Barnesalona League
West Ken Kings 0 v Lokomotiv Londres FC 1
Tiger Tom Steals the Points
Somewhat surprisingly Dale turned up this Sunday and had seen every player at least once before, which was somewhat of a novelty this season. Kings turned up with only ten players and managed to find our blue kit that they lost last season then proceeded to wear it again, let's see if we get it back washed next week.
Andrea kindly went in goal again this week with a back four of Joe, Dale, Steve and PJ. Michael played the holding midfielder role, James and Stefan on the wings with Tom and Peggy further forward in centre midfield with Peggy given licence to roam anyway up front. Samuel started up front with Ivan on the bench.
Loko started the game well and were talking and looking to pass the ball around and find our men to feet, the link up play was superb and we set up camp in the Kings half. Some tricky play on the left hand side of the Kings box by the byline saw Samuel shimmy past his man but lose control when attacking the six yard box, shortly afterwards Stefan (pictured above) had two long range efforts which forced the keeper into action and then Michael skewed a shot wide from the edge of the area, it was good to see us shooting.
Kings were making occasional counters into the Loko half and had three or four consecutive corners which were well defended with Dale winning all the headers and Steve sweeping up behind. Michael and Tom were sitting well in the centre winning the ball and Loko were giving them no time on the ball all over the park.
Loko could have been ahead with ten minutes of the half remaining when the ball made it's way out to PJ who smashed one against the crossbar from 30 yards. Kings pressed for the last couple of minutes of the half and had a long range effort pushed round the post by Andrea and a couple of long range efforts that went wide.
Half-Time West Ken Kings 0 v Loko 0
The talk at half time was about using that extra man a little better, get the ball wide and swing some crosses in, and to also stop panicking when we get the ball in space in their half and look for that final pass with more movement from the front players.
The game turned into more of a midfield battle in the second half with us trying to get the ball wide but taking that split second too long and getting closed down at the last minute before being able to spread the play wide.
Joe twice made great runs down the left hand side and got balls into the box but we were unable to get on the end of things, and Samuel and Stefan were doing great jobs in holding up the ball and playing the easy balls. From one such Stefan pass Peggy found himself clear on the right hand side of the penalty area but hit his shot over the bar, followed almost immediately by Stefan chasing a ball over the top of the defence from Tom and hit the ball first time against the keeper who had come off his line and made a great block.
Shortly after Samuel who was carrying a knock from the previous week was replaced by Ivan with twenty minutes to go and Ivan slotted in at left back, Joe pushed onto the left wing and Stefan went up top. Andrea commanded his area well when he had to but didn't have a save to make in the second half.
The goal eventually came in the 75th Minute when the ball was played through midfield and Tom ran clear from the half way line, showed good strength in holding off the challenge of the covering defender and lobbed the keeper from the edge of the area.
Loko saw out the remainder of the match quite comfortably and with the forfeited wins against Hendrix FC we have now gained four wins on the trot and 12 points out of 12.
Final Score West Ken Kings 0 v Loko 1
Manager Dale Mellor's comments:
"A decent peformance by every player, we seemed up for the game more than in recent weeks, closing them down quickly, communicating with each other and everyone wanting the ball.
It was a very professional performance as we were only up against ten men, but we created a lot of chances and finally stuck one away when Tom scored a peach. It would be good if we could start taking our chances and making these games more comfortable for ourselves.
One game of the season remaining and it would be nice to get a result this season against Groovers and end the season on a five league match winning run."
Team Line Up
1. Andrea
2. PJ
3. Joe
4. Dale
5. Steve
6. Michael
7. James
8. Tom
9. Peggy
10. Samuel
11. Stefan (c)
12. Ivan (Replaced Samuel 70th Minute)
Goal
Tom (1)
75th Minute - Ran clear, held off the defender and lobbed the keeper from the edge of the box.
Man of the Match
Tom - Played well going forward and when defending and scored a cracking goal. However, it was close this week and it could have gone to a number of good performances.
Match Report by Dale Mellor.
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