Sunday, December 23, 2012
Merry Christmas
Here's wishing a Merry Christmas and prosperous New Year to all the LRFC Cougars players, parents, coaches and to our team sponsor Listers of Cheltenham.
Monday, December 17, 2012
New Players - Trials through January
We are looking for a couple of new players to bolster the squad for the latter half of the season. If anyone is interested in having a trial or knows of anyone then please contact Marcus on 07973 659628 to discuss further.
Sunday, December 16, 2012
LRFC Cougars 'Dads' Christmas Drinks
This is simple :)
Thursday night (20/12), 7:30pm, LRFC Cougars Dads drinks at The Norwood on Bath Road.
Plan is to stay there for an hour to give people time to come along
before heading down Bath Road.
See you then.
Thursday night (20/12), 7:30pm, LRFC Cougars Dads drinks at The Norwood on Bath Road.
Plan is to stay there for an hour to give people time to come along
before heading down Bath Road.
See you then.
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
End of Year...
As we approach the end of the year there's a few things to highlight and reflect on....
Sponsorship
This season the LRFC Cougars are very proud to announce that we have signed a two-year kit and training top sponsorship deal with Listers of Cheltenham. We have the Lexus branding on the football shirts with Toyota on the training tops. This is an excellent opportunity for the team and we hope to give Listers some excellent exposure through the next couple of seasons.
Mid Season
The league season has been a tough start for us with us already playing the two strongest teams in the division, Churchdown both home and away and Hucclecote at home. While the result in those games was rarely in doubt it would have been nice to be more competitive which with a full squad we definitely would have been. Availability of the squad has been difficult and has a more marked impact on us than in previous seasons. This has been down to the lads having many more commitments plus sickness and injury all playing a part.
What is important though is that although it has been far from the easiest of starts the lads have remained positive and upbeat and started to show that they will play for each other and support each other. We are already this season a much stronger team than we were at the start.
The season resumes early in January with a double-header against Bishops Cleeve, lets start how we finished this year with an excellent performance against GVR and get back up the league.
Stats
We have played 5 league games winning 1, drawing 1 and losing 3. We have scored 19 goals (in all competitions) this season with 6 Cougars all getting on the scoresheet (and one being an own goal!). The current goal scorer chart looks like this:
Luca - 6
Daniel H - 5
Max T - 3
Max P - 2
Jacob and Harvey - 1 each
Players
As has been mentioned player availability has been difficult so far this season. With that in mind we could do with signing one or two players. If you know of someone interested in playing for us or joining us then please pass on my contact details so that a trial can be organised. We have the January transfer window so see what you can do!
Training
Apologies to all today, i only found out today that training was off after i had arrived there myself.
We are now on Christmas break and will resume on Wednesday 2nd January. This ahead of our next fixture on 6th January. All details are in the calendar available on this website.
As we are on break over Christmas here's a target for the lads - over the next fortnight can they all manage four 15-20 minute runs? Get them to post onto the LRFC Facebook page if they do this.
Support of Parents...
Thanks for your continued support, i regularly get comments from other managers about how you all put up the nets and flags, check the pitch and run the line. It's a much wider team effort and something that is never taken for granted.
Merry Christmas to all and a Prosperous New Year!
Sunday, December 9, 2012
9th-Dec-2012 - LRFC Cougars (2) V (2) GVR
Sunday 9th December
LRFC Cougars (2) V (2) GVR
Naunton Park
What a difference a week makes. Following last week's drubbing at the hands of Hucclecote we needed to show more strength in possession and to defend more as a team from front to back. The team was set up in a 4-4-1-1 formation. With Will in goal and captaining the side the back four (right to left) Sam, Paddy, Willbo and Harvey. Across the midfield Daniel H, Freddie, Jacob and Luca. Max P was at the tip of the diamond with Louis ploughing a lone furrow up front. On the bench Dan G.
From the kick-off GVR started to apply pressure. While we kept our lines clear we struggled to get the final break we needed in possession. The opening goal came early witha long run by the striker, with HPA in pursuit he slotted past Will in goal to put them 1-0 up. We never let our heads drop though and to the lads credit they kept playing the same way. Passing the ball and looking to use the pace of our wide men. Dan H on the right and Luca on the left. With Louis and Max P hassling in the middle and showing composure in possession this is a formation that, today, really worked for us. The equalising goal came from a through ball into the right of midfield, Dan H chasing and outpacing the GVR defence to lash the ball past the keeper with no chance. 1-1.
