Competition: Sportsmans League Division 4
Opponents: Northcote Falcons (H)
Date: 26th February 2012
Kick Off Time: 10.30am
Meeting Time: 9.45am
Location: ILEA, Raynes Park Playing Fields, Raynes Park, SW20 9NB
Directions: Get the train from either London Waterloo (20 Min), Vauxhall (15 Min) or Clapham Junction (10 Min) direct to Raynes Park. Walk out of the station and head south down Grand Drive, about 15 Min walk to the playing fields on your left, just past the mini roundabout and road called Southway. See the map.
Subs: £6 (£3 subs/substituted)
See Map:


View Larger Map

Match Report - Lokomotiv Wimbledon - Loko

Sunday 19 February 2012

Friendly

Lokomotiv Wimbledon 1 v Lokomotiv Londres FC 1

Draw is good Loko-motivation

Records shows that there are only 3 FA-affiliated Lokomotiv teams in London so Loko made history by challenging Lokomotiv Wimbledon to a friendly following the Railwaymen’s 3-week football-free spell.

Unusually for Loko, 50% of the squad comprised forwards - a windfall under normal circumstances but a tricky situation on this occasion. This meant that acting Manager Ivan had to play several players out of position and in a more defending role that their natural instinct dictates.

Following the heavy downpours the day before, you would have expected the pitch to be in a terrible state but the surface was relatively smooth. This enabled Loko to play the ball on the floor through the midfield where Dave J was darting backward and forward, Imants was pulling the strings whereas James was harassing their defenders. Upfront Dave K and Greg were going on numerous mazy runs dribbling past their defenders at will.

However, very few chances were created. This also applied to Loko’s end where stand-in keeper Ismail (pictured) was on top form and handling shots coming his way assuredly. On 27 minutes though, following constant firing in the general direction of the Loko goal, Wimbledon saw what looked like a sure winner head towards goal only for Ivan to save on the goal line.

Our defence was often stretched - one of the reasons being the lack of defensive cover from the generally attack-minded midfield, who, credit to them, were playing in roles that didn’t come naturally to them but were acquitting themselves well.

On 38 minutes, Imants found himself on the left hand side of their box and his rasping shot missed the target by only a few inches. Luiz was showing some very nice touches upfront and Kevin was getting stuck in and was combining well with his fellow midfielders. In defence, Serik also came to the rescue and cleared a few minutes  later in what looked like another sure goal. All in all, this was an even first half.

Half time: Lokomotiv Wimbledon 0 – Loko 0

Despite numerous - and potentially destabilising -  substitutions intended to give every squad player at least three quarters of the game, Loko were still doing brilliantly, passing the ball around crisply. This might also have to do with Wimbledon not pressing too hard. Yet, it was a joy to watch and in sharp contrast to some of our performances over the past 2 months. 

On 60 minutes though, their forward got fouled by Morris in the box and the easy-going referee immediately pointed to the penalty spot. Their number 10 dispatched the sphere capably to the right of Ismail for what looked like the opener. However, the ref disallowed the goal for encroachment in the box. Take 2 and, predictably, the ball clipped the cross bar to the jubilation of the Loko team.

Five minutes later, a Wimbledon attack saw their forward dribble past two of our defenders and his shot hit the outside of Serik’s foot and ended up in our net.

Lokomotiv Wimbledon 1 – Loko 0.

Then ensued a series of attacks and counter-attacks where the stars included Ismail who pulled off some magic saves, Marcel who cleared a deep ball that was destined for their winger who was about to outflank him and James whose speed must have surely sent defenders in a blind panic.  With less than 15 minutes to go and the clock ticking ominously, the crossbar and the upright also came to Loko’s rescue. Was this going to be Loko’s day?

Indeed, on 82 minutes, James passed to Imants who took his chance from the edge of the box but his shot was deflected by one of their defenders only for ALEJANDRO to spin and tuck the ball to the right of their keeper and into the net from 5 yards. Point saved and mission accomplished! 

Club secretary Ivan Rahal said: “Sounds like everybody enjoyed themselves today. We were all composed and encouraging each other and many of our players were prepared to sacrifice their attacking flair in favour of a much needed defensive display. Plus the two newcomers Kevin and Luiz slotted in seamlessly. Thank you to Lokomotiv Wimbledon who contributed to a friendly encounter played in a very good spirit. A very motivating team performance all around, well done to everybody!

