Put down your phones for an hour and go for a run.
Tuesday, October 27, 2015
Bourton Rovers Away
We return to league action this coming Sunday (01/11) with an away fixture to Bourton Rovers.
Bourton currently lie 8th in the league having lost 3 games to Painswick, Longlevens and Lydney. They also have the third leakiest defence in the league and have conceded 24 goals in their 6 matches.
The game will be played at Rissington Road, Bourton on the Water, GL54-2DR. According to Google Maps this is around 16 miles and anything between 30-45 minutes, from Cheltenham, to get there.
Kick-off is at 2pm so let's aim to meet at 1:30.
Squad for the game will be
Monday, October 19, 2015
League Cup - Southside are next...
U16 C & G League Cup
SUN 15 NOV 2015 14:00
Southside U16 -v- Leckhampton Rovers Cougars U16
Venue: Bournside School, Cheltenham #1
--
Marcus Bosano
email mbosano@gmail.com
tel. +44 (0)7973 659 628
LinkedIn http://uk.linkedin.com/in/marcusbosano
email mbosano@gmail.com
tel. +44 (0)7973 659 628
LinkedIn http://uk.linkedin.com/in/marcusbosano
Sunday, October 18, 2015
Magnificent Seven
LRFC (7) v (0) Sling Utd Fc
LRFC started their defence of the cup with a home match to Sling UTD
FC. Looking at the league form LRFC could be forgiven that this was
going to be a straight forward game. While the result may show that it
was Sling played with commitment throughout and it took some time for
the game to be over as a contest.
Lining up in a familiar 4-2-3-1 formation the starting 11 was not that
familiar. The back four were Sam, Lewis, Ben and Tom. I front of them
Ryan and Alf. The attacking trio of Jacob, max and Ollie behind the
striker, Luca. Will, captaining the side, was in goal.
The bench was incredibly strong with Freddie, Jorge, Akinfenwa (I mean
Dan G), Adam and Tommy. Let's not forget that this LRFC team is still
without the Akiat who should be back in contention for their next
game. It was good that he came to watch the lads today.
LRFC kicked off playing down the slope. From the off they were clearly
the more dominant side on display. Olly, on the right wing, had the
beating of his full back convincingly and was driving to the byline
and pulling his crosses back across the box. LRFC failed to convert
these and indeed chances from many corners, it was fortunate that this
was not relevant in the grand scheme of things.
The opening goal came from Luca, in a rich vein of form, picking up
the ball in a crowded box he jinked and finished from close range. He
would put the team 2-0 up from the penalty spot gate being fouled
himself. Sending the keeper the wrong way. He would complete his hat
trick in the second half smashing a left footed shot over the keeper
that despite getting a touch on was unable to keep out.
The third goal was an unfortunate own goal. Tommy, picking up the ball
deep saw Jacob on the move on the left wing and sent an arrowed pass
into his path. As the keeper came out the defender got his head on it
and directed the ball into the empty net. It was unfortunate as the
Sling keeper had a good game making some great saves to keep the score
under control.
Second half and LRFC turned up the heat. Fitness and pace told and
despite making a number of substitutions in every position bar keeper
kept the tempo up and in possession always looked a threat. Olly would
score for close range and also hit the bar and cross bar denying him a
hat-trick. Jorge worked tirelessly and is playing the way that he
needs to in this team, a real improving performance.
Alf in centre midfield is coming into form and getting better each
week. Always combative he won all the headers in the middle and showed
excellent composure in possession.
Max smashed one home from inside the box to cap a fine display. He
would score a better second following a lovely passing move involving
Tommy Jorge and Olly that was, inexplicably, ruled out for offside. As
many chances that were missed from corners there were offsides. Some
were debatable and down to the fact this side has so much pace going
forward. Sometimes the ball needs to be played forward even quicker.
Tommy scored from distance and was denied by the woodwork, or is it
metalwork, and also from a remarkable save from the keeper.
This was a much better performance from LRFC. In patches they were
unplayable and with so many solid performances picking an motm was
difficult. Alf was given the award for an improving display and one
that showed a full range of his abilities. His initial rustiness from
a lack of football over the last couple of seasons disappearing to
reveal the footballer within.
