open net. Every other player would have taken the shot early and probably hit the keeper. The quality of the movement meant it was either a goal or if the keeper brought him down, a penalty. 

1-0 and totally deserved lead. 

The second goal came from the same route. A Luca header to Gus who put LRFC 2-0 up. 

Painswick remained a threat but were limited to playing long direct balls for their bigger players to try and get on the end of. This was as much to do with LRFC dominating midfield. On a big pitch they were able to find space and had the technical ability to retain possession and look to release the front players. This was typified by Jacob who had the game of his life in the centre. Aligning his quality with a massive work rate he was always in the right place and always made the right decision. A fitting finale for this finest of players. 

Alongside him LRFC started with Jaden and Ryan. Using their tenacity and tough tackling to win the ball back, LRFC wanting to make sure they were in the game for as long as possible. 

At the back they started with Sam and Tom as full backs and Ben along side George in the centre. Will, ever present, our captain in goal with orange tape around his socks in support of muscular dystrophy foundation. 

As the half continued LRFC were much more dominant with the Painswick keeper much the busier. 

The half played out to 2-0. 

Second half Painswick started strong and following indecision in the LRFC area equalised. The momentum immediately swung in their favour. Whereas LRFC had been dominant with the ball in the air as Painswick sent in high balls LRFC was now looking jittery and unconvincing. 

They were able to resist this onslaught with Ben making an incredible last ditch tackle in the box. If it was mistimed it would have been a penalty but Ben doesn’t mistime tackles. With Will commanding his box to either make catches or punch clear LRFC survived this pressure. They were then able to restore their 2 goal advantage with Gus completing his hat-trick. Turning just inside the box he found himself unmarked and hit a shot into the bottom corner evading the keepers dive. 

3-1 and how the game would finish. 

LRFC used the subs tactically to give them the best shot of the result. There was no rotation policy here. Freddie was first into the fray from the bench, replacing Ryan this was a very significant change not least of all because this was Freddie’s goal when he came back from ACL surgery. Managing his comeback, picking up his training and game time this was the culmination of that patience and effort. 

Jorge came on for Alf and made an immediate impact. His role was cut short because of a heavy fall on his shoulder but for the 20 minutes he played he was totally involved in the game. Showed all the desire and commitment that this team needed and put Painswick under pressure. He was unlucky not to score with a shot that the keeper tipped onto the crossbar. 

At the back, Billy replaced Ben who took a place in midfield for Jaden. Billy’s no nonsense defending was crucial back there. Sometimes you just need to defend and this is exactly what he did. 

At the final whistle the LRFC players were ecstatic. Cup winners again!! 

To draw a line under 10 years of playing in the league with an emphatic win was perfect. The manner of victory too was impressive. They had won by imposing their style of play on an opposition that couldn’t match them. 

The MotM award was given to Will. There was one save he made that even had it gone in would have been ruled for offside but he didn’t know that as he threw his body forward and got enough on the ball to see it loop over the bar. 

He put his body on the line in this game and was deserving of the award.

On days like these you need a team performance and that is what LRFC gave. The full squad was there, Lewis who is on his own comeback from injury found the game too soon but was there with the lads. 

It was similar for Hayden and Connor, both unused substitutes. It’s hard to be in this position but this was an occasion where the victory was really all that mattered and managing the players to achieve that was the goal. 

The presentation in front of the LRFC fans was a wonderful moment for all involved. 

A superb team display, the right desire and commitment and the result it deserved.  

Last training session...

Suffolk Arms

After the cup final on Sunday we have a party at the Suffolk Arms. There will be around 55 of us in total and we have their function room booked.

They are expecting us between 1915/1930hrs so there’s time to go and get changed before coming.

Any questions please contact Marcus.

U18 League Cup Final Instructions

This post contains the details for the U18's League Cup Final on Sunday May 6th.

The game will be played at the LCI Rail Stadium, the home of Cheltenham Town FC (Whaddon Road, GL52-5NA).  

Our schedule for the day is as follows; 

• arrive at the ground 1530hrs (**DO NOT BE LATE**) 
• we will go through to changing area at 1545hrs 
• submission of team sheets at 1600hrs (this will list the starting 11 and 5 substitutes)
• warm up between 1600-1620hrs although we need to be back in the changing rooms by 1620hrs
• at 1625hrs the referee will call us out to the tunnel to head out to the pitch
• the kick off will be at 1630hrs

The following are from a briefing note issued by the league..

