Redolence dumped out by overstrength Lions

Report

In the first round of another cup, the Jim Fleeman cup, Redolence hosted AFC Lions in their first home fixture since the middle of November. It was Redolence’s first game vs Lions since an early season league defeat. The Lions squad was much changed since their last encounter, boasting a huge influx of new signings from current Bromsgrove League champions Thomas Brothers, and also wearing the kit in which they lifted the trophy last season. As league rivals this was an important measure as to how these close rivals would shape up in the league- both sides set to play each other at least 3 more times this season!

Redolence fielded an unchanged defence with Woody and Ant/ Luka in the middle with Lewis and Jonesy out wide and Andy up front. Top scorer Tim was absent, whilst Si was on the bench nursing an injury. Redolence kicked up the famous pitch 4 slope in the first half in gusty, overcast and damp conditions.

The early exchanges were strong from both sides, with neither side really forging a strong opening chance. The Lions team settled first, with a lot of quality across the pitch they moved the ball well out wide and looked to get round the back of the Redolence defence. Redolence stood up well to it, but across the team there was not much confidence in anyone’s touch- they struggled to clear their lines and relieve the pressure which continued to build. A succession of corners, swung in on the sharp breeze, caused chaos for Redolence, who defended 4/5 corners resolutely without getting rid of the ball enough to relieve the pressure. Lions hit the post from 1 corner, and inevitably took the lead from the next. Lions had a height advantage in the box and their man at the back post nodded down well for their striker to finish. (Lions 1-0 18 minutes).

Redolence responded well to the goal, attempting to get the ball up and play on the ground. Within 5 minutes they were level. Jonesy down the right laying the ball back to Stu, who swung in a deep cross, that was headed back across goal by woody where Ant was on hand to head in. A smart goal and the quick response the lads needed. (Goal Redolence 1-1.25 mins Ant assist Woody).

Despite the encouraging response, Redolence weren’t dominating the game. Lions had settled and were doing the basics very well. They cleared their lines effectively and kept the game in Redolence’s half. It was not pretty, and mostly direct, but Redolence struggled to deal with it- fluffing clearances and not trusting each other enough to play the ball out. They still were not giving Lions many big opportunities, but Lions eventually broke through. Lions striker got on the end of a through ball and took a tumble rather tamely to a (seemingly legit) shoulder from Ant. Penalty. Dispatched (2-1 Lions 34 mins). At 2-1 Lions were flying, and added a third, again from a deep corner. (3-1 Lions 39 mins). The rest of the half saw Lions continue to push, but being limited to chances from range. Redolence pushed on looking to salvage something from the half, but it was not to be. Andy, with 2 men marking him at all times, was struggling to make in roads and was dispossessed on the half way line. The break away from this caught Redolence out, and a good finish made it 4-1 at the break. (4-1 Lions 45 mins)

HT: 1-4

Redolence were guilty in the first half of giving the opposition too much respect, and were naïve in key moments of the half. They needed to step out and make life harder for their opponents. The second half was better from Redolence, who generally put more tackles in and had more of the play. Lions though were supremely confident, and set out to show how much quality they had to one of their league rivals. The scored 50 minutes in, a well taken strike from range. (Lions 5-1 53 mins). They continued to push from set pieces, and Redolence were never comfortable. Forays into the lions half were more frequent, but still frustrating. Lions defenders were always ready in numbers for Redolence’s attacks. 5 became 6, a clever deep cross was met at the back post by their striker. (Lions 6-1 65 mins). Redolence committed more men forward, and got a goal back. Crouchy with a long free kick in the was flicked on by Andy into Luka’s feet, who turned well into the area and hit a clever low strike into the far corner. (Redolence 6-2. Luka, assist Andy 75 mins). With a goal back Redolence enjoyed their best period of the game, with a couple of half chances dropping Jonesy/ Luka and Woody but all being charged down by Lions. Lions were to finish their goal scoring late on, a fine strike from range capping a commanding display (lions 7-2, 85 mins)

FT: 2-7

A disappointing setback for the lads, and a difficult one to assess. Lions in this current guise are, in my opinion, the best side in the Redditch league now outside of Austin. They look to be favourites to win division 1. But despite this, Redolence would be disappointed with certain aspects of their performance. The simple things let them down today, and a general intensity and appetite for the win was absent. Redolence are perennially slow starters, and giving the opposition too much respect continues to be an issue for them. And simple mistakes continue to cost them- any team will punish them for not being able to clear their lines, or keep the ball effectively under pressure. Plenty for the lads to work on, and plenty to improve on before the next fixture against Lions in the league.