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.
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