• There will be a bag check as we go through to the changing room, no alcohol or glass bottles are permitted and neither will fizzy drinks that can be sprayed. 
• If you are going to tape your socks please make sure it is green. No other colour will be permitted. 
• We will not be permitted to go to the changing room at half time so make sure anything you need you take out ahead of time (drinks and any snacks you bring). 
• If the match is level at full time it's penalties! 

The forecast for the weekend is good and warm, make sure you bring a couple bottles of your drink as you will likely need it, it will be a tough game on a big pitch!

If you are a spectator then there is a small fee to enter the ground, £2 for adults and £1 for U16's and OAP's. Make it easier all round by having the right change!

If you have any questions then please contact Marcus. 

end of an era...

This was the LRFC Cougars last ever league football match. After 10 years playing in the Cheltenham Youth League it came down to this. 

That it finished with a win and at home is quite fitting. 

A 5-1 victory over a very spirited Longlevens team that kept going right to the very end despite the warm conditions and having no substitutes. 

That LRFC were able to score five goals from different goal scorers and that each goal was created by a different player shows excellent form across the side going into the Cup Final in two weeks. 

That there were six players on the pitch (Will, Sam, Luca, George, Fergus, and Jacob) who were there for the first game in 2008 (away to Bishops Cleeve) is all the more pleasing for a side that has been built wholeheartedly on friendship.

The scoring was opened by Alf following excellent wing play by Luca who crossed to the back post. Alf still had work to do but finished beyond the keeper. Evidence of the value of switching play quickly. Luca was found in space by a diagonal pass and was able to cross to his opposite winger to score. 

Longlevens then equalised with their player breaking through the middle to finish over Will's head. LRFC is a great attacking side and needs to remember to also defend as a team. It did not remain 1-1 for long; LRFC were awarded a penalty when Tom sprinting almost as fast as Jaden did on Wednesday against the same team, broke into the box where he was upended. The ref showed little hesitation and Luca despatched the penalty to the top corner with little emotion. 2-1. 

The half time talk was to keep going and to be more clinical. While the score was 2-1 LRFC had created chances, Fergus with the pick of the bunch with a curling shot that rebounded off the upright. 

The second half started well for LRFC, Connor scored with a smart finish from a Jacob pass. Then Jaden put Gus through to finish well. It was Jaden that rounded off the win with a header from a Seth cross. Showing energy to overlap the forward Seth delivered a perfect ball into the box. 

The last few minutes of the game were lacking quality as the heat and fatigue took it's toll with the ball being lashed clear at every opportunity. 

5-1 a nice way to bow out from Naunton Park. 

Jacob was the MotM. In games like these he glides around the pitch and makes the game look so simple. Always available to pick up and control a loose ball, always in the right place to receive from a team mate, rarely out of 2nd gear and rarely troubled.

Longlevens at home - Last ever league match

Sunday is a big day, it will be our last ever league match. After 10 years as the LRFC Cougars (2008-2018) it all comes to a close with a home match against Longlevens.

That we get to finish at Naunton Park is quite fitting. To bow out with a home game is a fitting end. 

The result from Wednesday is a sign post to what is achievable but make no mistake that Longlevens will come to the game thinking they can get something from it.

We have a big squad for Sunday so if for any reason you cannot make it please confirm to me ASAP. 

1. Will
2. Ben
3. Billy
4. George
5. Sam
6. Tom
7. Luca
8. Jacob
9. Fergus
10. Ryan
11. Alf
12. Hayden
13. Jorge
14. Jaden
15. Seth
16. Connor
17. Freddie

Lewis remains sidelined recovering from his serious ankle knack. 

See you Sunday! Lets go out in style.

Video from the archive...

Synchronised falling...

Bill and Ben (Longlevens 0 - 2 LRFC)

Talent on it's own does not win games. It needs to be aligned with hard work and effort. What are you saving your energy for? 

A more thoughtful approach in possession yielded the desired results. The opposition cannot score if they do not have the ball. What it relies upon though is everyone in the team doing their job to their maximum. 

