--
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, November 29, 2015
Sling away postponed
Our match away to sling has been postponed due to the condition of their pitch.
Thursday, November 26, 2015
Sling Utd Away
Sunday 29/11 we have our 8th league game of this campaign away to Sling Utd Youth. The game kicks off at 2pm and will be played at Scarr Bandstand, Lambsquay Road, GL16 8J. According to google maps it's, from Cheltenham, around 30 miles and anything from 45mins-1hr drive time.
As always lets meet for 1:30.
Sling currently sit 16th in the league with 3 points from 8 games. Notably they played Painswick at the weekend losing narrowly 2-0. This match represents the halfway point in the league campaign so lets make sure we play the game as we have all our matches to date. Respecting the opposition and playing our football.
The squad for this match will be...
| Daniel Akiat |
| Luca Bosano |
| Jacob Burgess |
| Thomas Callinan |
| Lewis Carter |
| Thomas Carter |
| Ryan Coldridge |
| William Fenley |
| Adam Fielding |
| Daniel Griffiths | |||||
| Sam Hansson-Willey | |||||
| Benjamin Higgs | |||||
|
Sunday, November 22, 2015
Perfect 10!
Bishops Cleeve Colts United (1) V (4) LRFC Cougars
LRFC U16's were back in league action today with their 7th game in the competition. Their opponents were Cleeve Colts who they beat 11-2 only two weeks ago in the GFA County Cup. Surely lightning wouldn't strike twice?
It didn't and the way that LRFC set-up they weren't expecting it either.
It was clear from the off that the LRFC game plan was to use the width of the pitch, move the ball wide quickly and support the wingers. The wingers reminded that if they cannot get in on goal to look to play the ball across the goal. To get the cross in where the striker and number 10 would be lurking. The initial exchanges saw LRFC gain territory and progress down the wings with Dan and Luca getting plenty of the early ball. Centrally Tommy and Alf were linking well with Alf very effective in the hole behind the striker.
Alf was substituted after 10 minutes with a dead leg, Max came on and quickly started to determine the tempo of play. Always looking to thread balls through his link up play with Tommy was excellent.
Behind them the defensive unit was in control with Ryan and Jacob snuffing out attacks. The full backs, Sam and Adam were able to push forward to support attacks and the Ben and Lewis partnership, never knowingly undersold, providing excellent final cover. They were called into action quite early on as the Cleeve out ball was very clearly the left winger who had pace to burn; to contain him LRFC needed to double up.
In goal, Will had little to do but needed to maintain his concentration as Cleeve did have attacks and he was called into sporadic action, particularly in the second half where he made an excellent save in a one-on-one and tipped another goal bound shot onto the crossbar.
LRFC made the breakthrough with Tommy scoring from close range following good build up play down the left. LRFC then lost Alf who picked up a dead leg and was replaced by Max. Tommy would double his tally with another goal, this one picking up a long ball from Lewis's clearance he raced into the box and put his shot wide of the keeper.
The third goal would come from Dan who looked dangerous all game and scored from a ball played in from the left.
There was a moment in the first half that was worthy of a goal, LRFC won a throw in deep in their own half. They played the ball back and along the defensive line from the right to the left. Once on the left they pushed forward, Adam to Ryan to Luca and onto Jorge. Jorge threaded a ball through perfectly for Dan to burst through onto from the opposite wing. His shot was well struck and goal bound drawing an excellent save from the keeper.
At half time it was 3-0 to LRFC.
The second half was a very different matter. While the result was rarely in doubt Cleeve did exert more pressure and play some nice football. They were deserving a goal which duly game. Making the result 4-1.
The LRFC third goal? That was scored by Alf who playing on the left wing hit a very deliberate, not flukey whatsoever, shot that went high over the keeper dropping in at the far post.
The MotM was difficult today as the whole team played well, Adam was nominated for his control in defence and energetic support of attacks. Late in the game he had a shot that was arrowing into the top corner only to be denied by a fantastic save. An excellent full-back display.
