Cheltenham Youth League u15's
LRFC Cougars (6) v (3) Gotherington U15's
Naunton Park
You could have been forgiven for thinking, that much like the week
before, this game would be a bore of attrition. Having only played the
previous week and drawing 0-0 both teams could have easily felt that
they were going to have the better of the spoils today. That could not
have been further from the truth with what happened today where 9
goals were shared.
The game started in the manner we expected with Gotherington straight
onto the front foot. They showed much more guile in attack than they
had the week before and we were forced into some customary last ditch
defending. When we did have the ball we were neat in possession and
progressed forward in a very measured manner. The full backs able to
push on supporting the midfield.
In the centre Freddie was winning header after header with Ryan ever
industrious at his side. If they ever give up playing football they
should consider fighting crime. Just in front of them Jacob was
controlling things and trying to link play with the wide men, Louis on
the left and Max on the right and Jorge up front. He would go on to
score two goals, the first a header from a corner and then a finish
low into the corner for some excellent build up play.
The back four were excellent, again, today and that they are starting
games and playing together is starting to show. George and Lewis in
the centre have power, pace and ability although Lewis ends to realise
his left foot is not just for standing on. The starting full backs
were Sam and Dan. Both excellent, we then had Tom and Adam who came on
in those roles and performed equally well.
Adam made his debut and was very assured in defence. Adept with either
foot and brave with some headers he made calm clearances and helped to
retain possession with some neat passing. There was even a little
glimpse of his skills with some neat footwork on the edge of our area
to see him jink his way out of danger. His fitness was flagging a
little towards the end but this was a very solid and accomplished
debut.
Making up the trio on the bench were Tom and Luca, evidence of the
strength of this squad. Both played a significant part on this match
with Tom playing both full back positions and centre midfield and Luca
playing on both wings and centre midfield.
The scoring was opened by Max. Midway through the half, we were camped
in the Gotherington half and passing the ball in front of their back
4. Jacob spotted Max' darting run and played the ball. Max still had
work to do and finished over the keepers head. 1-0.
We weren't able to push on from this with Gotherington equalising for
the penalty spot. The striker tripping following a tangle with the
full back. Will, in goal, went the right way but the penalty was too
well struck for him to keep out.
The move of the game followed, Louis and Jorge linked down the left
playing a couple of 1-2's to send Jorge clear for his shot to crash
off the upright. Jorge would hit the post again in the same match.
Today he led the line excellently setting up goals for Jacob and Luca
at the expense of his own ambitions.
With less than 5 minutes to go in the half it looked like it was going
to be 1-1. Jacob them scored with a header from a corner. Luca, on for
Max burst from deep and played his cross which was hit out by the
defence. From the corner, that Jorge took, Jacob rose unchallenged and
saw his header hit the back of the net.
With a couple of minutes remaining we instructed the team to keep it
tight, it was important to go into half time ahead. That we did having
doubled our advantage, again through Jacob. The ball crossed for him
to finish low inside the post. 3-1 and half time.
At the start of the first half we scored again this time through
Freddie who bundled his way through fro midfield and finished into an
empty net having gone through the keeper. 4-1. There was then another
penalty. It went Gotherington's way from a heavy handed challenge.
Could have gone either way really.
It was dispatched goal wards, Will went the right way but it was too
well struck.
4-2.
There were three more goals. Luca restored our 3 goal cushion
following excellent and unselfish work from Jorge. He then doubled his
tally with a fine finish after e ball broke to him I the box.
Gotherington would score from open play and the game finished 6-3.
This was an excellent performance, we looked strong in all areas and
could have had more goals today. Jorge hit the post twice and Louis
saw his goal bound shot cleared off the line. We scored 6 today with 4
players getting onto the score sheet. Excellent work all round.
Sam was MotM, his performances in full back have been growing and
today he was at his marauding best. Making clearances, he has
excellent technique and in the second half playing on the right of
midfield was unlucky not to score himself after being sent clear.
Perhaps the most shocking moment of the game was not any of the goals.
Or any saves made by Will. It wasn't the two penalty decisions or the
change in the weather. It was when Dan G got knocked not just off the
ball but to the ground. Hercules was floored....
I don't expect that to happen again.
Well done lads on another great performance and score line! That was
one of our games in hand and we did what we had to do!
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