FC Barometrics (1) v (2) LRFC U18's

FC Barometrics (1) v (2) LRFC U18's
Pre-season, Newlands Park

A warm sunny Cheltenham afternoon saw LRFC U18s play a pre-season
friendly away to FC Barometrics U16's. As it was a pre-season match
the game was split into three 25minute thirds or half as they were
continually referred to.

Starting in 4-3-2-1 with three debutants, George returning in
midfield, Fin at right full back and Hayden starting in the number 10
role. Olly was on the left, Alf on the right, Luca up front. The back
four was Adam, Ben, Freddie and Fin. The holding pair were Ryan and
George. On the bench Tom and Jorge.

LRFC set the tempo for the game in the early exchanges and were
unlucky not to go ahead inside the first minute with Olly looping the
ball to Luca who's shot flew over the bar. This was a tale of the game
for LRFC. there was some excellent approach play but the finishing
touch wasn't applied. Chances from crosses were narrowly missed,
headers just mistimed so the ball would drift over and out of play.

The first period was the best in terms of football played. LRFC were
dominant and created a number of chances without applying the
finishing touch. Barometrics were penned in but did have some
opportunities on the break that were equalled by the LRFC defence and
Will in goal.

The first period ended 0-0.

Second period saw the game open up, as legs started to tire and both
teams experimented a little. The LRFC wingers started to find space
but still the finishing touch could not be applied. In centre midfield
Ryan was doing his best impression of Kante and was one of only two
players able to last the full match.

There was then a penalty award, Luca brought down stepped up to take
it and saw his shot sail wide of the goal. The score remained 0-0.
Undeterred, LRFC pressed on and as part of a goal mouth scramble
Freddie fired home with the help of a deflection. 1-0.

Going 1-0 down saw Barometrics really come out and play, they started
to dominate exchanges through the middle and put pressure on the LRFC
back line. Under pressure LRFC retreated deeper and deeper leaving
large gaps between defence and midfield and leaving the game a little
ragged.

Both teams were showing signs of tiring now and the whistle for the
end of the second period couldn't come soon enough.

LRFC made a number of changes, Freddie at centre back was replaced by
Fin, George also took a stint at the back alongside Ben. Alf, hayden
and Jorge also played a couple of positions each showing valuable
versatility through the squad.

The last period, two penalties. Freddie hitting a *coughs* shot
straight at the keeper and Barometrics scoring well with theirs. It's
not often that Will goes the wrong way and he did today. He did go on
to make an outstanding save to keep the score line favourable to LRFC.
Olly scored the decisive goal, continually finding acres of space on
the wing he drove into the box and hit a shot low beyond the keeper.

The game finished 2-1 to LRFC.

What did LRFC learn from this?

The team needs to be fitter; yes it was warm and humid but their
endurance was lacking. With The season kick off in a week there is
work to be done and time to start addressing it. Doing nothing is no
longer an option.

The debutants all played well, Fin at full back and centre back was
assured and made good decisions when tackling, passing and making
clearances. Hayden had a good game at number 10, linking play
intelligently and creating chances. Had he trusted his left foot and
not leaned so far back he would have surely opened his account today.
A good debut that will only see improvements as match sharpness kicks
in.
George, returning to LRFC after a years sabbatical, looked strong as
ever in the tackle was mobile and drove forward when opportunities
arose. Starting in centre midfield his pace and power were evident and
there was the sign of a good partnership with Ryan forming.

There was chemistry evident throughout the team until tiredness set
in. Passing was crisp and the running power, particularly out wide was
evident. In the middle there is tackling ability and creativity and
the back four and Will looked largely comfortable. In front of goal it
was not so great but there is a training session on Wednesday where
they can work on that more.

This was a good pre season game that shone a light on deficiencies ;
that they are all in the control of the players means they can be
addressed.