Jacob scores with header...

Under 15's League Cup
LRFC Cougars (4) v (2) Cashes Green

A very good point was made after this game; that last season this is a
game we would have lost. To put that in context at half time we were
1-0 down. About mid-way through the second half we were 3-1 up then
Cashes scored to make it 3-2.

At this point they started to throw the ball long and direct putting
us under pressure. Last season we would have capitulated. This season
is different and we scored a 4th goal following a break down the right
wing.

We won 4-2. We showed strength and tenacity against a Cashes team that
played very well and battled hard.

The game started in much the way we expected and following the same
pattern as our league match against them a couple of weeks ago. They
played direct with strength, purpose and very narrow. Freddie starting
at the back won most of the headers and, importantly put a name on
them too. He was at the heart of everything we did in that first half
in terms of providing a solid platform for us to start to play. With
George in formidable typical style winning tackles and springing
attacks we looked solid. Dan and Tom were the starting full backs both
in action defending then springing attacks down the flanks. In
midfield we started with solidity with Ryan, Jacob and Luca. Of the
wings, Taylor and Louis with Jorge up front.

We struggled to get a pattern of play going and the midfield three
were struggling to link. This was as much to the pressure being
exerted by Cashes as anything else.

Conditions did not help with the weather unseasonably warm and the
lads all flagging in the heat as the game progressed.

When we did get the ball we used the width and tried to get Jorge on
the move. This was a different sort of game for Jorge, leading the
line in a game where the quality of pass to him was not great. As
predicted. He worked incredibly hard for the team, chasing everything
and trying to link play.

As the half wore on we conceded, Cashes scoring from good wing play, a
ball played centrally and a good finish. 1-0 and how it would be at
half time.

With subs being made Max was playing in the number 10. Ryan made way
for Freddie, Lewis coming on at the back. At full back Sam had
replaced Tom then at half time Tom replaced Dan.

Second half and a complete turnaround in form. In less than 10 minutes
we were 2-1 up. Louis scoring both goals for close range after good
build up play down the right. Poachers goals.

We went 3-1 up with, possibly the goal of the game although the 4th
goal was pretty decent too.

Under pressure from Cashes we broke with pace down the right. The ball
played out wide Luca beat the full back and crossed to the centre
where Jacob scored a cushioned header. A great goal following
excellent team play. Notably our first headed goal of the season.

Jorge then went close, racing clear of the cashes defence to see his
shot very well saved by the keeper.

Then the pressure, relentless pressure from Cashes under which we held
well. The lads heading the ball and, more importantly, challenging for
the ball in the air. Tom had a mad moment, the ball bounced as he
raced onto it and misjudged the flight, rather than let it go over his
head his hand instinctively came up. Deliberate hand ball and a
booking. Funnily enough after that Tom played his best football of the
match, driving down the wing and winning tackles and showing that
energy that means he covers every blade of grass!

Cashes scored to make it 3-2. A lack of decisiveness in defence and a
goal. It happens that quickly.

The final goal of the game was almost as good as the first. Luca sent
clear after neat play from the defence and midfield. The keeper saved
his shot well, the ball rebounded to Max just inside the area. The
maestro hit a shot first time beyond the keeper and into the net 4-2
and game over.

A hard fought victory.

Freddie was MotM for dominating play. At centre back and in centre
midfield he was combative and strong with quality. As a unit we
defended well and we are always a threat on the break.

We will face Gotherington in the quarter finals of this competition in
November. Our next match will be, once again, against Cashes Green
this time in the County Cup.

We're playing very and need to keep up this momentum...