Autumn has definitely arrived - the wind was swirling and there were more leaves on the pitch than grass.
This game will long be remembered for Jorges quite excellent hat-trick. Showing power, finesse and reading of the game. Goals win games and Jorge was deservedly the MotM for this display but as importantly as the goals we scored was the way we defended and retained possession.
This was an excellent squad performance.
In the second half, particularly, we dominated possession. As the Blues were forced back Jacob, Taylor, Finn and Max started to get on the ball more and dictate the pace. We all know what Max and Jacob can do and do it they did. There was some real sparkle from both Taylor, who seems to be able to wrong foot an entire team with barely a movement, and Finn who can dribble a football without seemingly need to touch it.
With Freddie providing the muscle in the holding role and Ryan making a total nuisance of himself to the opposition breaking up play and doing miles and miles of work running and tackling the platform is set.
Behind them we have a solid back four, and an excellent keeper. The full backs of Sam and Dan, rhyming aside, are solid in defence and getting more expansive as we go forward. In Lewis and George we have stoic centre backs that do not get bullied off the ball and are comfortable bringing i forward. Very Baresi like if a little reckless sometimes!
Will in goal had little to do but did make some important saves to keep us in the game. With the wind up and the Blues limited to long shots it was important that he kept his concentration.
Once we got the opening goal the result rarely looked in doubt such was our dominance in this match. Blues kept playing and defended valiantly, they must have the tallest 14 year old in Cheltenham in goal too! It did get a bit squeaky at the end when, having switched to 3 at the back we were being stretched with the Blues attack, that led to their goal. We reverted to a back 4 to then just see the game out.
This was a very solid and dominating performance. We kept possession well, scored fantastic goals and defended solidly. We competed for every ball and in possession looked to play the ball and pull the opposition out of shape.
The team is developing a pattern of play and spirit that we have not had before. We have already won as many games this season as we did in the whole of last season.
Lets keep it going.....
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A special mention for Bob and Cougars old boy Harrison, he used to be called Hazza, who came to watch the game wearing a medical boot from a namby-pamby rugby injury.
An even bigger mention to Eric who came along to watch and was given a unique view of the match from the pitch as he was coerced into refereeing. He loved it so much he has now enrolled to complete a referees course!
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