M.O.M: With their speed, determination and marathon running-like ability, Dave J and James did particularly well today. However, M.O.M goes to Ismail who saved us on many occasions with his instant reflexes and excellent ball handling.

Line-up:
Ismail
Stefano (then Marcel, 46 mns)
Morris (then Ivan 80 mns)
Ivan (then Stefano, 65 mns)
Marcel (then Serik, 20 mns)
Dave J (then Greg 60 mns)
Alejandro (then Kevin 20 mns)
James (then Alejandro 46 mns)
Imants (then James 65 mns)
Dave K (then Imants 65 mns)
Greg (then Luiz 20 mns)

Match Preview - Lokomotiv Wimbledon vs Loko

Competition: Friendly
Date: Sunday 19 Feb
Opponents: Lokomotiv Wimbledon
Kick Off Time: 10.30am
Meeting Time: 9.45am
Location: Wandsworth Common, Wandsworth, SW18 3RL
Directions: The changing rooms are on the west of the railway line in the old stables between the tennis courts and the bowling green, by the cafe, the cafe is the meeting place. The pitches are on the opposite side of the railway line which you can access by the footbridge.
Parking is available near the changing rooms on Baskerville Road or by the pitches on Bolingbroke Grove. The nearest station which is a two minute walk is Wandsworth Common overland, or a fifteen minute walk from Clapham Junction. Please use TFL and be on time.
Subs: £6 (£3 Subs/Substituted)

VIEW MAP HERE 

Squad: Ismail, Stefano, Ivan, Dave J, Marcel, Morris, Alejandro, James P, Dave K, Imants, Greg, Serik, Kevin

Match preview: Deportivo de Brentford vs Loko

Game postponed due to snow


Competition: Friendly
Opponents: Deportivo de Brentford (A)
Date: 5th February 2012
Kick Off Time: 11.00am
Meeting Time: 10.15am
Location: Wormwood Scrubs, Hammersmith, W12 0DF
Directions: Nearest tubes are East Acton or White City. Also, bus 295 from Clapham Junction and get off on Wood Lane/Scrubs Lane near North Pole Road. Walk down Woodmans Mews then follow the footpath behind the Linford Christie Stadium to the changing rooms.
Subs: £6 (£3 subs/substituted)
Squad: Stefano, Ivan, Marcel, Dave J, Serik, Alejandro, James P, Greg, Kevin (new), Luiz (new), Gilles (new)

Match report - FC Lonsdale - Loko

Sunday 29th January 2012

Friendly

FC Lonsdale 2 v Lokomotiv Londres FC 2 

A tale of the awol ref and 2 misses

No doubt, the 12 Loko-men who turned up promptly at Riverside Lands on a crisp January morning had no idea they were in for a genuine rollercoaster of a match.

With the referee not turning up, Loko were made to kick their heels for an extra 30 minutes. At that point, both teams agreed to referee in turns.

Loko started with a conservative 4-4-3 with new keeper James R standing in for regular goalie Junior. The game was flowing from box to box but Loko were certainly attacking in a more threatening fashion with Terry, James P and Imants often slicing the sluggish Lonsdale defence open. 

In midfield, Gavyn was making his presence felt and got away with quite a few very dangerous tackles that incensed Lonsdale no end.

However, on 28 minutes, Marcel (pictured above) tripped their forward in our box.  Penalty. Their midfielder placed his shot low to the ground but James R pulled off a prodigious save by diving to his left and deflecting the kick into corner. Cue celebrations, hugs and a massive confidence boost for our new goalie.

On 31 minutes, Marcel headed the ball from the halfway line into the path of Imants, who passed to Terry. With JAMES running through the defence, Terry laid the ball on to him on the right hand side of the box for our speedy forward to shoot low to the bottom left of the keeper and into the net in spectacular style.

FC Lonsdale 0, Lokomotiv 1

Four minutes later, with Loko pushing Lonsdale close to their goal line, JAMES’s nimble feet did the talking again when he turned his defender like a flash and despatched the ball with venom to the bottom right of their goal and into the net.

FC Lonsdale 0, Lokomotiv 2

It all looked very promising and Loko were now flying with Imants, Terry and James shooting on sight. Things looked even rosier when Loko were awarded a clear cut penalty just a few minutes later. This was Loko’s chance to give themselves an irretrievable advantage. Imants tried to place the ball to the left of their keeper but their diminutive number 1 saved the penalty with panache.  Loko keeper 1, Lonsdale keeper 1… 

With 5 minutes to half time, their referee blew for a foul on the left hand side of our box when Ivan clattered into their forward. The resulting freekick flew over the wall and was heading for our top left corner; James caught the ball but it slipped from his grasp and ended up in the back of our net.

