Lazio made a poor start to the game and were repeatedly guilty of giving the ball away. However, LPR were unable to capitalise on this and didn’t threaten the Lazio goal too much in the opening stages, other than from a few well taken corners, one of which skimmed the top of the crossbar.

As the half progressed Lazio’s play started to improve and there were some much better passages of passing. Theo was looking dangerous down the right hand side and his runs started to create a number of chances. One ball from Theo was fired across the face of the goal but no one was there to tap home. Josh R then had a good chance that the LPR keeper did well to save and moments later Kiro hit a curling effort that the LPR keeper again saved well.

Lazio finally took one of their chances around 10 minutes from halftime with a lovely team goal. Tycho made a strong run across the middle of the pitch before playing the ball to Theo on the edge of the box, who in turn slotted a through ball to pick out Josh Green’s run. Josh made no mistake when through on goal with a cool finish to make it 1-0 Lazio.

Lazio looked good for the remainder of the half and enjoyed more of the play. However LPR’s pacey forwards were always dangerous on the counter attack and on the stroke of half-time Lazio got caught out by this. Lazio had a free kick on the edge of the LPR box that was cleared, LPR broke down the left wing, played a dangerous ball into the box which ended up in the back of the net. 1-1.

The ref blew the halftime whistle at the re-start, so 1-1 as we headed into the break.

The second half started just as badly as the first half had ended for Lazio. Within seconds of the restart LPR’s forward ran through a gaping hole in the Lazio back line and slotted home to make it 2-1 LPR.

The momentum of the game had completely swung in LPR’s favour and Lazio were struggling to get anything going. 10 minutes later things got even worse when LPR struck again with what must be said was a fantastic goal. Another swift counter attack down their right wing produced a deep cross to the back post that was absolutely smashed home, first time on the volley. 3-1 LPR.

Lazio now had no choice but to go for it. The game turned into Lazio trying to get the ball forward to work an opening, while LPR defended in numbers and continued to look threatening on the counter.

Lazio’s football was not as good as the first half, with everything generally too rushed and desperate. But the heads didn’t drop and as we moved into the closing stages Lazio started to lay seige to the LPR goal. Lazio got their reward for the pressure when Tycho absolutely crashed home a header from Blake’s corner. 3-2, game on again.

The last 5 minutes were frantic and saw chances at both ends. Josh R thought he’d found an equaliser for Lazio as he nodded the ball goalwards from close range but the LPR keeper some how managed to keep it out. LPR broke straight down the other end and looked certain to settle it but their striker fired wide with the goal at his mercy. Lazio still had time for another corner where everyone went up, including the goalkeeper. LPR cleared and looked set to score in an open goal but a great sliding tackle from Caelan prevented them doing so.

After a few minutes of stoppage time and a shout from the ref of final play, the full time whistle finally went to end Lazio’s hopes of finding a dramatic late equaliser. 3-2 to LPR the final score.

Hard to luck to the boys today, we more than played our part in a gripping local derby and just came up slightly short. A game of what could have been if we’d taken our chances and also displayed better game management either side of half-time. All things to learn from though, which we’ll take forward to next week.

This week’s Gartec Player of the Match went to Theo, a real danger man for us on the wing who was involved with a lot of our good moves forward, well done Theo.

Speaking of danger men on the wing, we also had one with a lino’s flag in his hand, big thanks to Tony R for doing the honours this week.