There's always room for improvement but with so much rotation and
flexibility in today's squad this was a really solid performance. A
clean sheet is always pleasing and Will only had a couple of saves to
make. He was called more into action from back passes than the
opposition, clearing his lines with both his feet and head.
The back 4 were rotated with Ben and Lewis starting at centre back but
through rotation Freddie, Jacob and Dan G all taking a stint back
there.
This LRFC side is strong when breaking with pace yet has the guile and
vision to be able to play a more measured passing game too. Some of
the passing today was excellent, tom and Sam who were the starting
full backs with so much time to get forward were really influencing
the game from deep.
There will surely be sterner tests but this was a professional performance.
LRFC started their defence of the cup with a home match to Sling UTD
FC. Looking at the league form LRFC could be forgiven that this was
going to be a straight forward game. While the result may show that it
was Sling played with commitment throughout and it took some time for
the game to be over as a contest.
Lining up in a familiar 4-2-3-1 formation the starting 11 was not that
familiar. The back four were Sam, Lewis, Ben and Tom. I front of them
Ryan and Alf. The attacking trio of Jacob, max and Ollie behind the
striker, Luca. Will, captaining the side, was in goal.
The bench was incredibly strong with Freddie, Jorge, Akinfenwa (I mean
Dan G), Adam and Tommy. Let's not forget that this LRFC team is still
without the Akiat who should be back in contention for their next
game. It was good that he came to watch the lads today.
LRFC kicked off playing down the slope. From the off they were clearly
the more dominant side on display. Olly, on the right wing, had the
beating of his full back convincingly and was driving to the byline
and pulling his crosses back across the box. LRFC failed to convert
these and indeed chances from many corners, it was fortunate that this
was not relevant in the grand scheme of things.
The opening goal came from Luca, in a rich vein of form, picking up
the ball in a crowded box he jinked and finished from close range. He
would put the team 2-0 up from the penalty spot gate being fouled
himself. Sending the keeper the wrong way. He would complete his hat
trick in the second half smashing a left footed shot over the keeper
that despite getting a touch on was unable to keep out.
The third goal was an unfortunate own goal. Tommy, picking up the ball
deep saw Jacob on the move on the left wing and sent an arrowed pass
into his path. As the keeper came out the defender got his head on it
and directed the ball into the empty net. It was unfortunate as the
Sling keeper had a good game making some great saves to keep the score
under control.
Second half and LRFC turned up the heat. Fitness and pace told and
despite making a number of substitutions in every position bar keeper
kept the tempo up and in possession always looked a threat. Olly would
score for close range and also hit the bar and cross bar denying him a
hat-trick. Jorge worked tirelessly and is playing the way that he
needs to in this team, a real improving performance.
Alf in centre midfield is coming into form and getting better each
week. Always combative he won all the headers in the middle and showed
excellent composure in possession.
Max smashed one home from inside the box to cap a fine display. He
would score a better second following a lovely passing move involving
Tommy Jorge and Olly that was, inexplicably, ruled out for offside. As
many chances that were missed from corners there were offsides. Some
were debatable and down to the fact this side has so much pace going
forward. Sometimes the ball needs to be played forward even quicker.
Tommy scored from distance and was denied by the woodwork, or is it
metalwork, and also from a remarkable save from the keeper.
This was a much better performance from LRFC. In patches they were
unplayable and with so many solid performances picking an motm was
difficult. Alf was given the award for an improving display and one
that showed a full range of his abilities. His initial rustiness from
a lack of football over the last couple of seasons disappearing to
reveal the footballer within.
There's always room for improvement but with so much rotation and
flexibility in today's squad this was a really solid performance. A
clean sheet is always pleasing and Will only had a couple of saves to
make. He was called more into action from back passes than the
opposition, clearing his lines with both his feet and head.
The back 4 were rotated with Ben and Lewis starting at centre back but
through rotation Freddie, Jacob and Dan G all taking a stint back
there.