FC Lonsdale 1, Lokomotiv 2

The second half started with new guy Matthew taking over as ref – and what an introduction it was! Although keen to direct play in an even-handed way, Matthew found himself on the receiving end of constant rebukes by the Lonsdale players. Our new ref was finding it increasingly difficult to restore peace, especially when Gavyn’s foul on one of their players – a clear red card for all to see – went unpunished.

Ivan took over from Matthew and tried to calm things down but pressure was mounting by the minute.  

On 69 minutes, Matthew took out their defender on the left hand side of our box and Ivan had no alternative but to award Lonsdale a penalty. Their midfielder placed it to the left of James who got his hand on it but the ball trickled over the goal line.  

FC Lonsdale 2, Lokomotiv 2

From then on, it became a real battle with aggressive play on both sides and countless fouls. This mayhem was only occasionally interspersed with a few spectacular overhead kicks courtesy of Terry, incursions by James and Imants and good defending by Steve and Stefano in particular.

With 10 minutes on the clock, Imants found himself in a dangerous position on the right hand side of their box but their defender fouled him and Ivan awarded Loko a penalty. This decision triggered deafening protestations from Lonsdale who claimed that Imants had handballed it. 

Amidst the recriminations and shouting, their keeper simply walked off the pitch and so did half their team. As both clubs had agreed that the result would count and sensing that Loko were keen to finish the job, Ivan reluctantly overturned his own decision and awarded Lonsdale a goal kick. But it was all in vain. Lonsdale had decided that they'd had enough. They insisted that the result wouldn’t stand and that it should be counted as a friendly. Over to the league for their decision to call a rematch or award Loko the win, with the former the more likely outcome.

Final score:  FC Lonsdale 2, Lokomotiv 2

Club Secretary Ivan Rahal said: “Some of our play today was very aggressive and some of our tackles probably deserved a few yellow cards or even a red card in one particular incident. Playing a physical game is fine, but as we found out in our previous game, a red card will always be a threat. This can cost us not only vital points but fines too. It also gives me additional admin work, which frankly I can ill afford, so it's now time to cut it out. Having said that, Lonsdale were no saints either and proved very bad (potential) losers. If there is a rematch, it's likely to take place in February or March so let’s get the result we certainly deserved today.” 

Man of the Match: JAMES P– fast and lethal – brilliant performance all around. Special mention  to James R in goal, Steve, Stefano, Imants and Terry.

Line-up:

James R

Stefano

Steve

Chris

Ivan (then Matthew 60 minutes)

Gavyn

Morris

Marcel

Terry

James P

Imants

Match preview: FC Lonsdale vs Loko

Competition: Sportsmans League Division 4
Opponents: FC Lonsdale (H)
Date: 29th January 2012
Kick Off Time: 10.30am
Meeting Time: 9.45am
Location: Riverside Lands, Chiswick, W4 2SH
Directions:
By train - Barnes Bridge crossing is by the London platform, once at end of Barnes Bridge, go down the steps and turn left and follow the path by the tracks until you come to a tunnel on your left, go under and follow the road back to the river until you arrive at Chiswick Boat House.
By car - From the A316, look out for the signs to King's House Civil Service and head in that direction.. Drive past the King's House Civil Service pitches and follow the road all the way. Then, when you get to the (Esporta) Riverside Health and Racquets Sports Club (might have been rebranded as Virgin Active now), turn left under the bridge, follow the road round, past the Chiswick Rugby Club pitch and then you will see a small car park a bit hidden away from the road. Park there and go up the stairs to the changing rooms.
Subs: £6 (£3 Subs/Substituted)
See Map:


View Larger Map

Squad: James (GK), Stefano, Chris, Steve, Ivan, Gavyn, Morris, Imants, James, Terry, Marcel, Dave F (TBC)

Renato's wonder goal

Check out Renato's solo effort against Kensington Athletic back on 4th December 2011

Match report - Loko - Pacific Sporting Jubilee

Sunday 22nd January 2012

Sportsman's League, Division 4

Lokomotiv Londres FC 2 v Pacific Sporting Jubilee 4

Dire Loko lose niggly encounter

After a good performance the week before, Lokomotiv were looking forward to a good win against a team that we beat soundly back in November and who are currently propping up Division 4.