Goals came from unlikely sources; Tom opening the scoring with a shot that the keeper misjudged and, Tim Flowers-esque, let it go over him. Alf completed the scoring with a header from a Gus corner.

2-0 at half time and how the game would end. 

This is part of the story though, LRFC dominated possession and were able to pass their way out of trouble when needed. If the finishing had been better this could easily have been 6 or 7. 

Jorge was MotM for his work rate and then simplicity in possession. With two games remaining it has taken along time to get this message into his head :)

There was one amazing moment in the second half, Jaden, playing in the middle block of three players broke forward with such terrifying pace that he found himself alone with just the keeper to beat. Sadly the ball was also behind him - the pitch was so ridged that it had got trapped and was a couple of feet behind him. The move that got Jaden into that space has to be the fastest any player for this team has ever moved!

Penultimate league match - Wednesday 18/04

Our season finishes with a double-header against Longlevens. 

First we play them away on Wednesday evening (18/04). Kick off will be at 1830hrs and we should meet for 1800hrs. 

Please make sure you are on time so we can set our approach to this match as described in the WhatsApp group. 

The game is at Longford Lane, Gloucester, GL2-9EU and from Cheltenham at that time could easily take half an hour. 

Squad for the match; 

1. Will
2. Ben
3. Billy
4. Ryan
5. Jacob
6. Seth
7. Luca
8. Alf
9. Gus
10. Sam
11. Tom
12. Freddie
13. Jaden
14. Jorge

Missing or unconfirmed are Lewis, George, Connor, Hayden.

30 seconds

The game starts when the referee blows his whistle. Not 30 seconds later.

The LRFC slow start at the beginning of both halves cost them this game. But for that they played well. They moved the ball well and matched Painswick in competing for the ball and to gain territory and a foothold in the match. 

Going 1-0 down inside 1 minute was a blow to this side but there's plenty of time to come back. This they did with a free-kick wide left flying into the bottom corner of the net without a touch. The movement of the players and the quality of the free kick being enough to prevent the keeper making the save. 

At 1-1 the game was fiercely contested and largely within the laws of the game. Neither team shirked a challenge and every 50/50 was well contested. Painswick would take the lead again with a neat finish towards the end of the first half but there was time again for LRFC to level from the spot. The LRFC player had his heels taken from under him in the box, the ref showed no hesitation in pointing to the spot. The penalty was despatched sending the keeper to his right and the ball going bottom left. 2-2.

Second half and in a carbon copy of the first LRFC conceded what would be the winning goal within 30 seconds of the restart. Getting caught cold.

The remainder of the game played out much the same as the first. Competitive and combative. There was one flare up that saw a player from each side booked for ‘unsportsmanlike behaviour’. That these were the only bookings in the game was a bit of a surprise.

Freddie was the MotM, making his first start since October 2016 this has been a long road back to fitness, that he was able to compete and play as he did is testament to his mental strength as much as it is the skill of his surgeon.

On the evidence of this game and indeed the earlier league match, that LRFC lost by the odd goal in 7, both sides will be looking ahead to the cup final thinking they can win it.

U10's end of season awards

When we were Under 10's the end of season awards went to the following players...

Players Player - George Garrad
Top Goal Scorer - Dan Hodgin (18 goals)
Most Improved Player - Conor Carey
Clubman - Jordan Pemberton
Managers Player - Will Fenley

The same year Lewis was top scorer for the Lynxes with 5 goals and Ben Higgs was Players Player for the Panthers.

a long forgotten U10's match report resurfaces

I have been going back through old documents and posts relating to the Cougars and came across this match report from 26th September 2009 when we would have been U10's... notable for a significant (and rare) victory over Churchdown Panthers. 

Not sure who the linesman was for this match?

Cougars 8 – Churchdown Panthers 1
(Goals:  Luca – 4; Conor – 2; Dan; Fergus)

The Cougars’ second game of the day saw them line up against Churchdown Panthers with Will in goal, George and Conor at the back, Harrison as centre midfield, Luca and Jacob on the flanks as Dan as central striker.

Within minutes of the match starting the Cougars were dominating possession, and the game was being played almost entirely in the Churchdown half.  Conor was pushed up to create an extra man in midfield, but despite creating a few good half chances, the Cougars were unable to force home their advantage, with a crowded pitch not helping their passing game.

