Barnesalona Cup
Lokomotiv Londres FC 1 v Barnes FC 3
Couldn't hit a Barnes door
Global warming may in time lead to the melting of glaciers into the very Gulf stream that keeps our climate temperate (about 9 degrees above the average for our latitude), and a subsequent severe drop in temperatures, but all who gathered on another mild and sunny day at Barnes Common couldn't have given a rat's arse.
The team lined up with Julian in goal in front of another new central defensive pairing of Dale and Rohan, with Nick continuing as right back after some strong performances of late. Ivan started on the left. The midfield pack was shuffled as Dave came into the centre to fill the void left by Dale, partnering his namesake Lineker who was returning after an ankle injury. On the wings were Peggy and Adrian. Up front James and Thierry. Mark Bullock, returning from injury and the production of his latest play swapped the boards for the turf as loko legend Steve Whiteley completed a strong Loko bench.
The match started like most of our games this season. Intense pressure from the opposition leading to a couple of half chances and some corners which were spurned by the 'Rosinieri'.
Loko seemed lacklustre and were too often taking the easy option of aiming long balls upfield to Roger. This allowed Barnes's slightly more varied play to take a gentle hold of the game, as they maneuvered themselves into wide areas. It was from one of these situations that their No2, having made his way to the by-line, sent a looping cross over the keeper's head and into the far corner.
Half-Time Loko 0 v Barnes FC 1
At half time, the manager tried to give the team the hair-dryer treatment in honour of Fergies anniversary, demanding more endeavour and movement off the ball. And for fifteen minutes after the break Loko had their only genuine period of domination culminating in a goal for Roger (pictured below). Taking advantage of a defensive slip, he coolly controlled the ball and lobbed the keeper from the edge of the box. Another well taken goal for the league's top scorer and one of the few bright moments in the match for the railwaymen.
And from then on the players seemed to go back onto automatic. Barnes regained the initiative and the lead with the game's one moment of true class, a 30 yard volley rocketing into the corner of the net. A late desperate surge from the team saw Rohan push up front, but alas the 'all in' gamble failed to pay off and a goal on the break saw a third and conclusive goal for Barnes.
A poor team performance with a few bright spots - Peggy again showing the hunger and skill on the left and Roger as usual classy up front. Dale did well at the back after so long in midfield, but overall not good enough and a team meeting on Sunday to set things straight after consecutive defeats is more than necessary.
Final Score Loko 1 v Barnes FC 3
Manager Julian Milne's comments:
"Not a great performance that brought up some major issues that have affected us over the last couple of seasons. The lack of movement off the ball, as well as players simply not seeming to want possession. A lack of energy and a need for more vocal encouragement. Most of the foundations are there for a good season, certainly the players are good enough, we just need to add these last few layers to graduate from mid table to a position at the top challenging for the title.
Man of the match: Peggy"
Team Line Up
1. Julian
2. Nick
3. Ivan
4. Dale
5. Rohan
6. Dave W
7. Adrian
8. Dave H
9. Roger (c)
10. James
11. Stephen
12. Paul (Replaced Ivan 45th Minute) [Y]
13. Mark (Replaced Adrian 45th Minute)
14. Steve W (Replaced James 70th Minute)
Goals
Roger (1)
60th Minute - The ball broke for Roger 30 yards out and he struck the ball superbly to lob the keeper and bring Loko level.
Other Cup Results
Our Group
Ladbroke Groovers 0 v Uncle Bob's FC 7
Other Group
Real Madras FC 0 v West Ken Kings 2
South Auckland Rangers 0 v Cosmopolitan FC 2
Match Report provided by Julian Milne.
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