Looking around the pitch though, it was obvious that our opponents had beefed up their defence and recruited new attacking players since last year’s demolition.

Loko were very poor right from the start. Our 5-3-2 formation was not really working as Jubilee were flooding the midfield, our passes from the back didn’t get anywhere and our attacks were few and far between. Jubilee were becoming more and more menacing, especially on their right wing and it was all hands on deck trying to avert the nimble-footed Jubilee forwards.

Luckily, a freak goal broke the deadlock. On 21 minutes, TERRY, who has been covering in goal for the past two games, accomplished what he enjoys the most – scoring goals. This was a long-shot, namely a free kick from just outside his box, 80 yards out. No doubt, the strong wind helped but his shot flew over the Jubilee defence, bounced in the box and crashed to the right of their motionless goalkeeper.

Lokomotiv 1 Pacific Sporting Jubilee 0

This beauty was, unfortunately, followed by an unnecessary incident. As Loko were under the cosh, Chris urged Morris to stop giving silly free kicks away and told him in no uncertain terms that he’d take him off at half time if he continued doing so. Our fiery tempered Irishman saw red, responded that he might as well take him off now and just walked off the pitch to everybody’s surprise and new boy James’s likely delight at a Loko start earlier than originally scheduled.

A few timid Loko attacks saw us threaten their defence with in particular a Dave K header that flew just over the bar from a corner by Dave F but the two teams were now neutralising each other.

Half time: Lokomotiv 1 Pacific Sporting Jubilee 0

The second half saw Loko take to the field with a reshuffled backline and a more adventurous 4-4-2. Again, Loko were not being the most fluent to the evident frustration of Imants who was kicking his heels whilst waiting for a decent pass on the halfway line. For a short while and despite the very strong wind, Loko did manage to develop a few convincing attacks but did not manage to capitalise on Jubilee’s weak goalie.

However, it looked like it was going to be Loko’s lucky day after all. On 53 minutes, Imants and James exchanged a short and sweet one-two on the halfway line followed by Imants's deep pass that carved open the Jubilee defence. JAMES outpaced and rounded the sluggish defence, scarpered down the right wing and drilled his shot low to the right of the keeper from the edge of the box and into the net.

Lokomotiv 2 Pacific Sporting Jubilee 0

The feeling across the park was that Loko didn’t really deserve to be in the lead because Jubilee’s play belied their low league position. Shortly after the goal, Chris (pictured) was involved in argy bargy with their Caribbean forward in scenes that belonged more in a wrestling match or rugby field than on a football pitch. Chris complained to the ref and so did their forward and they both got yellow-carded. The ref was arguably spending too much time talking his decisions through as opposed to trying to keep the situation under control and ensuring the game could go on. Following yet another foul, though, he did warn Chris that this was going to be his final warning. Ivan did also try to restrain Chris but things never really calmed down.

Shortly after that, Jubilee reduced the deficit from a free-kick from the right side of our defence that saw the Jubilee manager score an unlikely goal from 2 yards out.

To Loko’s utter astonishment, this was followed by an ominous, well taken equaliser. Then, Jubilee scored twice in quick succession. With less than 10 minutes to go in this unfolding nightmare, Loko found themselves down to 10 and in total disarray when Chris fouled their centre forward on the left side of our defence and the ref followed up on his threat and, as expected, red carded our manager.

Final score:  Lokomotiv 2 Pacific Sporting Jubilee 4

Club Secretary Ivan Rahal said: “A very poor performance all around. Away from the technical side though, I feel that we were the architects of our own downfall. With the score flattering us, we got a bit too cocky and didn’t give Jubilee the respect they deserved. We lost our concentration trying to bully them and being drawn into silly arguments instead of focusing on our game and containing them. Let’s focus on winning games with our heads and our feet, not our fists.”

Man of the Match: Special mention to new boy James, who fitted well into the team, showed great speed and levels of fitness and crowned it all with a well taken, opportunistic goal. M.O.M though goes to TERRY, who scored the goal of the season so far, was vocal and supportive in goal and was never at fault on Jubilee’s goals.

Line-up:
Terry
Morris (then James, 29 mins)
Steve
Marcel
Chris
Steve
Dave J
Dave F
Alejandro
Dave K (then Serik, 59 mns)
Imants