The boys were finally rewarded for their pressure midway through the half when a corner was only half cleared, and the ball fell to Conor, who rifled home a low drive from the edge of the box to open his Cougars account.  With the pressure off, the Cougars settled into a better rhythm, and immediately from the kick-off won the ball, and strung together a four-man move culminating in Harrison sliding the ball through to Luca who beat the ‘keeper from close range.

The Cougars were now firmly in control, and another good passing move saw Luca double his tally after again being put through by Harrison.  Churchdown got a goal back when they won a free kick outside the Cougars box, and Will was unsighted as the dead ball was struck past him in a crowded penalty area.  However, the half finished with Cougars stretching their lead, as Dan latched onto a long clearance from George, and lobbed the ball over the onrushing Panthers keeper into an empty net.

Half time saw Dan and George take a breather, and Sam and Fergus come back into the action.   The game was more stretched in the second half, enabling the Cougars to find much more space going forward, with Sam and Luca spreading play well and linking up with Fergus as the central striker. Harrison was more dominant in the centre of midfield and was bossing the game, well supported by Jacob, with Conor there to snuff out any Churchdown attacks, and Will dependable at the back when called upon.

The fifth goal game from a good move down the left, with Luca’s accurate cross into the box finding Fergus in acres of space to slot home.  A number of other chances went begging before Luca completed his hat-trick with a fine right foot volley after more sustained pressure.  Harrison came off to be replaced by George, and Luca slotted home his fourth shortly afterwards, when he was found in the six yard box following a strong run and cross from Sam on the right.

The scoring finished as it started, with Conor showing excellent technique by smashing home another drive from outside the box following a corner clearance.  Luca was deservedly awarded the man-of-the-match for his four goals and overall performance, but with six boys on the scoresheet over the two games, the Cougars demonstrated their versatility in front of the net. 

The game also showed a much improved performance from the linesman, who had clearly mastered the art of flag-holding and waving after a poor first game.  His ability to keep up with play in a sustained, end-to-end game remains in doubt though, and clearly some work in the gym will be required before the next round of fixtures.

Painswick at home - Sunday 8th April

Sunday we have Painswick at home in what is a game that could yet influence where the title ends up. 

Both teams will want to win make no mistake about that.

We are at home so should meet at Naunton Park for 1315hrs so we can set-up and prepare. 

In view of the weather there will be a pitch inspection Sunday morning so watch this space.

Squad for game Will be...

1. Will
2. Sam
3. Ben
4. George
5. Tom
6. Jaden
7. Jacob
8. Ryan
9. Luca
10. Gus
11. Seth
12. Billy
13. Freddie
14. Connor

Lewis continues recovery from his ankle knack, Hayden is also out struggling with an ankle. Alf is awol as is Jorge who will be sunning himself in Spain. 

Only your best will do. 

Training - Wednesday 4th April

Training on Wednesday will be at Naunton Park from 1830-1930hrs. 

Ensure you are on time and ready, or early so you can get ready, and that you bring your shin pads. If you cannot make it please confirm via the WhatsApp group.

See you later George

It’s hard playing a well organised team that defends well. Tuffley has 8 players first half then 9 in the second. That they stayed in the game for as long as they did is testament to the attitude that they had. This LRFC knows what this is like after narrowly losing to Painswick in similar fashion. 

Sit deep defend in numbers and try to do something on the break. It’s hard to play 8 or 9 or 10 men because the game is more restrictive. It becomes attack v defence.

When you’re playing against a team with reduced numbers you need to move them about. Make them commit then move the ball quickly to a team mate that must be in space. 

In the first half LRFC tried to take them on too directly. Tried to be too clever as individuals not collectively. Tuffley wanted the game played slow and LRFC matched them. At times it resembled walking football. 

All the while the clock is ticking and Tuffley are in the game. 

Chances were scarce first half and when in the clear shots were misplaced or scuffed. It was 0-0 for a long time.

The opening goal came from Jorge, neat play in the box and there he was to put his effort neatly into the corner. 1-0.

Half time was interesting for LRFC, they should (and could) have been farther ahead but just lacked that cohesion in the final third to make it count. Over hit passes or long through balls bouncing out of play or being snaffled up by the Tuffley defenders. Frustration bubbled close to the surface among players and coaches. 

