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.
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