We got our tails up then and with Paddy in inspired form looked solid in defence. Willbo and Paddy formed a very solid partnership at centre back and with Sam and HPA showing touch and energy in the full-back positions we were always able to recover even when GVR were able to stretch the play. At one point Paddy was bursting forward from full back and playing the ball through with such poise that Hodgin senior remarked that he was like Baresi - Hodgin junior would later comment that Paddy had played like Thiaggo - i'm not sure if that was Mottha or Silva though.
We lost Freddie very early in the first half with asthma getting the better of him, Dan G was thrust into action in the centre of midfield and he stuck to his task very well. With Jacob ever-perpetual in his motion and Max P playing with great energy we were playing through GVR and only some great last ditch defending keeping us at bay. Using the width of the pitch and the pace of our wide midfielders was working time and again. Louis was linking play very well and using his touch and vision to great effect (that's why he was playing there - this doesn't happen by accident you know!) threading balls to both wings and was unlucky not to score himself with some great shots late on.
William, in goal, kept us in the match to pull off an amazing save, flyinh to his left to keep a goal bound shot out. The GVR fans could be heard cheering they were so sure it was a goal only for it to be pushed wide. This game showed the harshness of being a keeper with Will making a fantsatic save in the first half and many catches and great play only to be caught out late in the second half.
1-1 at half time with the Cougars in the ascendency. The instruction at half time was simple - more of the same. Keep working hard and playing for each other.
The second half kicked off and the Cougars were able to maintain the pressure from the first half keeping the GVR team in their own half and limiting them to chasing long clearances. Paddy was still dominant in the middle of the pitch - his athleticism seemingly knowing no bounds. Our second goal was very similar to our first. A ball threaded through from the midfield saw Luca give chase, out pace two defenders and finish beyond the keeper. 2-1 up and just what we deserved for our play.
Play resumed with the pattern very similar, lots of Cougars pressure without really getting a clean strike on goal. Meanwhile GVR continued to try and catch us on the break.
The equalising goal was a harsh one to concede. A long shot that was on target spinning in the air and as Will leapt to take it it spun off his gloves and into the net. A crazy goal and a real shame for the keeper who, once again, had been out-standing.
This really showed the role of confidence. GVR from being a team defending deep were now flying at us. By contrast the lads heads were not down but there was a tension and nervousness that had not been in evidence before. Defending deeper and with Will being called into action more and more there were longs shots peppering his goal. There was a final piece of action with Willbo showing fantastic tenacity to keep a goal bound effort out at the near post. With the GVR striker bearing down Will, in goal, forced him wide of the goal. Willbo covering in behind got his head on the goal bound effort in a last ditch defensive effort.
The final whistle came with the game 2-2. On reflection a fair result based on chances.
This was an excellent performance - GVR are a decent team and were always threatening. We played football and passed the ball, we kept possession and defended valiantly. When we had to be agricultural we were and when there was an option to pass we took it. HPA excellend again at left back and we now have some serious competion at the back with neither George or Jordan playing today. No-ones position is safe!
In midfield we have one of the out-standing midfielders in this division with Jacob quietly going about his business tackling evrry thing that moves. With Freddie beside him they formed a strong partnership. On the wings we have pace to burn with Dan and Luca being flying machines of the highest order. Add t that the guile and technique that Max and Louis offer and that's a great team.
Paddy was MotM today - we have not seen him in the team for a few weeks and today he strode in like he owned the place and dominated the game from the back. Breaking forward to great effect and playing some lovely through balls. The value of a defender that can bring the ball out is often talked about and he did that today. HPA, again, ran him close today. Considering he was unwell this week he had a stormer today and, as much as he doesn't like to admit it, looks really strong at left back. This could be another player that joined us as a striker only to end up being a defender (Jordan and Freddie falling a similair fate!)
Above all else the that was a team performance today. The lads were shattered at the end - a good afternoon's work and a result that should give us confidence as we look to the new year fixtures.
-----
Thanks to Eric for a very even-handed refereeing performance in the first half.
LRFC Cougars (2) V (2) GVR
Naunton Park
What a difference a week makes. Following last week's drubbing at the hands of Hucclecote we needed to show more strength in possession and to defend more as a team from front to back. The team was set up in a 4-4-1-1 formation. With Will in goal and captaining the side the back four (right to left) Sam, Paddy, Willbo and Harvey. Across the midfield Daniel H, Freddie, Jacob and Luca. Max P was at the tip of the diamond with Louis ploughing a lone furrow up front. On the bench Dan G.
