Sunday 18th September 2005
Barnesalona League
South Auckland Rangers 1 v Lokomotiv Londres FC 3
The lokomotiv squad assembled brimming with new players for the opening day of the Barneslona season to take on last season's belligerent Auckland team. After a delayed start in which it had become apparent that the opposition was in fact an amalgamation of last season's Auckland team and Dave Argyle (in addition to this two of our players, Rudi and Mark, generously played for them).
Loko were immediately on the back foot and still apparently suffering from a hangover from last weeks defeat. Several new players were making their debuts for Loko and it was apparent that it would take time for them to gel. The team lined up with Ismail in goal, Ivan/Rohan/Peter/Paul as the back four and a midfield of Christophe/Adrian/Doug/Nick behind the front pairing of Dale and Andreas.
A torrid first fifteen minutes saw Auckland marauding time and time again deep into Loko's half, their pacey number 15 providing a menacing edge to their forward play. They were rewarded with a penalty which was comfortably converted. Things deteriorated further as first Doug and then his replacement Johan were forced off through injury.
After last weeks mauling, it was a case of calming the waters and Loko did just that, stepping up a gear and increasingly exerting pressure on their makeshift opposition. Adrian and Samer started bossing the midfield, Andreas was looking lively and Nick provided an increasingly threatening outlet on the right hand side. But it was Ismail in goal who was called upon next, flinging himself to his left to make a remarkable save from a close range effort.
Loko were looking to counter attack whenever possible in order to exploit a defensively disjointed opposition, attacking down the flanks with pace and creating several good crossing opportunities which failed to produce any genuine goalscoring chances. It was, however, a moment of individual brilliance that lit the touchpaper to Loko's season... Andreas picked up a stray ball on the half way line and turned to face three or four Auckland defenders. He then slalomed scandinavian style through a dazed and confuzed southern hemisphere pack, pulled down their pants and gave them a good spanking before bearing down on goal. A deft left foot shot from the edge of the area then nestled in the far corner of the net. An early contender for goal of the season.
Half-Time South Auckland Rangers 1 v Loko 1
Honours even at half time, Loko reshuffled, Stefane coming on for Nick and Olivier for Rohan, Dale reverting to centre back. The game was there for the taking and Loko's confidence was being nourished by the prospect of playing downhill for the next 45 minutes. And indeed it was to be Loko's half, their pressing and passing troubling Auckland time and time again. Olivier's pace was pushing their back four deeper and stretching out the game, enabling the midfield a bit more time on the ball which they utilised to good effect.
Loko again spread the ball wide, Stefane showing some good touches and Christophe having a very good game on the left. He was to be rewarded for his performance by a slightly fortuitous goal. A good cross from Samer on the right evaded the hapless keeper and bounced off Chris' toes into the gaping net. The opposition heads fell but it wasn't all one way traffic. Auckland still attacked effectively, Loko having to defend countless corners. This they managed to do with far more success than against SW6, with Adrian and Dale notably domineering, both in the air and vocally.
One particular attack of note ended with Ivan seeing away another forward run from their number 15, who unsurprisingly had a different version of events, believing himself to have been fouled, despite Ivan's protestations of innocence. As he lay on the floor clutching his leg, he managed to launch a low flying roundhouse which to be fair would have hit if he had been carrying his handbag. Sadly it was easily avoided by Ivan and Auckland's attack was further blunted as 15 had to go off injured.
The final nail in the coffin came after another flowing Loko move. A good run and cross from Olivier left the ball hanging at head height a few inches from goal and Andreas pulled the trigger. The game was beyond reach and despite late pressure Loko stood firm. A great three points and next up for Loko the FA Cup.
Man of the match has to go to Andreas for his brace but strong performances to note from Ismail, Peter, Adrian, Samer and Christophe.
Final-Score South Auckland Rangers 1 v Loko 3
Manager Julian Milne's comments:
"A much improved performance after a slow start. There is still no room for complacency as our opposition was weak in several areas and had only just started to try and seam two teams together. We need to play well for the whole ninety minutes and continue to develop an effective way of playing at this level.
This season is about progression. We have shown that in our last game. We now have to take things forward and continue to go up the gears if we are to challenge for the trophies that have so far eluded us.
We can still improve considerably on this performance and become a really good team if we chose to apply ourselves correctly. Well played boys."
Team Line Up
1. Ismail
2. Rohan
3. Ivan
4. Pete
5. Paul (c)
6. Adrian
7. Nick M
8. Doug
9. Dale
10. Andreas
11. Christophe
12. Johan (Replaced Doug 10 Minutes)
13. Samer (Replaced Johan 15 Minutes)
14. Olivier (Replaced Rohan 45 Minutes)
15. Stefane (Replaced Nick 45 Minutes)
Goals:
Andreas (2)
25th Minute - Ran from the half way line past four player slotting into the bottom corner.
80th Minute - Olivier ran to the touchland floating a ball onto the head of Andreas a yard out.
Christophe (1)
60th Minute - A cross from the right hand side evaded everyone to find Christophe inches out to hit the net.
Match Report provided by Julian Milne.
