Rodborough Youth U15 (2) v (8) LRFC Cougars
If Carlsberg did youth football pitches then this would have been very
close to being one of theirs. A quite stunning setting, up the hill
out of Stroud a piece of flat ground with an impeccable pitch marked
out. The views across the valley quite stunning. With early September
temperatures hitting 20c and little shade this was going to be a
demanding fixture.
With 4 substitutes the pre-match talk was about how we have, possibly,
the strongest squad we have ever had with competition in all positions
and lads that can play in a couple of positions. That versatility has
always been incredibly useful. That we were able to make a number of
changes through the game without disrupting the pattern of play too
much just serves to prove that.
The starting 11 were Will in goal, the back four of Dan G, Lewis,
George and Will T. The holding pair were Freddie and Ryan. The
attacking trio of Jorge, Max and Jacob lining up behind Luca as
striker. On the bench were Ben, Finn, Sam and bucking the trend with
an extra syllable Taylor.
The game kicked off and immediately we pressed Rodborough. The outlet
was Jacob on the right who was linking with Luca at every opportunity.
They both went close with early efforts. Just pulling shots wide. On
the left Jorge was linking with Max and starting to get onto good
positions. After sustained pressure the opening goal came totally
against the run of play.
Rodborough cleared the ball long, as they chased I the ball downfield
there was miscommunication between Will and Dan G with the ball being
played into our own net. No drama. We had been on top and there was a
long way to go.
We equalised in less than 5 minutes. Luca receiving the ball in the
box to score low past the keeper. Confidence restored we were then in
control of the match. Restricting Rodborough to long clearances down
field. We did struggle when the ball was in the air but were composed
enough to regain possession and try to attack again.
Jorge would score our second goal on the stroke of 20 minutes just
before he was substituted. The sub was planned well before he scored.
The same is also true of Lewis who late in the second half barrelled
his way through the middle of the pitch and struck a ferocious shot
that left the keeper no chance. If there wasn't a net the ball would
now be orbiting the earth such was the power. Immediately after he was
substituted!
Taylor scored the third from the wide left position, finishing well
over the keeper. A competitive debit in which as the game wore on his
confidence grew.
Then...... On the stroke of half time there was a moment so incredible
that even the architect of it was surprised. We had a free kick about
5 yards to the left of centre and about 10 yards outside the box. The
exchange, I believe, went something like this....
George "can I take it?"
Freddie "yeah, have a pop"
Ref "you can take it quick or they will be able to set a wall"
George ran from deep and smashed the ball with his right foot, it flew
like a missile into the top left corner. The keeper had no chance.
As uh turned to celebrate the look of surprise on his face was only
matched by everyone else's in the ground! A special goal.
Half time and we made more changes. Ryan, also making his competitive
debut, taking a well earned breather. Finn came on in the wide right.
The message at half time was to pass the ball more. With the
temperature not abating the ball needed to do the work not the
players. We started well although, smelling goals, this quickly
evaporated as the tendency to take on too many players started to kick
in.
While this was a great opening result it wasn't necessarily a great
performance as we tend to drop to the level of our opponents rather
than impose our way. We pass the ball and use energy, technical
ability and pace. When we play teams that are more direct we need to
remember that as that is how we will get our rewards.
The next goal was probably the team move of the game. Picking up the
ball from defence Sam (excellent at full back and latterly when we
switched to 3 at the back) brought it forward, linked with Finn who
played it inside, there were then 4 or 5 further passes with the ball
then played to Luca. He rode a couple of tackles, showed quick feet
and finished under pressure. This was an excellent team goal and shows
how passing the ball quickly and with purpose can get you goals. There
was still time for two more goals, Will T finishing over the keeper
with a lovely shot from distance and Jorge completing his brace with a
goal high to the right of the keepers dive.
There will be sterner tests in this division but to start with an
emphatic victory is all you can ask for. Will's distribution both
short and long was excellent. George and Lewis look strong at centre
back, also in full back positions we are well covered with Dan G, Sam,
Will T and Freddie all playing there today. We still need to win more
balls in the air and against better opposition will be punished for
some of our defending. There is also a greater need for communication
and trust to play the way you are facing. We do not always need to
dribble out of defence or play the Hollywood pass.
Midfield we looked very strong, Ryan and Freddie a formidable
partnership all about tenacity and power. Freddie is fast becoming an
enforcer in the team and Ryan,alongside him, looked like he had been
playing with us for years.
The front 4 created lots of chances and but for better finishing could
have scored a lot more. It's early season though and it takes a game
or two to get your eye in. It was fortunate that today it did not
really matter. That they made chances and kept making them was more
important than necessarily taking them all.
George was MotM for that goal.
It seems churlish to criticise the team after winning 8-2 but the old
problems are still there. When the ball is played long by the
opposition keeper we need to win the header and head it back. As soon
as we let it bounce we put ourselves under pressure, against better
teams that will count. The same is true in midfield. Up front we need
to be quicker with our passing. Once we have created a moment of space
release the ball, as soon as we hold onto it the opposition can get
back into shape and the moment is gone. Again, against better teams we
will be punished for taking too many touches.
Next up we are home to Cashes Green lets play with the intensity and
drive that we did today and iron out these small issues in the play
and really put on a show.
Well done to the lads today - a good win of the opening day is about
as good as it gets.
No comments:
Post a Comment