There was a lot to admire in this LRFC performance, while they never hit the heights of recent matches they played with control. Retained possession and showed quality at the right moments. On another day the score could have been very different, Dan hit the post and side netting, Jorge had chances that he just failed to connect. Ryan, so often defending, found himself in shooting positions a couple of times unable to make that final contact tell.
Importantly this was a milestone for this team. Ten games this season in three competitions and winning them all. In the process this squad has scored 58 goals along the way and conceding only 13. Everything is still in their own hands - they need to keep playing this way and working for each other.
Wednesday, November 18, 2015
Back in league action - Sunday 22/11
Sunday we are back in league action with a match away to Bishops Cleeve.
They currently sit 11th in the league on 7 points from 7 games played having beaten Saracens and Sling and losing four along the way. We played Cleeve only two weeks ago in the GFA County Cup, winning 11-2. Cleeve will be smarting from that so we should be prepared for a much tougher fixture.
The game kicks off at 2pm so we should meet there for 1:30.
With Ollie still injured the squad will be as follows, noting that this is the maximum squad size of 11 starters plus 5 subs.
The game will be played on pitch #4 Cheltenham Road, Bishops Cleeve, Cheltenham, GL52-8WA.
Sunday, November 15, 2015
Into the Semi's...
Southside Star U16 (1) v (5) LRFC Cougars u16's
As a mark of respect for the horrors that occurred in Paris on Friday
night there was an impeccable minutes silence before the game. Whilst
at such moments sport, indeed many things, seem trivial what is
important is that life continues and continues with the same passion
and verve as before....
=================
that said this was an odd match. A game where the result was not
really ever in doubt and as a result failed to pick up any real tempo
and energy, certainly within the LRFC players. Southside were reduced
to 10 men from the start when one of their number turned his ankle in
the warmup yet rarely did it look like they only had 10 players.
LRFC started playing down the slope and the early signs were good. A
goal from Luca within the first couple of minutes seemed an omen of
what might come. Credit is due to Southside that it didn't.
LRFC were enjoying the majority possession yet in the early part of
the game Southside did cause them to scramble back. Their striker
showing enough strength, athleticism and desire throughout the whole
match to be a threat. That he would score in second half was reward
for his endeavour.
A second LRFC goal looked likely when they were awarded a penalty.
Tommy bundled over from behind. Clumsily, not maliciously, left the
ref an easy decision. Luca hit the ball well enough, it was just a
shame that it hit the cross bar and went over. On a day where
conditions were squawkish keeping it down might have worked better.
When the LRFC second goal did come it was from the unlikely position
of right back. Perhaps inspired by Mario Gaspar's goal against England
on Friday night? Sam picked up the ball wide right having pushed on
supporting the winger. His cross flew towards goal and dropped in the
far corner over the keepers head. 2-0.
Tommy would score a third in the half bundling in for close range,
alive or the keepers fumble.
The second half was quite frustrating to watch. With Southside
defending ever deeper LRFC were able to keep the ball but had sterile
possession in the area between penalty box and half way line. There
was no way through. When they did breach the Southside defence the
passing was not good enough to create chances. As the game ticked on
LRFC resorted to playing longer balls that in these conditions saw the
ball skid away.
It was while LRFC pressed the play that Southside scored their goal.
The ball hit long to the striker who controlled under pressure, beat
the last line of LRFC defence and poked the ball past the on rushing
Will in goal. A nice piece of individual play and as already said, a
deserved goal.
There were a couple of fantastic strikes from Alf who smashed the ball
goal wards from outside the box only to see the keeper get a hand to
it. His season opener cannot be far away.
There were two more goals in the second half. Dan with, probably, the
goal of the day. Picking up the ball he cut inside from the left wing,
opened out his body and hit a right footed shot that flew into the top
corner and in off the post. A really clever goal. Tommy would complete
his brace scoring for close range.
The game finished 5-1.
