Olympique LMB 11 vs 7 RHPS FC

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">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.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">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.

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">After a frustrating first 5 minutes in the second half in which LMB kept allowing RHPS&rsquo;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!

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify;">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&rsquo;t contradicting their own advice!