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.