There were some great passages of play where LRFC kept possession and
moved the ball across the midfield and back again waiting for an
option to play it forward rather than just hit and hope. There was,
though, a lot of times where the ball played forward was too long or
too heavy to be able to be controlled. Against an opponent that
defends deep and with motivation the play to breach this needs to be a
bit cuter. If a winger breaks a tackle and has space the ball needs to
be played then, too often the LRFC players went for the Hollywood
ball.
Tommy was the motm for a game where he knitted play together and on a
day when conditions were so bad that his technique and touch were
excellent. Playing up front he scored two goals that were poachers
goals, they came at the right time for this LRFC side.
There is more to come from this LRFC side but as they develop they
keep winning which is a nice habit. They also have a great spirit
throughout the team and it was good that Olly and Dan G, both out
injured, could be seen in the stands supporting their team.
This team keeps on scoring and keeps on winning. Good habits to have.
As a mark of respect for the horrors that occurred in Paris on Friday
night there was an impeccable minutes silence before the game. Whilst
at such moments sport, indeed many things, seem trivial what is
important is that life continues and continues with the same passion
and verve as before....
=================
that said this was an odd match. A game where the result was not
really ever in doubt and as a result failed to pick up any real tempo
and energy, certainly within the LRFC players. Southside were reduced
to 10 men from the start when one of their number turned his ankle in
the warmup yet rarely did it look like they only had 10 players.
LRFC started playing down the slope and the early signs were good. A
goal from Luca within the first couple of minutes seemed an omen of
what might come. Credit is due to Southside that it didn't.
LRFC were enjoying the majority possession yet in the early part of
the game Southside did cause them to scramble back. Their striker
showing enough strength, athleticism and desire throughout the whole
match to be a threat. That he would score in second half was reward
for his endeavour.
A second LRFC goal looked likely when they were awarded a penalty.
Tommy bundled over from behind. Clumsily, not maliciously, left the
ref an easy decision. Luca hit the ball well enough, it was just a
shame that it hit the cross bar and went over. On a day where
conditions were squawkish keeping it down might have worked better.
When the LRFC second goal did come it was from the unlikely position
of right back. Perhaps inspired by Mario Gaspar's goal against England
on Friday night? Sam picked up the ball wide right having pushed on
supporting the winger. His cross flew towards goal and dropped in the
far corner over the keepers head. 2-0.
Tommy would score a third in the half bundling in for close range,
alive or the keepers fumble.
The second half was quite frustrating to watch. With Southside
defending ever deeper LRFC were able to keep the ball but had sterile
possession in the area between penalty box and half way line. There
was no way through. When they did breach the Southside defence the
passing was not good enough to create chances. As the game ticked on
LRFC resorted to playing longer balls that in these conditions saw the
ball skid away.
It was while LRFC pressed the play that Southside scored their goal.
The ball hit long to the striker who controlled under pressure, beat
the last line of LRFC defence and poked the ball past the on rushing
Will in goal. A nice piece of individual play and as already said, a
deserved goal.
There were a couple of fantastic strikes from Alf who smashed the ball
goal wards from outside the box only to see the keeper get a hand to
it. His season opener cannot be far away.
There were two more goals in the second half. Dan with, probably, the
goal of the day. Picking up the ball he cut inside from the left wing,
opened out his body and hit a right footed shot that flew into the top
corner and in off the post. A really clever goal. Tommy would complete
his brace scoring for close range.
The game finished 5-1.
There were some great passages of play where LRFC kept possession and
moved the ball across the midfield and back again waiting for an
option to play it forward rather than just hit and hope. There was,
though, a lot of times where the ball played forward was too long or
too heavy to be able to be controlled. Against an opponent that
defends deep and with motivation the play to breach this needs to be a
bit cuter. If a winger breaks a tackle and has space the ball needs to
be played then, too often the LRFC players went for the Hollywood
ball.
Tommy was the motm for a game where he knitted play together and on a
day when conditions were so bad that his technique and touch were
excellent. Playing up front he scored two goals that were poachers
goals, they came at the right time for this LRFC side.
