Sucker punch

Charlton Rovers 3 - 2 LRFC U18's

A season finale for LRFC which would have little bearing on their finishing position and even less bearing on the destination of the title.

This was a game played with proper intensity and in fantastic spirit with both teams respecting each other. 

The King George V pitch has a slope, it's essentially a hill and LRFC were playing up the hill first half. With CR being strong and composed, particularly in midfield, this was tough work. CR started much the stronger and LRFC could not get a foothold in the game. 

But for some excellent defending and alert keeping the game could have run away before LRFC had time to react. 

After an initial onslaught LRFC started to find some way back through the pace and trickery of their wingers. This led to no real threat as once in crossing positions there was no-one to cross to as turning defence into meaningful attack eluded them.

CR opened the scoring following a mix up in midfield between two LRFC players that both left the ball for the other. CR sieved on the inertia raced through and scored. 1-0 and no more than CR deserved. 

It would remain this way until half time. 

Second half and LRFC could be forgiven for thinking they would get back into the game quickly because they were playing downhill. CR maintained their energy levels and their appetite. They took a 2-0 lead with a fine strike from the inside right position. 

LRFC then had a couple of moments where last ditch defending clearing efforts off the line were required. The score could easily have been 5.

It's often said that 2-0'is a dangerous scoreline and this proved the case. Almost. 

In the final 10'minutes LRFC started to find space. Olly broke free of the marking and offside trap only to see his shot go agonisingly wide. He would rectify this shortly afterwards. 

A free kick just outside the box on the left was played to him quickly and while everyone was napping he slotted home. 2-1. The equalising goal came shortly afterwards with Gus, in his second outing this season scoring from close range. Checking the linesman hadn't flagged before celebrating. 

Both teams were exhausted now but CR with less than 2 minutes on the clock summoned the energy for one final attack. Scoring with a high shot over the LRFC keeper to make it 3-2 with seconds remaining.

This was tough on the LRFC players who had fought hard to get back into the game but on reflection they can have little complaint as CR probably deserved the win. 

LRFC showed real heart and determination to get back into this game and should be proud of the effort and that they never just quit. To a man they were exhausted after the game. 

Man of the match was Ben with an excellent defensive display. Technically proficient he didn't put a foot wrong winning the ball cleanly time and again to relieve the pressure. A special mention to Gus who had an excellent match playing a number of positions and running himself into the ground to keep the team ticking over.