Second half was much improved. Tuffley, now with 9, played two up front and looked lively in possession. 

Rotating the front three though saw LRFC get more goal threat. 1-0 became 2-0 with Luca finishing from close range then Gus putting one in from the edge of the box left footed. 

Tuffley would pull one back following some fine individual play. The game ended 3-1.

LRFC was not that long ago in the position that Tuffley were. Short of numbers against a good side. It’s frustrating and difficult. What you need to do in this circumstance is up the tempo and move the ball quickly. The LRFC goals came from this type of play. 

Seth was MotM for a game where for much of it he liked likeliest to score. Running beyond the strikers to get on the ball in the box but for better finishing and some excellent last ditch defending he would have scored. Second half when playing full back he continued to get forward as Tuffley inevitably dropped deeper.

Sam ran him close and his marauding runs forward to support the attack are becoming a bit of a trademark. 

That Freddie continues his calm rehab from ACL surgery playing in the hurly burly of midfield is perhaps the most pleasing aspect. His introduction shortly before half time saw the LRFC team increase the urgency in the ball. 

With three league games remaining this LRFC side are not yet out of it. While they will need to play better than they did on Sunday they are more than capable of doing so. 

Important Training Update

Tonight, 26th March, is our last training session at All Saints Academy. In line with the clock changes this is when the club bookings run out and we switch to using local parks/fields. 

After today our training sessions will be on WEDNESDAY evenings from 1900-2000hrs at Leckhampton School. The schedule for the next few weeks until the cup final looks as follows...

Sunday 01/04 – NO FIXTURE (Easter Sunday)

Wednesday 04/04 – TRAINING at Leckhampton School 1830-1930
Sunday 08/04 – League Match PAINSWICK HOME

Wednesday 11/04 – TRAINING at Leckhampton School 1900-2000
Sunday 15/04 – NO FIXTURE (Training session or Team run tbc)

Tuesday 17/04 – League Match LONGLEVENS AWAY
Wednesday 18/04 - TRAINING at Leckhampton School 1900-2000
Sunday 22/04 - League Match LONGLEVENS HOME

Wednesday 25/04 - TRAINING at Leckhampton School 1900-2000
Sunday 29/04 – NO FIXTURE (Training session or Team run tbc) 

Wednesday 02/05 - TRAINING at Leckhampton School 1900-2000
Sunday 06/05 – U18 LEAGUE CUP FINAL (we kick off at 1630)

If you cannot attend any of these sessions please confirm ASAP via the WhatsApp group so we know who to expect.

LRFC Presentation Day

This years presentation day will be on 9th June at Leckhampton School.

Save the date!

Remaining Fixtures - Another Update

With recent snow leading to cancelled games and the disbanding of Charlton Rovers the remaining fixtures now look as follows; 

Sunday 25/03 - Tuffley AWAY
Sunday 01/04 - NO FIXTURE (Easter Sunday)
Sunday 08/04 - Painswick HOME
Sunday 15/04 - NO FIXTURE
Tuesday 17/04 (1830hrs kick off) - Longlevens AWAY
Sunday 22/04 - Longlevens HOME
Sunday 29/04 - NO FIXTURE
Sunday 06/05 (1630hrs kick off) - U18 League Cup Final v Painswick

Please check these fixtures and if you are unavailable for any of these please confirm ASAP. 

Charlton Rovers

Charlton Rovers have recently disbanded - our league record shows an adjustment as this game and any teams results against them have been scrubbed from the record.

Tuffley away - Sunday March 25th

Sunday we are away to Tuffley Rovers. In a late change the game will not be played at Glevum Park but at The Lannet in GL1-5DE (see map link below).

This will be the third time we have faced Tuffley this season having beaten them 5-0 in the league in October and, in our only cup game, beating them 5-4 in what was a very tense and close game.

Having been on the wrong side of these results we can be certain that Tuffley will be very motivated for this match. Make sure you are ready! The current league table has us in 3rd on 17 points from 8 games and Tuffley on 15 points from 10 games.

As we chase the top spots this is a match we need to be winning.