There is more to come from this LRFC side but as they develop they
keep winning which is a nice habit. They also have a great spirit
throughout the team and it was good that Olly and Dan G, both out
injured, could be seen in the stands supporting their team.
This team keeps on scoring and keeps on winning. Good habits to have.
Wednesday, November 11, 2015
League Cup V Southside Star 15/11
Sunday we have a League Cup match V Southside with the game to be played at Bournside. Kick off is at 2pm so we should aim to meet there at 1:30.
We played Southside in our opening fixture beating them 6-0. Since then fortune has not been on their side and from 6 games played they have won one (beating Bishops Cleeve 3-0) and lost five. This is a cup game though and in a one-off fixture anything can happen.
We cannot afford complacency.
The squad for the game...
- Daniel Akiat
- Luca Bosano
- Jacob Burgess
- Thomas Callinan
- Lewis Carter
- Thomas Carter
- Ryan Coldridge
- William Fenley (Captain)
- Adam Fielding
- Daniel Griffiths
- Sam Hansson-Willey
- Benjamin Higgs
- Alf Little
- George Mooney
- Freddie Palmer
- Oliver Thomas is unavailable for this match as is still injured
- Max Timothy is unavailable due to, every teenage boys nightmare, family stuff!
Sunday, November 8, 2015
What a performance!
GFA County Cup
LRFC Cougars U16's (11) v (2) Cleeve Colts U16's
There was an immaculately observed minutes silence before the match
today. With three games taking place on Naunton Park it was eerily
quiet with just the wind howling through the trees as players and
supporters showed their respect.
The teams lined up, Cleeve in their change kit of white shirts LRFC in
their traditional green. There has been criticism of LRFC in recent
games for not playing their way. Today they put that right.
There were lots of goals, it was 5-1 at half time with goals from Dan,
Luca, Jacob with two, and Freddie. Each goal was well taken with the
opener from Dan breaking through the Cleeve back four and smashing the
ball over the keeper from just outside the box. Cleeve then equalised
through their winger/striker who showed excellent pace and a keen
finish from a tight angle to level the scores. This was short lived
and within a couple of minutes LRFC were ahead again with a close
range from Luca following some pressure in the Cleeve box.
LRFC restored the lead with Luca finishing from close range. Jacob
then bagged a brace from the right wing position the first smashed
home emphatically.
Freddie scored the pick of the goals, a team move saw play build up
the right. As the ball was played across the edge of the box he
stroked it home side footed. This was Freddie opening his account for
the season and he would go on to complete a hat-trick in the second
half.
Playing in the holding pair alongside Ryan there was an initial period
of intensity as Cleeve started well but once this dropped off he was
given time and space to be more creative in his play. Ryan, whose
tenacity in the tackle knows no bounds, was typically bustling through
the game. Winning the ball back and feeding it wide and looking for
through balls at every opportunity.
Alf too, played in the holding pair and showed a developing
understanding with Sam at right back to link up well and play the ball
into the attacking positions. A player that is improving each game he
plays.
With quality throughout the squad a player that has struggled a little
this season has been Jorge. Today he had his best game for this team
this season. Playing deeper in the number 10 role, this team has so
many number 10 type players, he was able to get onto the ball more and
then use his skill to play the ball either wide, forward or to retain
possession under pressure back or sideways. This was Jorge at his
best, quick feet, playing with his head up and using his skills in a
part of the field where he can be dangerous.
Lewis and Ben are developing a solid partnership in central defence.
Ben rarely puts a foot wrong, rarely takes more than one touch and
rarely makes a wrong decision. Lewis is growing this season into a
full blooded competitor and improving with every game. Now winning
headers and relishing the physicality of the game he is rising to the
challenges and improving with every game.
In the second half there were seven more goals, six for LRFC and
Cleeve scoring one. Freddie would complete his hat trick, a penalty
following a foul on Dan. Then a finish into the top corner from inside
the box.
Dan would score his second late on smashing the ball past the keeper.
Luca, who was also motm would score a second half hat-trick. Once he
realised he had the beating of the full back he tormented him at every
opportunity creating shooting chances or playing the ball to a team
mate.