This LRFC side is strong when breaking with pace yet has the guile and
vision to be able to play a more measured passing game too. Some of
the passing today was excellent, tom and Sam who were the starting
full backs with so much time to get forward were really influencing
the game from deep.
There will surely be sterner tests but this was a professional performance.
Friday, October 16, 2015
The defence of the cup starts here...
Sunday we are at home to Sling UTD in the first match of our cup defence.
Sling currently sit 15th in the table with 4 defeats in their opening
5 matches, scoring 5 but conceding 20 along the way.
The match will be any Naunton Park with kick off at 2pm. We should
meet at 1:15, as usual, to set up the pitch etc.
We have a full squad for the game...
Will
Lewis
Ben
Sam
Adam
Tom
Dan G
Jacob
Ryan
Freddie
Max
Luca
Ollie
Jorge
Alf
Tommy
Let's make sure that we learned what's the best way for us to play
after last weeks performance and how we played in training this week.
We need to up the tempo and move the ball quickly, when we do that we
are excellent when we don't it all starts to go awry and we give the
ball away cheaply.
Remember that you won this competition last season, let's start this
one with the same intensity.
Sling currently sit 15th in the table with 4 defeats in their opening
5 matches, scoring 5 but conceding 20 along the way.
The match will be any Naunton Park with kick off at 2pm. We should
meet at 1:15, as usual, to set up the pitch etc.
We have a full squad for the game...
Will
Lewis
Ben
Sam
Adam
Tom
Dan G
Jacob
Ryan
Freddie
Max
Luca
Ollie
Jorge
Alf
Tommy
Let's make sure that we learned what's the best way for us to play
after last weeks performance and how we played in training this week.
We need to up the tempo and move the ball quickly, when we do that we
are excellent when we don't it all starts to go awry and we give the
ball away cheaply.
Remember that you won this competition last season, let's start this
one with the same intensity.
Tuesday, October 13, 2015
Sunday, October 11, 2015
Longlevens FC (0) v (8) LRFC Cougars
A glorious early autumn Sunday saw the sun shining, barely a breeze and LRFC players, pre match, dropping like flies. With Dan (A) already missing with a knee-knack there was Tommy with an ankle-knack, Dan (G) who was unwell with what can only have been a super bug - no mere cold could stop the strongest of players. Maybe it was kryptonite? The lastly there was Adam who was missing through being grounded. Where Tom leads others follow.
With a squad of 13 and against a team they knew little about having never faced them previously LRFC lined up in typical 4-2-3-1 formation. At the back, Tom, Ben, Lewis and Sam. In front of them Freddie and Ryan. The attacking trio behind the striker, Jorge, of Jacob, Alf and Luca. On the bench Max and Olly.
From the off LRFC were on the ball quickly and forced Longlevens back into their half, deeper and deeper. On a massive pitch there was always going to be space and with Longlevens switching to 3 at the back this meant there quite literally acres for the LRFC wingers to run into.
The out ball for LRFC was on the left. Tom and Luca were linking well, defending the space and driving at the full back at every opportunity. He had a torrid afternoon. With all the early play down the left it was from the right that the opening goal came.
LRFC had the majority possession but were unable to get the final connection to get the goal that their play deserved. Ryan had an early shot that was deflected over, there were then moments of indecision that gave Longlevens time to regroup and get the clearance away. This LRFC team needs to trust its shooting more and even just toe poking the ball goal bound when in the box.
The opening goal came from a corner, Jacob diving spectacularly to send his header beyond the keeper much like this one... http://youtu.be/1Q5-ANGlhuM.
The pattern of play continued with LRFC dominating possession. With the game poised at 1-0 though LRFC could not get the breakthrough. Longlevens continued to press and with a mix-up in the heart of the LRFC defence a Longlevens player broke through. As Will rushed out to narrow the angle the Longlevens striker tried to slot the ball inside the left post. He opened his body well enough but the shot drifted wide of the upright.
A real let off for the LRFC team.
The second goal then came from link up between two wingers. With Ollie now on the wing he drove forward and crossed for Luca to finish from close range. 2-0 and how the game would be at half time.
