Score draw v Fintan

The conditions could not have been more different; when these teams met earlier in the season temperatures were in the 20’s, on that day Fintan ran out 3-1 winners. With a hail shower and snow flurry before kick-off and a howling icy wind throughout the play reflected the weather. The game was played with good intensity, both teams competing to win the ball feed their front players. Despite the condition of the pitch there was some quality on display.

LRFC took the lead following a corner that Fintan could not get clear. There was Jacob to smash home from close range. Fintan equalised soon after catching LRFC out with a goal following a break down field. At half time the game was balanced at 1-1.

Second half and as LRFC pressed for the lead they were undone with a bit of wind assistance. As the attacker cut in from the right wing and was not closed down quickly enough his cross caught the wind and evaded the LRFC keeper. 2-1.

From this point LRFC started to press Fintan back more and more all the while remaining aware of the threat that the long ball over the tope could present. As the LRFC midfield started to get more possession the link up play between Jacob and Gus was just excellent. Winning the ball and driving forward at every opportunity. Where LRFC struggled was getting the ball to the wide players as Fintan had cut that route off by doubling up.

The equalising LRFC goal came from a new signing from the LRFC U17’s, one of two debutants, with Jaden controlling a cross from Alf before finishing high into the net. 2-2 and how the game would finish.

Jacob was the MotM with a return to form where not only is he breaking up play he is driving forward and linking play. It is no coincidence that this has come as a result of improved fitness. He was closely run by Fergus who is showing the sort of effort off the ball that all the players should be showing and then quality in possession. The team needs to be able to match that level of performance.

The debutants, signed from the U17’s both had a really significant impact. Bill, playing centre back in the absence of Ben, was strong and commanding, allowing George to break forward on occasion safe n the knowledge that there was cover. Jaden too, playing a number of positions, was really excellent further forward scoring the goal and showing a touch under pressure that was just sublime. Out wide right he took a ball from height in the wind killing it instantly. Much to the incredulity of the LRFC subs on the touchline. 

LRFC has a moment late in the game where they could have snatched. The 4th or is it 5th fastest player in the squad picked the ball up from deep. Bursting forward reasonably quickly he drove into the box only to see his well struck shot saved by the keeper. 

Painswick are next as the business end of the season starts to approach. The tougher games are definitely starting to bring out the best in this LRFC side.