Despite a laboured first half in which LMB struggled to remain energetic and positive, our plucky heroes eventually ran out comfortable winners against RHPS FC after a second half in which simple passing, movement, composed finishing and the availability of substitutes made the difference in muggy conditions.
The first half was a very even affair as both teams exchanged blows, but goals were kept to a minimum as both keepers excelled; Griff made a number of excellent one-handed saves, while their gloveless keeper produced several remarkable blocks with his outstretched legs and face to deny goal-bound shots from Patto, Crozier, Chibbert and Griffiths in particular. After RHPS FC had taken an early lead, Spence set-up Luke for a cool left-footed finish, before Crozier gave LMB the advantage with an excellent solo goal. However, while their legs were still working, RHPS were a big and physical side and worked the one-twos well, causing an over-eager LMB defence to make a number of lunging tackles that were evaded. While LMB bickered amongst themselves and lacked the required movement in attack, the opposition retook the lead as shots went unchallenged. Another long-range solo goal from Hulk (transformed due to his obvious frustration) just before half-time levelled the scores at 3 apiece.
After a frustrating first 5 minutes in the second half in which LMB kept allowing RHPS’s big striker to shoot (and score) twice, improved concentration and movement began to open up space and LMB finally put the game to bed. Chibbert set up Luke for a good goal, before Crozier squared to Neil who levelled the scores once more at 5-5. A moment of madness allowed Patto to sweep home a penalty after their striker had dribbled into his own box (weey), and this finally gave LMB the confidence to out-play their tired opponents and put the game to bed. Luke and Crozier both completed their hat-tricks, before Patto followed suit after sliding home a speedy one-two with Neil and finishing off a simple pass from Spence after his strong run. After sending one attempted shot high, wide and straight into the glass face of Spence, Neil completed the scoreline with a superb finish after dispossessing a knackered defender!
Griff and I decided to hand the Man of the Match Award to Crozier as his early hat-trick kept LMB in the game, and he produced some audacious through-balls throughout the match which did not receive the finishes they deserved! Communication was a bit of a problem for certain combinations of this squad (either not enough or too negative) so people definitely need to work on that, and remember to both listen and ensure they aren’t contradicting their own advice!