Second half and for all the quality that was evident through much of the first LRFC started like a team of strangers. There was a complete lack of cohesion and even less communication than normal. LRFC were winning the ball in the middle of the pitch but not moving it quickly enough to the wide players where the game could be stretched. When they did the impact was devastating. Luca scored two more goals quickly the third a shot into the side netting of the far corner. There would be a further goal where following a mix-up between the Longlevens keeper and defender three LRFC players, Luca, tom and Olly, all lined up waiting for it. Rather than cross or pass Luca went past the keeper to net his fourth.
In between Max scored an excellent free kick. Outside the area and to the left of centre. He struck the ball over the wall,it just dropping over the keepers out stretched hand. A lovely free kick.
There were two more goals and the unlikely goal hero was Tom. A player that always gets roasted in the prematch briefing had an excellent game today. Starting at left back he thwarted any attacks down that wing. Then as he was pushed further forward scored two excellent goal. The first a shot from wide left that dropped into the side netting of the far post, the second a fine individual effort.
At the final whistle LRFC had won the match 8-0.
Luca and Tom were the joint motm's such was their influence on the game and the impact of their play. Six goals between them, a constant threat with their energy and directness Longlevens just could not cope with them.
There were other performances of note and Alf caught the eye playing, initially I the number 10 position, then holding midfield and then latterly and most impressively at right full back. If his dad had been able to return the ball to the field of play it would have been a perfect afternoon for the Little household. Jacob, aside from opening the scoring, played on the left wing, centre midfield and centre back.
This LRFC team is now setting the pace in the division with 5 wins from 5. Goals are flowing from different players and there is unity in the squad. What they need to remember is the way of playing that that has got them this reward. Effort and endeavour are a massive part of this team but when in possession the ball must be moved quickly to the wingers and play switched.
In central positions the play is crowded and keeping the ball is harder. Playing one or two touches to keep the ball moving and then passing to a team mate then moving to be available for the return. This team is built on movement and quick passing. It does not take much to disrupt this pattern of play.
This was an excellent win and a real marker to our challengers at the top of the table.
Of historical significance was a flyover, for the last time, of a Vulcan bomber. Quite a special moment. Live long and prosper.
Friday, October 9, 2015
NO FIXTURE :: 25th October
This is to confirm that there will absolutely be no fixture on 25th October so you can make other plans :)
Thursday, October 8, 2015
Longlevens Away - Sunday 11/10
This Sunday we have our first away fixture at Longlevens. The match
will be played at Longford Lane, GL2-9EU with kick off at 2pm. Please
aim to be at the pitch for 1:30.
Longlevens currently sit 8th in the table after 4 matches with 2 wins
and 2 defeats. They have had the same opening fixtures that we have
and lost to both Lydney and Painswick and beaten Southside and
Abbeymead.
Notably they beat Abbeymead 5-0 so we will definitely need to be on
our game this Sunday.
The squad for the game will be...
Will (Captain)
Lewis
Ben
Sam
Dan G
Adam
Jacob
Ryan
Luca
Tommy
Tom
Max
Jorge
Olly
Freddie
Alf
This is a full squad of 11 starters plus 5 subs.
Unfortunately Dan (A) is unavailable for this game due to injury and
will likely be out for a few weeks. Let's wish him well with his
recovery, hopefully he will be back soon unleashing hell on the
opposition.
will be played at Longford Lane, GL2-9EU with kick off at 2pm. Please
aim to be at the pitch for 1:30.
Longlevens currently sit 8th in the table after 4 matches with 2 wins
and 2 defeats. They have had the same opening fixtures that we have
and lost to both Lydney and Painswick and beaten Southside and
Abbeymead.
Notably they beat Abbeymead 5-0 so we will definitely need to be on
our game this Sunday.
The squad for the game will be...
Will (Captain)
Lewis
Ben
Sam
Dan G
Adam
Jacob
Ryan
Luca
Tommy
Tom
Max
Jorge
Olly
Freddie
Alf
This is a full squad of 11 starters plus 5 subs.
Unfortunately Dan (A) is unavailable for this game due to injury and
will likely be out for a few weeks. Let's wish him well with his
recovery, hopefully he will be back soon unleashing hell on the
opposition.
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