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.