Barnesalona Cup
Barnes 4 v Lokomotiv Londres FC 1
Another large squad huddled together outside the changing rooms in the bitter cold ready to face our good natured but competitive November rivals Barnes. Out on the pitch both sides flared their nostrils and puffed out their plumage with some intimidating warm up exercises. Barnes were displaying their five a side skills whilst we practiced our running and 'air' header technique.
And so to the match. Manager Julian had asked for a lively start and committed performance against what turned out to be a much improved Barnes outfit. Instead it was Barnes who made all the early running, thrice hitting the woodwork and closing down the Loko players with alarming regularity.
They got the goal they deserved 20mns in as an attack down the left culminated in a simple tap-in past an exposed Steve Martin in goal. The rest of the half followed the same pattern. Barnes were clearly sharper and quicker to every loose ball. Unlike the two previous encounters they had more pace at the back and Loko, without Andreas and Steve, didn't carry their usual threat going forwards. Allan, in goal for Barnes, was rarely troubled which prompted an alarmed Julian to break with habit and make two first half substitutions. He brought on Adrian and Mark Bullock (making a welcome return after his ankle injury) to add some experience and hopefully help stem the tide.
And Loko were fortunate to pick up their half-time refreshments only a solitary strike behind.
Half-Time Barnes 1 v Loko 0
Another change was made at half-time with Stefan coming on for Doug to add some pace up front. Dale dropped down into midfield.
The second half was actually a slight improvement despite us losing it 3-1. The next goal was always going to decide the direction the match took and excruciatingly Barnes twice cleared the ball off the line after Stefan had rounded the keeper, only to break away at the other end and score moments later after Rohan had miss controlled a pass.
Barnes then sealed the game with a free header at the far post which looped into the far corner.
Loko's goal was as unexpected as it was brilliant. Mark (pictured above) brought the ball down and as he beat his man on the turn rammed it from fully 30 yards into a bulging net. This served to stoke the flames of a dormant Loko fire and for a few minutes we looked like the team that had won three on the trot. with time ticking away Mark again broke through on the left and his angled shot lobbed agonizingly onto the crossbar and was cleared to safety.
Lightning struck twice as Barnes then counter-attacked with a long ball forward which resulted in their fourth goal, well and truly putting the game to bed.
Final Score Barnes 4 v Loko 1
Manager Julian Milne's comments:
"A game we can take very little from. We could not match their desire or indeed composure on the ball and everyone seemed below par.
I was disappointed with the attitude of some of the players when we went behind and would like to see us encourage and motivate each other a little more. Let's not get depressed and frustrated but instead learn from a team that beat us with a combination of character and organisation.
Barnes are one of my favourite teams in the league because they play fairly and to their potential. We can learn from that.
Next week we take on the champions. The result is no longer important. What is is that we prove to ourselves we have got some character and some fight in us.
Man of the Match: Mark - kept on chasing lost causes and almost set up a grand-stand finish. Good to have you back mate."
Team Line Up
1. Steve M
2. Rohan
3. Ivan
4. Pete
5. Paul D
6. Doug
7. Johan
8. Dave
9. Dale (c)
10. James
11. Ismail
12. Adrian (Replaced Johan 35 Minutes)
13. Mark (Replaced James 35 Minutes)
14. Stefan (Replaced Doug 45 Minutes)
Goals:
Mark (1)
75th Minute - Brought the ball down 30 yards out and hammered a screamer into the top corner.
Match Report provided by Julian Milne.
