Third time almost lucky...

GFA County Cup

LRFC Cougars (2) v (2) Cashes Green

LRFC Cougars win 3-2 on penalties

These two teams know each other so well now and it showed in this match. Cashes approached the game with typical aggression and were first to the ball, and the second ball. Where we were strong was in defending. George and Dan G catching the eye and with Ben, making a return following injury, quietly efficient. Sam in the other full back position was always good in possession looking to play the ball to the front players. 

In centre midfield we started with Freddie and Ryan, the attacking four were Louis, Taylor, Tom and Jorge. 

Cashes started strong, again, and continued to call for everything. As with last week the ref got control of this in no uncertain terms. It is ironic then that we then did the same and nearly talked ourselves into a booking. With the central four of George, Ben, Freddie and Ryan holding solid and challenging and winning headers we limited cashes to long shots that Jacob, deputising for Will in goal, was the equal of. 

Finn joined the match for Taylor, initially out wide and then pushed into the number 10 position. This following injury to Sam that saw Tom drop into full back. Finn was excellent in the number 10, excellent going forwards showing good skills and dribbling ability and end product to flash the ball across the goal. 

Cashes continued to be a threat with their direct approach and Jacob was called into action to make a fantastic save at the near post. A great save and reminder of how good a 'keeper he is.

With the half approaching the end and at 0-0 up popped Freddie with the opening goal. Jorge sent in a fantastic cross from a free kick that Freddie rose well for and saw his header hit the net. Two weeks and two headed goals. With the entire Palmer clan present it was a good job he didn't miss. You could see what it meant to the lads too, they celebrated the goal with more intensity than they normally do. Having been under pressure a moment of quality saw us take the lead.

Half time and 1-0.

The second half started in similar fashion with Cashes playing down the slope. They equalised soon into the half with a rare moment of indecision in defence they pounced leaving Jacob no chance. 

We then scored the goal of the game, building play from the back and up the left. The cashes defence and keeper were pulled out of position. The ball played across the area and Taylor finishing from close range. 

Cashes were not done though and while we were starting to play some good football they remained a threat. Their energy and motivation significantly not diminishing. The equaliser came late in the half to make it 2-2. Cashes were then in the ascendency. Nobody wanted penalties. 

Penalties it was.... We needed 5 nominated takers, up stepped Jorge, Jacob, Taylor, George and Freddie. 

Cashes took the first one, Jacob saved. Jorge then scored high over the keeper. 

The next Cashes penalty went wide. Jacob then took and scored his penalty. There's always something cool about seeing a keeper take a penalty. Cashes then scored their third and fourth penalty. Taylor's penalty was well struck but the keeper guessed right making a good save. It was then down to George to take the deciding penalty. He hit it high into the net! 

The game finished 2-2 then 3-2 after penalties. We are through to the next round of the county cup for, I think, the first time.

Cashes could feel aggrieved as they had the better of the game but our performance was a strong one in defence and of character when under pressure. There were a number of strong performances, Jorge ran the line up front excellently and is thriving as the point of attack. He may not have scored today but always looked a threat and never gave up any ball. Finn in the number 10 role was tricky and loose-limbed. 

Out wide Taylor and Louis were always available and linked well for the second goal. Ryan and Freddie were under pressure for much of the game but kept working and trying to play quality to the striker. 

This was a test of character and one that we passed. This team is developing a strength and competitiveness that it has not had before. There is more talking with George, in particular, showing personality on the pitch. We keep our good form going forward - it will be good to test ourselves against a different opposition!