From the kick-off GVR started to apply pressure. While we kept our lines clear we struggled to get the final break we needed in possession. The opening goal came early witha long run by the striker, with HPA in pursuit he slotted past Will in goal to put them 1-0 up. We never let our heads drop though and to the lads credit they kept playing the same way. Passing the ball and looking to use the pace of our wide men. Dan H on the right and Luca on the left. With Louis and Max P hassling in the middle and showing composure in possession this is a formation that, today, really worked for us. The equalising goal came from a through ball into the right of midfield, Dan H chasing and outpacing the GVR defence to lash the ball past the keeper with no chance. 1-1.
We got our tails up then and with Paddy in inspired form looked solid in defence. Willbo and Paddy formed a very solid partnership at centre back and with Sam and HPA showing touch and energy in the full-back positions we were always able to recover even when GVR were able to stretch the play. At one point Paddy was bursting forward from full back and playing the ball through with such poise that Hodgin senior remarked that he was like Baresi - Hodgin junior would later comment that Paddy had played like Thiaggo - i'm not sure if that was Mottha or Silva though.
We lost Freddie very early in the first half with asthma getting the better of him, Dan G was thrust into action in the centre of midfield and he stuck to his task very well. With Jacob ever-perpetual in his motion and Max P playing with great energy we were playing through GVR and only some great last ditch defending keeping us at bay. Using the width of the pitch and the pace of our wide midfielders was working time and again. Louis was linking play very well and using his touch and vision to great effect (that's why he was playing there - this doesn't happen by accident you know!) threading balls to both wings and was unlucky not to score himself with some great shots late on.
William, in goal, kept us in the match to pull off an amazing save, flyinh to his left to keep a goal bound shot out. The GVR fans could be heard cheering they were so sure it was a goal only for it to be pushed wide. This game showed the harshness of being a keeper with Will making a fantsatic save in the first half and many catches and great play only to be caught out late in the second half.
1-1 at half time with the Cougars in the ascendency. The instruction at half time was simple - more of the same. Keep working hard and playing for each other.
The second half kicked off and the Cougars were able to maintain the pressure from the first half keeping the GVR team in their own half and limiting them to chasing long clearances. Paddy was still dominant in the middle of the pitch - his athleticism seemingly knowing no bounds. Our second goal was very similar to our first. A ball threaded through from the midfield saw Luca give chase, out pace two defenders and finish beyond the keeper. 2-1 up and just what we deserved for our play.
Play resumed with the pattern very similar, lots of Cougars pressure without really getting a clean strike on goal. Meanwhile GVR continued to try and catch us on the break.
The equalising goal was a harsh one to concede. A long shot that was on target spinning in the air and as Will leapt to take it it spun off his gloves and into the net. A crazy goal and a real shame for the keeper who, once again, had been out-standing.
This really showed the role of confidence. GVR from being a team defending deep were now flying at us. By contrast the lads heads were not down but there was a tension and nervousness that had not been in evidence before. Defending deeper and with Will being called into action more and more there were longs shots peppering his goal. There was a final piece of action with Willbo showing fantastic tenacity to keep a goal bound effort out at the near post. With the GVR striker bearing down Will, in goal, forced him wide of the goal. Willbo covering in behind got his head on the goal bound effort in a last ditch defensive effort.
The final whistle came with the game 2-2. On reflection a fair result based on chances.
This was an excellent performance - GVR are a decent team and were always threatening. We played football and passed the ball, we kept possession and defended valiantly. When we had to be agricultural we were and when there was an option to pass we took it. HPA excellend again at left back and we now have some serious competion at the back with neither George or Jordan playing today. No-ones position is safe!
In midfield we have one of the out-standing midfielders in this division with Jacob quietly going about his business tackling evrry thing that moves. With Freddie beside him they formed a strong partnership. On the wings we have pace to burn with Dan and Luca being flying machines of the highest order. Add t that the guile and technique that Max and Louis offer and that's a great team.
Paddy was MotM today - we have not seen him in the team for a few weeks and today he strode in like he owned the place and dominated the game from the back. Breaking forward to great effect and playing some lovely through balls. The value of a defender that can bring the ball out is often talked about and he did that today. HPA, again, ran him close today. Considering he was unwell this week he had a stormer today and, as much as he doesn't like to admit it, looks really strong at left back. This could be another player that joined us as a striker only to end up being a defender (Jordan and Freddie falling a similair fate!)
Above all else the that was a team performance today. The lads were shattered at the end - a good afternoon's work and a result that should give us confidence as we look to the new year fixtures.
-----
Thanks to Eric for a very even-handed refereeing performance in the first half.
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Training Tonight
Simon is taking training tonight and may be a few minutes late but it is definitely on!
