LRBC FC overcame a strong Love Southend side to win the Boxing Day charity match on a cold, bright morning at Blenheim.
The side welcomed back Rikki Prince in goal and Phil Jones in midfield, as well as being boosted by a first appearance of the season for Ross Mernick, who will hopefully now become a more regular part of the squad. Captain, Graham Sexton, suggested a new formation, playing with a midfield diamond, so LRBC lined up with a narrow look for the start of the first half.
In the early stages, both sides struggled to put many flowing moves together, as they got used to new players, new tactics and the very muddy conditions. Gradually though, the Love Southend XI appeared to be gaining the upper hand, particularly winning the aerial battle in midfield. As LRBC came under pressure, they had to be content with just a couple of break-away moves that led to very little. With such a narrow midfield, LRBC relied on Barter pulling wide on the right and Pickford surging forward from left back to provide some much needed width.
In the early stages, both sides struggled to put many flowing moves together, as they got used to new players, new tactics and the very muddy conditions. Gradually though, the Love Southend XI appeared to be gaining the upper hand, particularly winning the aerial battle in midfield. As LRBC came under pressure, they had to be content with just a couple of break-away moves that led to very little. With such a narrow midfield, LRBC relied on Barter pulling wide on the right and Pickford surging forward from left back to provide some much needed width. 
