LRFC Cougars 0 v 6 Hucclecote Youth
2nd December 2012
Naunton Park
Sunday was a tough game, we knew it would be tough and it was. Playing
a 4-4-1-1 formation at the start we switched Louis to the point of
attack dropping Daniel to right midfield with Max P playing just off
him up front. HPA slotted in at left back, SHW at right back and
Willbo and George playing centre backs. The midfield 4 was Freddie and
Jacob I the centre with Daniel and Luca wide midfielders.
The game started even enough with both teams playing some nice
football. On a sticky pitch the touch of Hucclecote was a little more
assured with passes finding their man where we were struggling to get
the run of the ground. Will, in goal, made a couple of early
out-standing saves to keep us in the match. While we had some good
possession and played some good stuff we struggled to get a meaningful
chance or put pressure on their goal.
The first goal, when it came was from a wide left position, with no
real challenge there was a shot that flew in over Wills head leaving
him no chance. The second goal, following shortly after, trickled
inside the post after we failed to clear our lines.
2-0 at half time and while not really in it we weren't really out of it either.
Second half was a different tale, whether it was fatigue or heads
dropping we started to misplace more passes and failed to win the ball
in midfield. As we retreated deeper and deeper more goals were
inevitable. We did threaten late on with Callum going close with a
deft header from a corner and Luca forcing a save from a strong run
and shot. As the ball drifted to the back post we had no-one far
enough forward to get the loose ball.
Hucclecote are a strong team and in the second half they did outplay
us. We should learn from this and more that he opposition it's about
adapting to the conditions, on a heavy, sticky pitch our passing was
not strong enough and the flicks and tricks didn't come off.
George was MoTM for a strong and decisive performance it he heart of
defence. Will ran him close making some out-standing saves as did HPA
who at left back really played well, his energy and pace being well
utilised back there. Louis, starting up front, had a difficult
afternoon not really getting much good ball or the run but kept
plugging away. Ditto Max P who only has one mode and that's full-tilt.
We have another tough game this weekend against GVR where conditions
will be similar. Lets learn from this and get back to competitive
ways.
Availability of our players is where we are struggling at the moment,
so whereas Hucclecote, like Painswick a couple of weeks ago, have 5
substitutes we have 1 or 2. On big heavy pitches that eventually tells
regardless of how fit some of the lads may be.
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