Squad for the game will be

1. Will (Captain)
2. Ben 
3. Sam
4. George
5. Hayden
6. Jorge
7. Luca
8. Ryan
9. Jacob
10. Alf
11. Guus
12. Conor
13. Seth
14. Freddie

Lewis is unavailable but has returned to training which is great news! Tom remains MIA. 



Map for Justin ;)

Tuesday evening fixture (17th April)

Our home game against Charlton Rovers has been rescheduled from Sunday 15th April to Tuesday 17th April with kick-off at 1830hrs. 

If you are unavailable for this fixture then please confirm ASAP otherwise i will assume that you are.

This always happens as the season draws to a close. 

Longlevens away

Sunday we are away at Longlevens. The game kicks off at 2pm and will be played at Longford Lane, GL2-9EU.

Longlevens currently sit 2nd bottom in the division with 4 points (a win and a draw) from 9 matches. 

We must learn the lessons from the Charlton Rovers game and approach this match with the perfect attitude. Respect the opponent and never take anything for granted. 

Let’s meet there for 1:30.

Squad will be

Will

Ben

George

Sam

Seth

Connor

Alf

Gus

Luca

Jacob

Freddie

Jorge

Ryan

Missing are Lewis and Tom who will both return to training soon and Hayden who has a significant birthday. 

There are no easy games...

As good as LRFC were against Painswick last weekend they were bad this Sunday against Charlton Rovers. A game for which the attitude was not right from the off. A more lacklustre start from this team tou will not see; maybe borne out of not wanting to warm up properly, then not switching on and maybe thinking that the game is a simple one. Until the last 20 minutes It was anything but. 

On a large pitch albeit a lumpy one and with the low sun making visibility difficult LRFC really did not get going. For all the possession in the early exchanges there was very little cutting edge with the CR keeper not really being tested. The closest LRFC came was a well struck shot from distance that crashed off the cross bar and a timid shot that the keeper scrambled to his right to save. While dominating possession it was largely sterile. LRFC passing the ball well but not in advanced positions. This was in the main as there was so little movement in the advanced areas. As players carried the ball from deep into the heart of the CR defence the front players were standing and watching rather than moving out wide to pull defenders out of position and create space. This was happening time and again. One thing this LRFC side could do as a unit is work on their movement. Too many players wait for the ball and then move rather than anticipate where it might go or be played and work on that. Moves were breaking down time and again and CR were able to clear their lines. 

It’s very easy to defend against players that don’t move. 

The opening goal went to CR. A free kick just outside the area that was hit with real power and that flew into the top of the net. 1-0 and how it was at half time. 

Second half and LRFC started much the same. Lacklustre and no movement. Players were being caught in possession and just giving the ball back to CR as there was no one moving to receive the ball. CR then scored their second to put them 2-0 up. A break down the right and as Will rushed from his line to narrow the angle the ball was rolled into the net. 2-0. 

LRFC then made some tactical switches, Alf moved from centre back (swapping with the ever tenacious Ryan) into midfield alongside Freddie and Jacob. Gus and Luca were playing up front. Width came from Sam and Connor. CR were pushed back and defending the edge of their box. The LRFC midfield had plenty of the ball but were still susceptible to a breakaway as they chased for goals. 

The first LRFC goal came from Gus. A lovely ball played to the back post by Sam for him to finish into the corner 2-1 and the comeback was on. LRFC perhaps smelling a result upped their effort and started playing with more tempo and urgency. An equalising goal followed shortly with Luca, put through by Connor, scoring from close range. 2-2 with a few minutes left. There was time for an incredible save from the keeper, as Luca span in the box his close range volley was tipped away by the keeper. LRFC could have easily settled for and believed the game was destined to be a draw. 

Not so, opening his account for the season, Connor strode forward from wide midfield and his a strong shot that flew through the crowded penalty box and into the net. 3-2 and how the game would end. 

Victory from the jaws of defeat and CR could be forgiven for feeling that they should have got something from the game. 

Alf was given the MotM for a performance where he led by example. The players being considered for this each week are the same ones. The LRFC players know who they are. When the squad matches the effort and intensity of these players they will be unstoppable until then it will be hard work. That the team showed real determination and fight to come back into the game is something that should be acknowledged. But it really didn’t have to be this hard.   

