Leckhampton Rovers (1) v (2) Painswick Youth
What an advert for youth football. Two teams that, at this level, lead the way. This game had it all, contrasting styles, physicality, skill. Excellent team work. Good attacking play that found its equal in the defensive play.
Painswick started the brighter of the two sides and made their intent clear. Direct play with midfielders keen to support the attack. Leckhampton to their credit stuck to the task of defending with Lewis and Ben solid in the middle and Tom and Sam working to secure the flanks.
Luca started up front and on the shoulder of the last defender was brought down. No card was shown, the right decision, and the free kick flew over the wall and crossbar. There was then another free kick from a similar position, Luca took it again and was denied by the Painswick keeper.
Initially Leckhampton played the same was as Painswick, more out of necessity as it was just about clearing the lines. As the half wore on Leckhampton started to play the ball better and pass it with purpose. Dan on the left wing was the outlet and have his full back a torrid time.
When he did get clear though shooting opportunities were quickly snuffed out. This was an incredibly tight game. At half time it was 0-0. Both teams would have believed that they could get the win.
In the second half Leckhampton upped the tempo. Throw-ins, free-kicks and playing the ball forward when possession was turned over were now happening with more urgency. This was not about long ball. It was about building the play just quicker. Max started to find space and link the play more such was the movement around him. Up from Jorge was introduced and put a real effort in for this team.
He was desperately unlucky not to score from close range after good wing play and cross. If anything the shot was too well struck or it hit the keeper too well. Either way it looked goal bound only to ricochet out.
The opening goal came from Leckhampton's failure to deal with a player running at them. The left midfielder picked up the ball and ran at the defence, as the Leckhampton players backed off him he found himself in the box and prodded home from close range. 0-1.
Leckhampton immediately upped their game and equalised from a corner within a minute of the Painswick opener. Jacob rising to nod the ball home beyond the keeper. Leckhampton have found a new corner taker in the shape of Freddie.
The game continued with Leckhampton dominating possession and territory but Painswick looking very threatening on the break. There were some further chances but none clear cut. Anything on target was met by a keeper in fine form.
The winning goal came from a corner with less than 2 minutes to play. The ball was crossed towards the back post evading the Leckhampton keeper and defenders, as it dropped there was a Painswick player to score.
With less than 2 minutes to go everyone knew this was the winning goal.
The Leckhampton players continued to push for another equaliser right up to where the referee blew the whistle.
The game would 2-1.
Painswick celebrated rightly so, this will be their third final on the bounce and they will be hoping to turn around their record of playing in and losing 2. Leckhampton wishes them well in the final.
The attention of this team is now on the league. With five games remaining there are no distractions from the objective. If they play as they did on Sunday there are not many that can cope with them.
Motm was probably the Painswick keeper. For Leckhampton it was Jacob. He started on the right wing but looked much more assured and comfortable when in the centre playing along side one of Freddie, Ryan, Alf and Tom. Comfortable on the ball and excellent at reading the game he was immense in there along with all the Leckhampton players. Tackling and breaking up play as well as popping up with the equaliser.
This was a game played with excellent competitive spirit, great intensity and some degree of class. Both sides would be worthy finalists.
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