Tommy started from the bench and when introduced came on the striker
role. Adept at holding up the ball he brought others into play often
selflessly, and was unlucky not to score in the second half when
receiving the ball in the box he shifted the ball and fired it goal
wards only to see his shot come back of the post.
Max, also starting from the bench, came on, initially in the wide
right position but when he was played through the middle started to
have more influence. He released a superb ball when LRFC were counter
attacking creating a goal scoring chance for Luca to finish
Finally LRFC are starting to play like a team at the top of the league
they controlled the game from the start. What must have pleased the
coaches and supporters was that in possession there were options. The
players were composed enough to play it back and across the pitch
rather than trying to turn and take the opposition on.
It was playing this way that led to the goals and the result.
Controlling the game by retaining the ball then using the dynamism in
attacking positions. Lessons learned across the whole squad.
More than just a victory this was the first time that this LRFC side
has won a GFA County Cup game having previously always been beaten in
their first game of this competition.
Special mention for Olly who is missing at the moment through injury
and came to watch and support the team today.
LRFC Cougars U16's (11) v (2) Cleeve Colts U16's
There was an immaculately observed minutes silence before the match
today. With three games taking place on Naunton Park it was eerily
quiet with just the wind howling through the trees as players and
supporters showed their respect.
The teams lined up, Cleeve in their change kit of white shirts LRFC in
their traditional green. There has been criticism of LRFC in recent
games for not playing their way. Today they put that right.
There were lots of goals, it was 5-1 at half time with goals from Dan,
Luca, Jacob with two, and Freddie. Each goal was well taken with the
opener from Dan breaking through the Cleeve back four and smashing the
ball over the keeper from just outside the box. Cleeve then equalised
through their winger/striker who showed excellent pace and a keen
finish from a tight angle to level the scores. This was short lived
and within a couple of minutes LRFC were ahead again with a close
range from Luca following some pressure in the Cleeve box.
LRFC restored the lead with Luca finishing from close range. Jacob
then bagged a brace from the right wing position the first smashed
home emphatically.
Freddie scored the pick of the goals, a team move saw play build up
the right. As the ball was played across the edge of the box he
stroked it home side footed. This was Freddie opening his account for
the season and he would go on to complete a hat-trick in the second
half.
Playing in the holding pair alongside Ryan there was an initial period
of intensity as Cleeve started well but once this dropped off he was
given time and space to be more creative in his play. Ryan, whose
tenacity in the tackle knows no bounds, was typically bustling through
the game. Winning the ball back and feeding it wide and looking for
through balls at every opportunity.
Alf too, played in the holding pair and showed a developing
understanding with Sam at right back to link up well and play the ball
into the attacking positions. A player that is improving each game he
plays.
With quality throughout the squad a player that has struggled a little
this season has been Jorge. Today he had his best game for this team
this season. Playing deeper in the number 10 role, this team has so
many number 10 type players, he was able to get onto the ball more and
then use his skill to play the ball either wide, forward or to retain
possession under pressure back or sideways. This was Jorge at his
best, quick feet, playing with his head up and using his skills in a
part of the field where he can be dangerous.
Lewis and Ben are developing a solid partnership in central defence.
Ben rarely puts a foot wrong, rarely takes more than one touch and
rarely makes a wrong decision. Lewis is growing this season into a
full blooded competitor and improving with every game. Now winning
headers and relishing the physicality of the game he is rising to the
challenges and improving with every game.
In the second half there were seven more goals, six for LRFC and
Cleeve scoring one. Freddie would complete his hat trick, a penalty
following a foul on Dan. Then a finish into the top corner from inside
the box.
Dan would score his second late on smashing the ball past the keeper.
Luca, who was also motm would score a second half hat-trick. Once he
realised he had the beating of the full back he tormented him at every
opportunity creating shooting chances or playing the ball to a team
mate.
