Hard work at Abbeymead

GFA County Cup Third Round
Abbeymead Rovers (3) v (4) LRFC Cougars

Into the quarters!!

This LRFC team has never progressed beyond one match in this
completion before and yet today after a hard fought game they find
themselves in the quarter finals!

LRFC were away at Abbeymead a team they faced earlier this season
beating 3-1 after huffing and puffing for much of the game. Today's
match had a different feel to it with Abbeymead starting much the
stronger and enjoying the better of the early exchanges. While they
made good progress they were unable to get a telling shot on target
such was the LRFC defence with Lewis and Ben both having excellent
matches.

As the half progressed LRFC started to wake up and turn the game
around. For their dominance they could not get a goal. The opener came
from Abbeymead who breached the LRFC high defensive line to leave
Will, in goal, no chance with a well taken goal.

This sparked LRFC into action and they equalised immediately with Dan
scoring past the keeper who until then had been in fine form. An
excellent save from Luca at the near post particularly catching the
eye.

Half time came with the game poised at 1-1.

At half time the LRFC team were flat; there was very little spark.
Whatever was said seemed to have an impact with the team starting the
second half much stronger. Dominating possession and territory but not
making the breakthrough in terms of goals. With the defence pushing
out LRFC were susceptible on the break with the Abbeymead striker
posing a lurking threat.

Freddie along with Ryan and Alf in the heart of midfield had worked
tirelessly to break up attacks and feed the ball forwards. Ryan would
be awarded the MotM for a display of typical energy and tenacity in
the heart of midfield. The team did play like they were two teams, the
defensive 6 and attacking 4.

The breakthrough goal for LRFC came from Jorge with a fine instinctive
finish. Tommy, in the number 10 role, slotted the ball through for
Jorge to turn and hit home. 2-1 and excellent for Jorge to get on the
scoresheet.

Max started in the number 10 role and was straight into the thick of
the action as Abbeymead defended strongly and looked to close him down
quickly. Max is normally associated with the cultured elements of the
game but today showed a robustness in the challenge.

This LRFC side has excellent options at full back and today had the
full complement of 4 available. With Dan and Adam completely 2-footed
they can play either side and defend adeptly on each wing. Sam and Tom
offer a different approach to the position with a more attacking bias.
What this gives this team is a real blend that can be used for
different phases of the game. Having two talented full backs is a good
position for a team, having four is a bit greedy!

A third goal came shortly afterwards with Tommy bundling home from
close range making it 5 goals in 3 games as his run of personal good
form continues. Abbeymead then scored, possibly, the goal of the game
with the Abbeymead striker chipping the ball with the outside of his
foot beyond Will who was rushing out to narrow the angle.

There was a 4th LRFC goal with Luca finishing after excellent work in
the box. This made the game 4-2 and with moments remaining it was
over. The coaches even shook hands and congratulated each other.
Abbeymead then scored another making it 3-4.

There was though, no time for any other goal threat with the final
whistle being blown shortly after the restart.

The game finished 4-3 to LRFC. This was an excellent game of football
with both teams more than playing their part. From the LRFC view point
they showed physical resilience with Lewis and Freddie in particular
providing steel to the side. When in possession they worked to find
space and support each other. The wingers continue to be the outlet
for this LRFC side and always look dangerous when flying at full backs
towards the goal. Today, but for the keeper, the score could easily
have been more.

There are always things that can be improved and anticipation is one
of them. This was, however, all about getting the victory and getting
to the next round of the competition. The quarter finals will be
played on the weekend of 31-Jan.