Remaining Fixture

04/03 - Longlevens AWAY

11/03 - Mother’s Day - no game

18/03 - no game

25/03 - Tuffley AWAY

01/04 - no game

08/04 - Charlton Rovers HOME

15/04 - Painswick HOME

22/04 - Longlevens HOME

29/04 - no game

Sunday 06/05 (1630hrs KO)
U18 Cup Final v either Painswick or Fintan

If you are unavailable for any of these games please let Marcus or Simon know immediately. 

Charlton Rovers away

Sunday 25/02 we are away to Charlton Rovers, the first time we have faced them this season. They currently sit 6th in the league with 9 points from 8 matches played.

The game will be played at Whaddon Rec, Whaddon Road, GL52-5NB. Lets meet for 1:20 ahead of the 2:00 kick off.

Squad for the game will be

1. Will
2. Ben
3. George
4. Sam
5. Ryan
6. Jacob
7. Luca
8. Gus
9. Alf
10. Hayden
11. Jorge
12. Seth
13. Connor
14. Freddie

Tom faces a late fitness test and Lewis remains out of action. 

10 brave men

This is a game where the score line really does not tell the story. At the point in the season where LRFC should be putting a marker down injury has robbed them of players.

Freddie continues his sensible rehab from ACL surgery, Connor is struggling with his knee, Tom with his ankle and Lewis is out for the season with a serious ankle injury. Add that Sam was on a mini-break and Seth was playing tennis LRFC turned up with 10 players.

Playing a 3-5-1 formation to maximise stability in the middle of the pitch and maintain a threat going forward LRFC took the lead. 

A free kick from deep in the LRFC half was pushed forward deep into the Painswick penalty area. There was Gus to finish from close range high into the net. The game would remain 1-0 for some time as LRFC stuck to their defensive task. 

Will was in goal, the back three were Ben, George and dropping back again Alf. Each with a different skill set they complemented each other perfectly. Alf won many aerial challenges, Ben was neat on the ground with not much getting past him. Alongside was George, pace and power. A very solid 3 today. 

The midfield 5 comprised Gus, Jacob and Ryan centrally with then Hayden and Jorge in the wide positions. 

The lone striker was Luca, deployed so as his pace would cause problems. This formation worked with Painswick keeping 2 and 3 defenders back to cover.

Painswick pulled the game back to 1-1 following a corner. As the ball ricocheted out towards the edge of the penalty box there was a Painswick player to fire cleanly into the net. 

Painswick would take the lead before the half was out following some desperate LRFC defending. 

Rather than let their heads drop LRFC equalised. A superb free kick was fired into the area from wide left low by Gus with Luca on hand to divert it beyond the keeper. 

2-2 going into half time. 

The second half started quite slow. Neither team being to expansive early on, in truth this suited LRFC. 

As the half progressed LRFC were being pegged back but with painswick restricted to long shots. Where painswick were dangerous was from set plays. They took the lead from one. A header directed into the corner.

LRFC were not done and winning another free kick from deep which was again taken by Alf, Jorge was on hand to coolly sidefoot home from close range. 3-3 and how the game was until 5 minutes to go. 

LRFC deserved the draw for their efforts but it wasn’t to be. With fatigue starting to tell a Painswick player jinked inside from the right and finished beyond Will. 4-3 and how the game would end.

LRFC played this game with 10 players and were far from outplayed. 

Organisation, desire and work rate aligned with ability kept them in the game and it would not be a surprise if the spectators were unaware that LRFC were playing with 10 such was the balance between the sides. 

Gus was imperious in midfield and with Ryan and Jacob alongside him found time and space where there really wasn’t any. Ryan was his destructive best and Jacob, playing through a hamstring pain, was at his influential best. 

Outside of them Hayden, who ended up playing more as a right back, was solid and kept to his task in an unfamiliar position. Likewise Jorge in the left although he was able to press forward more and opened his account. 

Luca ploughed a lone furrow up front which is a thankless task. Feeding on scraps. He did enough to occupy the defenders and kept them nervy at the back. 

More than anything this was a team performance. There was strength all over the pitch and resilience to match. That LRFC lost the game matters little when analyses in context. 

What fans want from their teams over everything is work rate and passion. 



LRFC delivered this in truck fulls today.