Tommy started from the bench and when introduced came on the striker
role. Adept at holding up the ball he brought others into play often
selflessly, and was unlucky not to score in the second half when
receiving the ball in the box he shifted the ball and fired it goal
wards only to see his shot come back of the post.
Max, also starting from the bench, came on, initially in the wide
right position but when he was played through the middle started to
have more influence. He released a superb ball when LRFC were counter
attacking creating a goal scoring chance for Luca to finish
Finally LRFC are starting to play like a team at the top of the league
they controlled the game from the start. What must have pleased the
coaches and supporters was that in possession there were options. The
players were composed enough to play it back and across the pitch
rather than trying to turn and take the opposition on.
It was playing this way that led to the goals and the result.
Controlling the game by retaining the ball then using the dynamism in
attacking positions. Lessons learned across the whole squad.
More than just a victory this was the first time that this LRFC side
has won a GFA County Cup game having previously always been beaten in
their first game of this competition.
Special mention for Olly who is missing at the moment through injury
and came to watch and support the team today.
Saturday, November 7, 2015
Plank Challenge
1. A Toned Belly
Planking will help build your deep inner core muscles that lay the groundwork for that six-pack look. As your abdominal muscles become stronger, your mid-section will tighten.
Keep in mind, however, that in order to really get "six-pack" abs, you have to shed fat.
2. Reduce Back Pain
Planks work for back pain because they strengthen your core, which has the pleasant "side effect" of reducing back pain. They also strengthen your back muscles, especially those in your upper back.
"Because the plank exercise requires minimal movement while contracting all layers of the abdominal fascia, it is an excellent way to strengthen the core, which, in turn, helps reduce low-back pain."
3. Flexibility
While building strength, planks also increase flexibility in your posterior muscle groups. The muscles around your shoulders, collarbone, and shoulder blades will expand and stretch (an area that often receives little attention), as will your hamstrings and even the arches of your feet and your toes.
If you do a side plank, you can also stretch out your sides (especially if you extend your arm up over your head in line with your body). To increase the stretching benefits, try a rocking plank – once in basic plank form, rock your body back and forth by moving your toes a few inches either way.3
4. Improve Your Mood
Virtually every exercise has the potential to give you a mood boost, and planks are no exception. Planks are unique, however, in that they help stretch and ultimately relax muscles groups that often become stiff and tense from prolonged sitting. The tension release that planks provide is uplifting for your spirit.
5. Improve Your Balance and Posture
To do a plank correctly, you must engage your abs to stay upright. Side planks or planks with extensions are particularly beneficial for building balance, as are planks performed on a stability ball. To test and strengthen your balance, try a side plank with a leg raise – get into side plank position, then lift your top leg and hold for one count. Lower it and repeat, then switch sides. In addition, planks work all the muscles you need to maintain proper posture, like your back, chest, shoulders, abs, and neck. If you do planks regularly, you'll find you're able to sit or stand up straighter with ease.
Wednesday, November 4, 2015
GFA County Cup
Sunday we are in County Cup action at home to Cleeve Colts. This will be our first game against Cleeve this season and they currently sit 11th in the league with 7 points from 7 games. They have 2 victories against Saracens and Sling.
The match is at Naunton Park and so we should aim to meet at 1:15 to set up etc.
We have a full squad for the game...
Tempo, energy and bravery.
| Daniel Akiat |
| Luca Bosano |
| Jacob Burgess |
| Thomas Callinan |
| Lewis Carter |
| Thomas Carter | ||||
| Ryan Coldridge | ||||
| William Fenley (Captain) | ||||
| Adam Fielding Sam Hansson-Willey Benjamin Higgs Alf Little
|
Sunday, November 1, 2015
Lethargic afternoon.....
Bourton Rovers (3) v (6) Leckhampton Rovers FC
This was a perfect day for football. Unseasonably warm, blue skies and
barely a breeze. The pitch was large and wide and it should have been
a match against a team that was there for the taking. However, there
are no easy games....
Lining up with Will in goal, the back four of Tom, Ben, Lewis and Sam.
