If Carlsberg did penalties...

GFA John Kennedy U16's County Cup
LRFC Cougars (2) v (5) Bitton AFC

A County Cup match with two teams from different regions and both top
of their respective leagues. It promised to be a good game and did not
disappoint.

The game kicked off with LRFC playing up the slope. Notorious slow
starters today was different. Alf, in particular, was enjoying freedom
down the right wing and put in a couple of really dangerous crosses
that just evaded the front players. The early signs were good for LRFC
with Bitton limited to long clearances towards their striker.

As the game progressed Bitton started to get a foothold and looked
dangerous and strong coming forwards. Will was called to action much
more than normal getting his hands to crosses and also playing the
sweeper-keeper. This was an Motm performance from Will who kept LRFC
in contention and made a stunning penalty save in the second half.

The game was being played at high tempo but remained 0-0. The deadlock
was broken by Bitton scoring with a nice finish from the inside right
channel. With the defence having been dragged across to the left he
was able to smash the finish past Will. This became 2-0 with a goal
from a header.

LRFC were more than participating in this game though and we're
creating chances from breaks without really threatening the keeper.

At half time and only 2-0 down they had to believe they were still in
the game. They were. Jorge took this to heart scoring a lovely goal to
make it 2-1. Having been put through into the box he slid his shot
around the on rushing keeper. As LRFC pressed forward for the
equaliser there were gaps in midfield that Bitton were able to
exploit. Will was called to action on more than one occasion making
some excellent brave saves of all types. Punching clear from crosses,
blocking shots and diving at feet.

In midfield Freddie and Ryan worked tirelessly to plug the gaps and
keep Bitton back but were being overwhelmed. The Bitton number 10 was
now finding lots of space and starting to control the game more and
more.

2-1 became 3-1 and then there was a Bitton penalty.

The penalty was well struck and going for the bottom corner to Wills
left. At full stretch he got both hands to it and palmed it away for a
corner. LRFC then defended the corner well but rode their luck with
Bitton hitting the crossbar. The score remained 3-1.

After sustained pressure there was a further goal with Bitton smashing
home a loose ball that neither team seemed to be able to get hold of.
LRFC then got a break, Luca raced into the box with the ball at his
feet. He jinked through a couple of challenges and was brought down.
The referee immediately pointed to the spot. Luca took it and hit it
into the top right corner, so much so that it hit the post and went
in. It doesn't matter who's in goal - those aren't saved.

4-2 with a few minutes remaining and some belief for LRFC. Luca had
his confidence restored, Alf was tearing it up the right again and
with Max (who had an excellent game) and Dan through the middle LRFC
looked threatening. A couple of chances were created that the
finishing touch just couldn't be applied to.

Once again Bitton broke and scored. The game would finish 5-2.

Bitton are clearly a very good side, they worked hard for each other
and showed excellent movement off the ball. The psychology of this
game is very interesting. LRFC started the stronger and created at
least 3 chances. If one or two of those go in its a different game as,
with neither team knowing each other, the perception would be
different. As it was LRFC's narrowly missing those gave Bitton the
encouragement to come back in to the game.

This was an excellent game of football that until the last 15 minutes
or so could have gone either way. LRFC gave everything in this game
and were unlucky. Chances were created and whereas early in the season
they were flying in the finishing touch is elusive at the moment.

Will was Motm but other performances of note were Alf, Freddie, Jacob
and Ben and Jorge. Scoring an excellent goal but also for defensive
work where at one point he chased a Bitton player all the way to the
LRFC byline to make the tackle.

With spirit like that and a return to league action next Sunday this
LRFC team will be back on track before you can shout "clean sheet?" at
a keeper.....