Match Report: Hendrix FC v Loko

Sunday 4th February 2007
Barnesalona League

Hendrix FC 0 v Lokomotiv Londres FC 1

Dave Nets Pen for Double Points

It was on a cold February Sunday morning that this game was played, the result being more important than ever with six points at stake due to the previous match being postponed.

A squad of thirteen turned up, the notable absentee being Dave W who had broken his toe the week before against Celtic. There was a return to the squad for Roger, Dale and Pete who had all missed the previous week. Julian took up residence between the sticks, the usual back four of Rohan, Ivan, Paul and Pete. The midfield four were Dave H, Ismail, Nick and Stefan with Roger and James up front.

The game started brightly for Loko who immediately put Hendrix on the back foot, with a number of good passing moves allowing the team to move forward. Loko had a number of corners and play around the edge of the box but failed to create much of note. Hendrix struggled to get within 30 yards of the Loko goal and hit a number of long range drives well wide.

The game sprung to life just before half-time, as Nick used his speed to get in front of the defender and hit the ball low on target, just right for the keeper to save. Stefan then hit a shot on the turn from the edge of the box which the keeper turned over the bar, but the crucial break through came when a ball into the box was handled by a Hendrix defender and the referee awarded a spot kick.

Dave H (pictured above right) stepped up and hit it low into the keepers bottom corner, only for it to be ordered to be re-taken due to encroachment in the box by a number of players. Dave hit the second one even sweeter and gave Loko a half-time lead.

Half-Time Score Hendrix FC 0 v Loko 1

The only change at half-time was Dale on in place of Ismail, and a talk about continuing the way we had started. The second half was a little more scrappy and Hendrix seemed riled up to start an onslaught on the Loko goal, this never materialised however, as Loko looked firm all over the park and closed down well, as well as creating the better chances.

Hendrix again didn't have any shots on target during the second half and Loko should have won the game more comfortably. Dave H hit a couple of long range drives wide, Stefan was played through by Dale and hit the ball narrowly wide, and Dale himself had a long range drive which the keeper had to palm away.

The game ended with Julian still not having to make a save and a valuble six points were in the bag. Next up is the most important game of the season that can give us qualification to the semi-finals of the cup.

Final Score Hendrix FC 0 v Loko 1

Team Line Up
1. Julian
2. Paul
3. Ivan
4. Rohan
5. Pete
6. Ismail
7. Dave H
8. Nick
9. James
10. Roger (c)
11. Stefan
12. Dale (Replaced Ismail 45th Minute)
13. Oliver (Replaced Roger 65th Minute)

Goal
Dave H (1)
45th Minute - On the stroke of half-time Dave drilled a penalty into the top right hand corner out of the keepers reach.

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Real Madras 2 v Celtic 3
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West Ken Kings 4 v Ladbroke Groovers 2