In front of them Ryan and Freddie. That attacking quartet was then
Jacob, Tommy and Dan with Jorge up front. On the bench; Luca, Alf and
Adam.
The game started quietly for LRFC who had no energy or zip. There was
no tempo to their play. This continued and as notorious slow starters
the coaches left it as it was, thinking that it would click soon
enough. Even when Bourton opened the scoring having run through the
middle of the pitch unchallenged to finish over Wills head as he
rushed out calm rained. One nil became two nil and still there was
little reaction from this LRFC side.
They did pull a goal back from the boot of Jacob who finished from an
acute angle close in. 2-1. The ball through was from Dan, returning to
the side from injury lay-off, who slid the ball in behind the defence
for Jacob to run on to.
Changes were made to the playing personnel. Lewis making way for Jacob
to drop back into centre back with Luca coming onto the left. The
source of our goals of late has been the wings Jacob scoring in this
game from the left wing and with Olly, Dan and Luca all netting in
previous games.
The change made an impact with Dan and Luca linking well and
tormenting the defence from two prongs. In midfield and defensive
position LRFC continued to look vulnerable with little by way of
cohesion. There was also frustration creeping in as the attacking
players were continually being flagged, correctly, offside.
Alf would come onto the right wing midway through the half with Adam
rotating through the full back positions with Tom and Sam.
Bourton scored their final goal to go 3-1 up. Before the half was out
Dan would score to make it 3-2 going in to half time.
At half time LRFC looked done in. Lacking confidence in each other and
struggling to lift themselves. There was little energy and next to no
enthusiasm. A couple of changes were made, Lewis came back on in
central defence and turned in a massively improved performance. Where
before there was indecision and hesitation he was far more aggressive
towards the ball and more dominant - just what the team needed to
settle down and restore confidence.
The second half performance was dramatically improved. LRFC equalised
through a penalty won by Dan and scored by Luca. Dan tormented the
defence down the right wing, as he jinked, tricked and muscled his way
into the area he was brought down. No dispute. Luca scored the penalty
firing to the keepers right. 3-3.
Tommy would then score from close range following more trickery from
Dan. 3-4. Having taken the lead for the first time in the game LRFC
then started to play better, much better. Dan would net his second of
the game and Luca would go on to score his second. 3-6 and how the
game would finish.
LRFC won a succession of corners and were unlucky not to score with
Alf going close on two occasions. Each time the keeper making an
excellent save.
Jacob was the MotM for a performance that was text book Jacob. He
started on the left wing from where he scored, then dropped back to
centre back, played holding midfield and then moved to the number 10.
He had a 5 minute breather and then resumed picking up where he
started back on the left wing. A excellent energetic performance when
most around him were floundering.
Dan ran him close, scoring twice and winning the penalty. He tormented
the defence particularly in the second half. Lewis was also up there
for turning around his own performance and being a different player
second half.
The result was all important. With the teams in the chasing pack not
dropping points this LRFC side needs to keep the pace.
So what was wrong today?
The simple answer is fitness. This LRFC team has good players,
excellent players. Players that know their roles, players that know
each other. Today they stopped running and stopped working for each
other in too many positions. Too often the ball was played forward for
one of the strikers to try to do something individual. While this can
work it should not be a game plan.
When that doesn't work the ball comes back to quickly and puts
pressure on the defence. When the defence doesn't communicate there
are gaps and this Bourton side was able to capitalise three times.
Too often there were no options for the LRFC player in possession as
the other players were static. Having played a pass or clearance they
stopped moving only reacting when the ball came back towards them.
There was no anticipation. Yet this LRFC passes the ball so well and
has real quality when they do. They did not have the energy to play
this way today.
This side sits at the top of the league with a 100% record - they are
there on merit and should play as such.
With training only once a week, and having missed a couple of sessions
due to half term, the squad needs to take much more responsibility for
their own fitness. On the evidence of today this cannot start soon
enough.
This was a perfect day for football. Unseasonably warm, blue skies and
barely a breeze. The pitch was large and wide and it should have been
a match against a team that was there for the taking. However, there
are no easy games....