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
Monday, December 3, 2012
Cheltenham Youth League - match day 03/12
LRFC Cougars 0 v 6 Hucclecote Youth
2nd December 2012
Naunton Park
Sunday was a tough game, we knew it would be tough and it was. Playing
a 4-4-1-1 formation at the start we switched Louis to the point of
attack dropping Daniel to right midfield with Max P playing just off
him up front. HPA slotted in at left back, SHW at right back and
Willbo and George playing centre backs. The midfield 4 was Freddie and
Jacob I the centre with Daniel and Luca wide midfielders.
The game started even enough with both teams playing some nice
football. On a sticky pitch the touch of Hucclecote was a little more
assured with passes finding their man where we were struggling to get
the run of the ground. Will, in goal, made a couple of early
out-standing saves to keep us in the match. While we had some good
possession and played some good stuff we struggled to get a meaningful
chance or put pressure on their goal.
The first goal, when it came was from a wide left position, with no
real challenge there was a shot that flew in over Wills head leaving
him no chance. The second goal, following shortly after, trickled
inside the post after we failed to clear our lines.
2-0 at half time and while not really in it we weren't really out of it either.
Second half was a different tale, whether it was fatigue or heads
dropping we started to misplace more passes and failed to win the ball
in midfield. As we retreated deeper and deeper more goals were
inevitable. We did threaten late on with Callum going close with a
deft header from a corner and Luca forcing a save from a strong run
and shot. As the ball drifted to the back post we had no-one far
enough forward to get the loose ball.
Hucclecote are a strong team and in the second half they did outplay
us. We should learn from this and more that he opposition it's about
adapting to the conditions, on a heavy, sticky pitch our passing was
not strong enough and the flicks and tricks didn't come off.
George was MoTM for a strong and decisive performance it he heart of
defence. Will ran him close making some out-standing saves as did HPA
who at left back really played well, his energy and pace being well
utilised back there. Louis, starting up front, had a difficult
afternoon not really getting much good ball or the run but kept
plugging away. Ditto Max P who only has one mode and that's full-tilt.
We have another tough game this weekend against GVR where conditions
will be similar. Lets learn from this and get back to competitive
ways.
Availability of our players is where we are struggling at the moment,
so whereas Hucclecote, like Painswick a couple of weeks ago, have 5
substitutes we have 1 or 2. On big heavy pitches that eventually tells
regardless of how fit some of the lads may be.
2nd December 2012
Naunton Park
Sunday was a tough game, we knew it would be tough and it was. Playing
a 4-4-1-1 formation at the start we switched Louis to the point of
attack dropping Daniel to right midfield with Max P playing just off
him up front. HPA slotted in at left back, SHW at right back and
Willbo and George playing centre backs. The midfield 4 was Freddie and
Jacob I the centre with Daniel and Luca wide midfielders.
The game started even enough with both teams playing some nice
football. On a sticky pitch the touch of Hucclecote was a little more
assured with passes finding their man where we were struggling to get
the run of the ground. Will, in goal, made a couple of early
out-standing saves to keep us in the match. While we had some good
possession and played some good stuff we struggled to get a meaningful
chance or put pressure on their goal.
The first goal, when it came was from a wide left position, with no
real challenge there was a shot that flew in over Wills head leaving
him no chance. The second goal, following shortly after, trickled
inside the post after we failed to clear our lines.
2-0 at half time and while not really in it we weren't really out of it either.
Second half was a different tale, whether it was fatigue or heads
dropping we started to misplace more passes and failed to win the ball
in midfield. As we retreated deeper and deeper more goals were
inevitable. We did threaten late on with Callum going close with a
deft header from a corner and Luca forcing a save from a strong run
and shot. As the ball drifted to the back post we had no-one far
enough forward to get the loose ball.
Hucclecote are a strong team and in the second half they did outplay
us. We should learn from this and more that he opposition it's about
adapting to the conditions, on a heavy, sticky pitch our passing was
not strong enough and the flicks and tricks didn't come off.
George was MoTM for a strong and decisive performance it he heart of
defence. Will ran him close making some out-standing saves as did HPA
who at left back really played well, his energy and pace being well
utilised back there. Louis, starting up front, had a difficult
afternoon not really getting much good ball or the run but kept
plugging away. Ditto Max P who only has one mode and that's full-tilt.
We have another tough game this weekend against GVR where conditions
will be similar. Lets learn from this and get back to competitive
ways.
Availability of our players is where we are struggling at the moment,
so whereas Hucclecote, like Painswick a couple of weeks ago, have 5
substitutes we have 1 or 2. On big heavy pitches that eventually tells
regardless of how fit some of the lads may be.
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