LRFC win in Sling

Sling FC (0) V (3) LRFC Cougars

A game where the result was never really in doubt LRFC dominated possession and territory for much of this game. As you would expect based on the respective league positions of both teams. Sling were, though, no pushovers and when in possession did look to pressure the LRFC backline.

LRFC almost made a dream start; within 10 seconds of kick off some lovely interplay resulting in Olly hitting the ball towards goal to see it bounce back off the far post. If LRFC thought that this was an omen of how the game would play then they were wrong. While they dominated possession clear shots were not easy to come by. Sling defending narrow and being helped by the very narrow pitch. It was the same for both teams.

What was different about LRFC today was the communication. This was helped in no small part by starting Freddie at the back, presumably an experiment. A talker and with excellent technical ability Freddie could see the whole game, alongside Ben they were conducting the team. This led to the other players starting to talk on the pitch. What a difference it made. LRFC are normally guilty of just playing forward, turning into danger on the pitch, with communication they were playing it backwards and sideways and keeping the ball.

A flurry of corners were won on both wings. From one of these corners Alf stooped at the near post to score with a flying header. A really excellent goal from a memorable first half display from Alf. there were other chances, notably Dan with an acrobatic swivel and overhead kick but nothing that really troubled the keeper. At half time it was 1-0.

It must have been difficult to know what to say to the team, the effort and ability were there it was just a case of making that final ball a quality one so that a finish could be applied. Playing diagonal balls was needed to pull Sling players out of position.

Early int he second half LRFC doubled their lead. The ball played through to Luca who put the ball to the right as the keeper dived left. At 2-0 LRFC relaxed a little. As the dominance of possession told there were more chances, Jacob unlucky to score with a couple of headers. Jorge went close from distance. Ryan had shooting opportunities and Tom tried from distance. Defensively LRFC looked in control and able to snuff out any Sling attacks.

The third and final goal came from Olly. Playing wide left he cut inside onto his right. Finding some time and space he let fly from distance beating the keeper. 3-0 and how the game would end.

Ryan was the MotM for a display of typical bustling energy but starting to show composure on the ball and was playing the ball in all directions. Keeping it simple and keeping possession. t was a close call as Alf had an excellent game particularly in the first half. Tom too was excellent both at left back and in central midfield.

Where this LRFC team plays some of it's best football is when breaking down the right. Sam pushing forward and linking with his winger and the inside midfielders to create space and quality. This led, in the second half in particular, to Jacob having a couple of excellent chances that the keeper was equal too.

This was also a clean sheet which does not go unnoticed. Will, in goal, showing calm distribution from both boot and hands.

As the LRFC coaches and team were leaving the ground a member of the Sling coaching staff came across to the coaches and complimented the team on their approach to the game. Not only how they played but also the respect that they showed saying that they were the best that they had faced.

Respect and class cost nothing without that what have you got?

The next game is Lakeside away on Wednesday evening at Dowty's. Whilst LRFC are hoping for a Lydney slip-up each game has something riding on it. At the very least they are playing for runners up spot. Lakeside will present a different test but one that this LRFC side should be confident to face.