A tale of two Fenleys

Southside (0) v (2) LRFC Cougars

This was a game that on paper looked a formality. Playing a team that
had lost both their opening fixtures 6-1. But as someone once said the
games not played on paper.

Lining up in a 4-2-3-1 formation we looked to play the ball wide as
much as possible to create space in the middle. Jacob and Luca
deployed to the wings, Max in the number 10 and Jorge up front. The
midfield screen was provided by Ryan and Freddie.

The back 4 were Sam, Lewis, George and Dan. In goal, Will. On the
bench were Finn, Taylor and making his debut this season, Tom.

First half we were playing up the hill and against the wind. Southside
started strong and enjoyed the majority possession and were winning
the ball more in midfield. That said they did not create a chance and
Will, in goal, had little to do. As the half progressed we started to
impose our game on Southside and the game was being played mostly in
their half. Jorge went close with a half chance and there were other
chances for Jacob and Luca. In midfield Ryan was bustling and knitting
play with Freddie alongside him showing all his strength to win the
ball back. Max was enjoying more and more possession and gliding
through the game. The back 4 were secure although with clearances
being hit long by Southside created some hairy moments with an
inability to deal with the ball in the air.

The first half finished 0-0, in view of the conditions of the pitch
that felt like a good result.

Second half we were playing down hill and with the wind. The pattern
of play continued with personnel changes being made. Taylor had come
on midway through the first half for Jorge, then Tom for Dan, finally
Finn for Freddie with Jacob slotting into centre midfield.

We continued to create chances although nothing clear cut. Our shots
from distance were dealt with by the Southside keeper. The opening
goal came from a moment of magic. Jorge was in the inside left
position in the penalty area, adjusted his feet quickly and sent a
shot curling around the keeper in the top right corner of the goal.
1-0 and a great finish from an in-form player.

The flood gates odd not open.

Max was becoming more and more influential as Southside retreated
deeper and deeper. As was Tom breaking from deep and supporting play
on the left. Tom was kicked and fouled a number of times but could not
catch a break with the referee.

Finn was finding and exploiting space on the right and put in some
lovely crosses. We were playing well, enjoying the majority possession
but could not het the 2nd goal we needed. At 1-0 we looked precarious.

With less than 5 minutes remaining the final changes were made, Jacob
and Sam coming back on for Finn and Tom respectively with the
intention of securing the points. This almost backfired.

Southside in a rare surge into our half were around the edge of the
box with the lads defending a bit ragged and nervy. Step forward
Lewis. He won the tackle then drive out of our area and towards the
half way line. He played the ball down the left to Luca who cut in and
beat the keeper at the near post 2-0. Nerves settled and points
secured.

This was a game where the result could have been secured much easier
but for better finishing. Jorge went close, as did Taylor with a
couple chances, Max drew a great save from a corner from the keeper.
Finn had chances and there were shots from deep.

What we did do, though, was trust the way we play and keep going with
it. We got the reward as a result.

Tom was MotM for a performance where he was a nuisance to the
opposition in defending and supporting the left hand side well.

Other mentions to both goal scorers for moments of quality on both
strikes. Max who ran the show. Ryan and Freddie for their continued
industry in midfield, Jacob for versatility and quality in many
positions. As one player commented "Jacob can play anywhere on the
pitch". Taylor showed tenacity and nice skills, on a different day he
would have had a hat trick. The back 4 defended well and coped with a
few nervy moments, heading the ball remains something to be developed
but they are working well as a unit. Sam in particular had a strong
game and was starting to communicate with the players in front of him.
We need more of this.

Well played today, we played some decent football and were deserved
winners of a nervy game.

By virtue of the alphabet we remain top of the league with two cup
games up next, both against Cashes Green.


Sent from my iPad