Lining up with Will in goal, the back four of Tom, Ben, Lewis and Sam.
In front of them Ryan and Freddie. That attacking quartet was then
Jacob, Tommy and Dan with Jorge up front. On the bench; Luca, Alf and
Adam.
The game started quietly for LRFC who had no energy or zip. There was
no tempo to their play. This continued and as notorious slow starters
the coaches left it as it was, thinking that it would click soon
enough. Even when Bourton opened the scoring having run through the
middle of the pitch unchallenged to finish over Wills head as he
rushed out calm rained. One nil became two nil and still there was
little reaction from this LRFC side.
They did pull a goal back from the boot of Jacob who finished from an
acute angle close in. 2-1. The ball through was from Dan, returning to
the side from injury lay-off, who slid the ball in behind the defence
for Jacob to run on to.
Changes were made to the playing personnel. Lewis making way for Jacob
to drop back into centre back with Luca coming onto the left. The
source of our goals of late has been the wings Jacob scoring in this
game from the left wing and with Olly, Dan and Luca all netting in
previous games.
The change made an impact with Dan and Luca linking well and
tormenting the defence from two prongs. In midfield and defensive
position LRFC continued to look vulnerable with little by way of
cohesion. There was also frustration creeping in as the attacking
players were continually being flagged, correctly, offside.
Alf would come onto the right wing midway through the half with Adam
rotating through the full back positions with Tom and Sam.
Bourton scored their final goal to go 3-1 up. Before the half was out
Dan would score to make it 3-2 going in to half time.
At half time LRFC looked done in. Lacking confidence in each other and
struggling to lift themselves. There was little energy and next to no
enthusiasm. A couple of changes were made, Lewis came back on in
central defence and turned in a massively improved performance. Where
before there was indecision and hesitation he was far more aggressive
towards the ball and more dominant - just what the team needed to
settle down and restore confidence.
The second half performance was dramatically improved. LRFC equalised
through a penalty won by Dan and scored by Luca. Dan tormented the
defence down the right wing, as he jinked, tricked and muscled his way
into the area he was brought down. No dispute. Luca scored the penalty
firing to the keepers right. 3-3.
Tommy would then score from close range following more trickery from
Dan. 3-4. Having taken the lead for the first time in the game LRFC
then started to play better, much better. Dan would net his second of
the game and Luca would go on to score his second. 3-6 and how the
game would finish.
LRFC won a succession of corners and were unlucky not to score with
Alf going close on two occasions. Each time the keeper making an
excellent save.
Jacob was the MotM for a performance that was text book Jacob. He
started on the left wing from where he scored, then dropped back to
centre back, played holding midfield and then moved to the number 10.
He had a 5 minute breather and then resumed picking up where he
started back on the left wing. A excellent energetic performance when
most around him were floundering.
Dan ran him close, scoring twice and winning the penalty. He tormented
the defence particularly in the second half. Lewis was also up there
for turning around his own performance and being a different player
second half.
The result was all important. With the teams in the chasing pack not
dropping points this LRFC side needs to keep the pace.
So what was wrong today?
The simple answer is fitness. This LRFC team has good players,
excellent players. Players that know their roles, players that know
each other. Today they stopped running and stopped working for each
other in too many positions. Too often the ball was played forward for
one of the strikers to try to do something individual. While this can
work it should not be a game plan.
When that doesn't work the ball comes back to quickly and puts
pressure on the defence. When the defence doesn't communicate there
are gaps and this Bourton side was able to capitalise three times.
Too often there were no options for the LRFC player in possession as
the other players were static. Having played a pass or clearance they
stopped moving only reacting when the ball came back towards them.
There was no anticipation. Yet this LRFC passes the ball so well and
has real quality when they do. They did not have the energy to play
this way today.
This side sits at the top of the league with a 100% record - they are
there on merit and should play as such.
With training only once a week, and having missed a couple of sessions
due to half term, the squad needs to take much more responsibility for
their own fitness. On the evidence of today this cannot start soon
enough.
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