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LRBC 4-2 GATEWAY
LRBC FINISH PRE-SEASON WITH VICTORY
Gareth Carey Jones reports
Despite the scoreline LRBC will be a little disappointed with this performance and their failure to continue the attacking football that characterised last week�s narrow defeat at the hand�s of The Vesper. However, it�s the sign of a good team if it wins when playing poorly, and LRBC will be pleased to have defeated one of their YCFL Premiership rivals. With the league season beginning just days after this game, LRBC are better prepared than ever for the upcoming campaign.
Gateway began the game better, and LRBC will have to find a solution to their continual slow starts if they are to be successful this season. Gateway were unable to make first half pressure tell and it was LRBC who went ahead against the run of play when Steve Robinson�s powerful driven finish defeated the Gateway �keeper.
A half-time reshuffle saw some of the players who will hope to start the imminent league opener brought into the line-up, with skipper Ed Jackson making a much awaited return from injury. By this stage the game had a much more even look about it, and if anything LRBC began to get the better of the exchanges. It was not long before Steve Robinson added a second goal, neatly lobbing over the �keeper following a defensive mix-up. Robinson�s goals since his move from defence to midfield have been a massive boost, and added to his ball-winning and running abilities, make him one of the team�s key players. Sloppy marking from a corner allowed Gateway to equalise with a free header from five yards out, but LRBC soon regained their two goal lead, with a close range finish from Jackson. The muted response from his team-mates should disguise the significance of this goal for Jackson and LRBC; Jackson�s goals have been the lifeblood of the team, and the club will hope he can remain injury free for the rest of the year.
A late goal for either side made the final score 4-2 to LRBC. A failure to take chances to clear the ball and a lack of organisation at the back led to Gateway�s second, while Anthony Thorpe�s impressive start to the season continued when he rattled home a fourth for LRBC with the last action of the game.
This game also saw the welcome return of Adam Tobin to competitive action, and an impressive second half performance from LRBC�s promising youth product Daniel Johnston. The 16-year old looked composed and at ease at this level, demonstrated good running and heading ability, and perceptive passing, as well as plenty of stomach for the physical contest; further chances to contribute surely beckon.
LRBC Team: E Johnson, E Kirkham (D Johnston 45), N Karimi (A Amindoust 45), T Thomson (J Hoy 45), D Brownnutt, S Robinson, D Turner (A Thorpe 45), J Wilson, A Tobin (E Jackson 45), R Belibov, J Jarvis.b>
LRBC Goals: S Robinson 2, E Jackson, A Thorpe