Profligacy costs Cougars

LRFC U16's (1) v (1) Cheltenham Saracens

LRFC were behind for much of this game only scoring the equalising
goal in the last 5 minutes or so. It could have been so different.

Saracens started the game well. Playing to down the slope they took
full advantage stretching LRFC with direct play at every opportunity.
At the back their defence held firm and was looking for the direct
ball out. LRFC struggled to get the tempo of this play and looked
susceptible.

That the opening goal came from this type of play was no surprise.
Saracens broke into the box bundling the ball from close range.

LRFC then started to play and come into the game more. While they
created chances they were far from clear and the Saracens keeper
didn't really have a save to make. Efforts were either off target or
at him with no real power to trouble him.

Having lined up in the customary 4-2-3-1, Will in goal, Dan G and Adam
at full back, Lewis and Ben at the heart of defence. In front of them
Freddie and Jacob. The attacking trio were Dan A, Alf and Luca, up
front Jorge. On the bench, Tom, Tommy, Sam and Max.

LRFC were finding space down the flanks but struggling to create
chances against an equally athletic defence. This is the first time
then neither LRFC winger has scored this season. Jorge was working
hard up front for little reward, limited to a couple of long shots
that, in the conditions, he couldn't really get hold of. Alf, playing
number 10 was dropping deeper and deeper to help the team get the ball
back.

After the initial exchanges LRFC made changes, Sam coming on for Dan G
at full-back and Tommy and Max coming on in advanced positions. The
ball was starting to stick up front as Saracens dropped deeper and
other players were being brought into the game. For the increasing
possession LRFC could not create a real goal scoring opportunity.

Tom came into midfield in the first half and set about being his
destructive best. He would later drop back to full back but then
succumb to a groin injury ending his days work.

At half time the game was at 0-1 but the team seemed relaxed believing
that second half, playing down hill, they would dominate and get the
result.

Saracens however continued to defend deep and stout. On the break they
always looked dangerous and LRFC had some hairy moments as Saracens
broke at pace and closed in on the goal. A combination of defending
and Will doing his best Lloris impressions charging off his line
keeping them out.

Up front the pattern of play was very similar. LRFC could not make
their possession and territorial advantage count. As the game ticked
on Saracens began to slow the game down, and appeal everything.
Initially intimidated by this LRFC started to do the same bringing the
game down in quality which is what Saracens wanted.

As the game ticked towards its conclusion LRFC went to three at the
back. A result was needed, it was important not to lose. The
equalising goal came from a moment of quality and was scored by,
probably, the only player on the pitch capable of scoring that goal.

LRFC had a free kick outside the box near the left touch line. Adam
took it sending it into the box. It was well defended with Saracens
getting a head to it. The ball fell to Luca who worked the space and
crossed for Tommy to put his header over the keeper and into the net.
A quality piece of play all round.

Equalising the game LRFC left it at a formation of 3-3-4 and pushed
for the winning goal. This made them more vulnerable at the back and
in the last few minutes the game could have gone either way with both
sides giving it everything.

There was one final piece of play that could have won the game. With
Saracens pushing deep into the LRFC half the ball was cleared long.
Luca, Dan, Max and Tommy all gave chase with Luca latching onto the
bouncing ball. His first touch was a header to push it into his path.
Under pressure from the defender he let fly only to see his shot fly
agonisingly past the upright.

That was it the game played out and ended 1-1.

It was important that LRFC came back into the game and worked to get
the draw. While the team was down after this result they maintain the
position atop the league although now with a single point advantage.

The league is still in their hands.

Ben was Motm run close with Lewis. Mopping up at the back and keeping
focus when under pressure from the direct and pacy Saracens front line
his reading of the game and intercepting was excellent. In possession
he never puts a foot roaring and today was no exception. On a day
where goals were hard to come by solidity at the back was very
important.