LRFC beat league leaders

LRFC 4 - 1 Tewkesbury

LRFC played host to the league leaders, Tewkesbury u18's, who were until today unbeaten in the league.

LRFC have done this before, always capable of a victory against seemingly superior opposition. League winners Lydney lost one game in both seasons they were champions to the Cougars. The same is true of Painswick who always beat LRFC until they met in the cup final a couple of seasons ago. 

So it was that Tewkesbury would suffer a similar fate. 

The Naunton Park pitch was a house of horrors rather than theatre of dreams. But as the cliche goes it is the same for both teams. LRFC coped better, maybe having played in it last week set them up to be better equipped.

LRFC took the lead, maybe the first time this season, with the excellent Hayden showing composure to lob the keeper. Taking the ball in his stride and opening his body to finish incredibly well. 

On reflection this settled any nerves. LRFC were. Not chasing the game saw them relax and move the ball well. The 4-3-3 formation working well. A second goal would come fro Hayden finishing after good work down the left from Luca.

What caught the eye from LRFC was the energy and link up in the middle 3. Starting with Jacob, Ryan and Tom in there they were destructive when Tewkesbury had the ball and composed in possession. How Tom was able to dribble on that surface is a question for a physicist. 

LRFC lost Ryan, who had been excellent smashing into hard tackles. He was brought down from behind and taking a heavy contact through his ankle saw his game over.

Up front the STRS Trio of Luca, Hayden and Olly were causing problems. The pace and directness of the wingers causing Tewkesbury to defend deep and chase back time after time. 

At half time it was 2-0 with LRFC value for the lead and not conceding. 

The pattern of play continued second half with LRFC enjoying the better of possession. What goal threat Tewkesbury had was being sniffed out by George and Ben with Will making brave saves  if the back line was breached. 

The third goal came from Alf in the box and from Olly's free kick. The ball played at pace to Alf, his first shot was blocked but he made no mistake with the second. 

3-0.

Adam would complete LRFCs scoring finishing well from just inside the box. His first goal for the side.

At 4-0 the game was over with the composure of Tewkesbury starting to crack.

They would pull one back, a smart finish from a player that arrived with 15 minutes of the game to play.

This was though, LRFCs day. 

What will have pleased the management team was the passing football that was played. Conditions were awful yet LRFC passed and moved. When the ball was moved wide they had pace and trickery on both flanks to cause problems. Up front with Hayden and the Jorge they have different players that cause different problems. 

The composure from LRFC through the entire game was also good to see. Rarely a team that has disciplinary or temperament issues they just played the game today. No drama or who just a game.

Hayden was motm. Possibly the most technical footballer in the side he scored two goals that set LRFC up for victory and worked tirelessly as the team needed him to. This was an eye catching performance in a match were there were a number of players all having very good games.