A game of two halves....

LRFC Cougars U15 (6) v (1) Cashes Green
Own Goal 1
Jorge 3
Louis 1
Freddie 1

Today there was a massive contrast between the two halves of football.
First half and, as expected Cashes came at us strong and fast. They
were first to every ball, appealing every decision and strong into
every challenge. We struggled to get a foot in the game being over run
in midfield and under pressure at the back. Lewis and Ben showing
great strength and power to keep Cashes at bay, when they were
bypassed Will, in goal, was equal to the long shots. This continued
for 5-10 minutes and then against the run of play we went 1-0 up.

Max driving forward from the number 10 position out to the left
channel. He evaded a Cashes tackle, that could have killed a less
nimble player, and crossed the ball. The Cashes defender playing it
into his own net. The pattern of play continued with Cashes dominant
and the Cougars limited to playing passes for the striker to chase.

Cashes equalised before the half was out, finishing well from a ball
played in from the right wing. 1-1.

Half time.

A rest and water In the shade - the lads challenged to play their way
and not revert to the opposition. This is typical of how we tend to
play, well against teams that play a more passing game and more direct
against teams that play that way. We are not equipped to play that
type of football with, in general the opposition being around half a
foot and maybe half a stone a man bigger. Now that the lads no longer
bring lucozade to matches maybe we need to switch it to baby bio??

Second half and a very different game. A couple of changes enforced by
injury saw, first, Freddie drop back to centre back, Jacob swapping
into centre midfield. Then Ryan also had to take one for the team and
play centre back. This saw a significant reshuffle with Taylor moving
out wide right, Jorge moving up front and Luca dropping back into
centre midfield.

We started to get more involved in the play. Jorge scored an excellent
hat trick, for all the quality in his finishing, particularly the
second goal, they were team goals. Building the play from midfield,
out wide where Taylor was a willing runner, and then quality into the
box. Sam was proving to be an excellent outlet in right back and there
was even the start of communication between the back four.

We could have had more, as Cashes tired and we grew in stature the
quality on the ball that we have started to tell.

Louis would score on his season debut (surely a goal is better than
anything you can do with a golf club), Freddie would round off the
scoring with a goal for close range. Quite what he was doing up there
when he was playing centre back? Possibly been watching too much
Gerrard Pique, if he turns up with a beard or a girlfriend called
Shakira next week we will know.

Will, in goal, had a moment (one for the cameras), with a shot driven
from left to right he dived full stretch and tipped the ball onto the
post from where we were then able to clear our lines.

There was a lot to learn and admire today. A number of the lads played
in different positions. Not only playing I these positions but doing
well. Ryan and Freddie at centre back own headers and tackles and were
playing the ball out of defence. Luca played striker and midfield to
great effect and was perpetual motion. Jacob played wide right then
more familiar in central midfield. Taylor and Jorge both played up
front and then wide, Will T played the full left side. Versatility and
enthusiasm all over the pitch. Finn played wide right and started to
show better skill, increased fitness will see him achieve better
things as the season progresses.

Jorge was MotM for his hat trick that propelled us to victory. Taylor
had a strong game and was a threat with his willingness to run. Luca
showed great energy and skill to drive from deep. Freddie and Ryan
were strong and forming a good understanding playing in midfield and
then at the back.

We can build on this and continue in this trajectory. We have improved
since the friendly and have plenty of options all over the field. This
is the strongest squad we have had and it showed today once we started
to play.