GTA Inflict Opening Day Defeat

The start of a brand new season and the beginning of a new era for L4 Football Club. The journey into senior football began as soon as the final whistle went on our U18's 22-23 campaign. There has certainty been a huge overhaul and transformation within the squad but with a 6 week pre-season in the bag and 3 friendlies played there was lots of reason to be optimistic.

Manager Tony Cosgrove has worked almost non-stop to build a new-look squad which has retained 10 players from the youth set up. 12 other new players have been recruited over the summer with a good balance of youth & experience ready to take on the new challenge.

That began with a tricky away game vs Granby Toxteth Athletic Reserves at Tiber Football Centre. The squad was somewhat depleted with a number of players absent however the starting XI looked strong. Joe Wilson started between the sticks behind a back four that was completely new. Only Samson Abioro at right back was a familiar face from the past few seasons. New skipper Callum Rivers was paired with Colin Flynn who has been very impressible throughout pre-season and was selected just ahead of Antwone Duke who is making his way back from an ankle problem. At left back new signing Sam Dutton made up the quartet. Eddy Wilson played alongside Joe Mbimi as the double pivots in midfield with Mitchell Canty brought back for his second spell playing as the "10" behind a front 3 of Reece Cansfield, Riley Smith & Shay McCormick.

The game started as we had intended, fast paced and very much with us on the front foot. We gained good control of the game for much of the first half but lacked a killer instinct in front of goal. Cansfield who had netted in all 3 friendlies cut a frustrated figure but still looked like being the most likely to open our account for the season. His well struck effort forced a good save from The GTA keeper. Smith & McCormick both have bags of ability and once things click will be a real handful for defenders yet it was clear that today things just weren't going for them.

The home side got the breakthrough after 23 minutes some what unfortunately as Callum Rivers's clearance from a cross down the right diverted past Wilson. From that moment on the body language changed and frustration kicked in. This was to be our biggest downfall and we will need to learn fast that when times our tough the only way to get out is to dig in together as a group.

There was a slight improvement in the second half however the lack of depth on the bench was an issue and fatigue had crept in which galvanised the home side. Their second on the hour mark was unstoppable and a goal worthy of winning any game in itself. We still had big chances to get back into the game. McCormick hit the post and Canty had a great effort late on that was struck right at the keeper.

Once the dust settles it'll be time to reflect and regroup to put things right on the training pitch ahead of our next game vs Marshalls U23's in a weeks time.