Barnesalona League
West Ken Kings 1 v Lokomotiv Londres FC 2
Loko got straight back into the saddle this Sunday against a WKK side that had emptied all six goals from the barrel to derail Loko’s already creaky cup campaign only seven days previously. Believe it or not, there is still a mathematical chance of qualification from the group and into the semi finals of the James Rettie Cup. Maybe we shouldn’t have condemned our chances as early back as last December…( Rangers qualified from their Champions League group having won just 1 game out of six…). [Editor - No longer any mathematical chance as Barnes were awarded a 2-0 win against Auckland that we did not know about. The table has been updated.]
Anyhow, all eyes were on the league table this time as WKK tried to maintain their title push. Nobody was surprised that the Chairman had failed to ward off bids for Steve Whitely during the transfer window after last weeks performance. An 11th hour deal was struck with the producers of Grease and it was up to Ismail to take up between the sticks. As usual the midfield was re-shuffled with Ali taking up on the left wing, Dale and Jules in the middle and Nick on the right berth. The back four lined up as usual. Henry and Bergkamp led the line up front.A minute’s silence was held in memory of James Rettie (Cedric’s brother) who established the league and tragically passed away three years ago. For more information on James please visit the Barnesalona website: http://www.barnesalonafc.co.uk/
The match started well enough with both teams closing each other down and few clear cut chances created. Loko were applying themselves in the crucial areas and denying the Royals any time on the ball, ensuring they didn’t conceded the soft goals that had punctuated their last performance. The Kensington lads seemed not to be forcing the issue, presumably (and who could blame them?) waiting for goals to come at last weeks leisurely pace.
The crucial moment then arrived as the railwaymen’s increasing confidence was given wings by Henry’s turn of pace and calm finish. A lead and something to build on. Crucially, Loko made it to half time ahead and with renewed self belief. The manager focused on the need to keep attacking the opposition and not play too deep. Questions would be asked of the team in the second half and it was simply a matter of weathering the backlash.
Half Time West Ken Kings 0 v Loko 1
The Royals’ goal came from a move down the right. A ball in behind the defence should have been cleared by Julian, but as he attempted to shepherd it out for a goal kick, a WKK player got
a foot to the ball and swung it past an understandably static loko back line. The ball sailed though to the far post and was tapped in from just a few yards out by the gleeful striker. The equaliser was a blow for the team but did not signal a late charge from the title contenders.
Instead it was Loko who re-doubled their efforts. Peter and Paul were at their imperious best in defence and Adrian was finding space down the right hand side. But it was Dugald, in his now favoured left back position, who launched a long ball behind the WKK back four and as Henry bore down on goal, every one, including all the King’s men, knew what was on the cards. An anguished cry of ‘Oh no, goal!’ emanated from one of the midfielders before Henry had even dispatched his clinical finish.WKK had a couple of long range efforts, one flying just over and the other adroitly parried away by Ismail in goal. Other than that a few half chances failed to blossom and the only difference between the teams was that cutting edge up front. Henry’s two well taken goals and ability to hold up the ball in attack swinging the game Loko’s way.
The final whistle went and the Loko players celebrated as if they had won the league. High fives were bandied about as if they had gone out of fashion and sweaty man hugs were the order of the day. The final scoreline of 2-1 reflected well on both teams, as it was not the case that missed chances kept the score within ‘professional boundaries’.
Final Score West Ken Kings 1 v Loko 2
Manager Julian Milne's comments:
"Having lost to WKK every time we have played them since joining the league in 2004, a victory was obviously a result that carried a lot of weight and it was evident from the reaction of the players what it meant to them. It is testament to the performances of WKK over that period that we jumped up in delight at the final whistle as if we had won the cup.
Part of the satisfaction can be attributed to the turnaround from the 6-1 drubbing we received the previous week. The two conflicting results are a great example of how important it is to do the basic things right and how far that can get you.
Any team in this league can win if they apply themselves and the technical performance of a team will always be in part determined by work ethic and determination. Today's performance was outstanding and everyone played to their potential, as did the team.
The score line obviously implies a solid defence but it is worth emphasising how good it was today. The whole team worked hard and Roger's quality up front was complemented by his willingness to run at defenders and hold the ball up well.
Simply a great result and evidence that the team can produce performances of a very high standard. The challenge now is to maintain that standard and keep looking at areas in which we can improve.
Man of the match: Roger (Pictured)"
Team Line Up
1. Ismail
2. Rohan
3. Ivan
4. Pete
5. Paul D (c)
6. Julian
7. Nick
8. Dale
9. James
10. Roger
11. Alistair
12. Doug (Replaced Ivan 45th Minute)
13. Adrian (Replaced Nick 45th Minute)
Goals:
Roger (2)
30th Minute - A tackle in midfield by Dale sent the ball through for Roger to run onto and slot past the keeper.
75th Minute - A long ball by Doug allowed Roger to chase and place past the keepers diving left hand.
Match Report provided by Julian Milne.
