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.