Sunday 25th October 2009Lokomotiv Londres FC 3 v Mass 2
London Rangers 1 v Invictus 2
Simon Ridge 3 v Cultural 6
Worcester Park Rangers 4 v FC Lonsdale 3
The table has now been updated.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Sportsmans Division 3 Results
Sunday 25th October 2009Lokomotiv Londres FC 3 v Mass 2
London Rangers 1 v Invictus 2
Simon Ridge 3 v Cultural 6
Worcester Park Rangers 4 v FC Lonsdale 3
The table has now been updated.
Match Report: Loko v Mass
Sunday 25th October 2009
Sportsmans League Division 3
Lokomotiv Londres FC 3 v Mass 2
Loko Avoid Mass Destruction
Things looked promising when the kit and most of the players (except Peggy) turned up bang on 9.30am and everyone was changed and doing the warm up thirty minutes before kick-off. This should have meant a fast start to the game but for some reason this had the opposite affect.
With Dale away having already picked the team, left Steve in charge of proceedings who made an enforced change and the team lined up in an attacking 4-4-2 formation with Ismail (pictured above) in goal, a defence of Stefano, Ivan, Steve and Paul K, in midfield Terry, PJ, Morris and Marc, with Roger and Thomas up front.
During the pre-match talk, vice-captain Paul Kelly warned against underestimating a team that is currently propping up the table with no points to show for their efforts. How prescient this warning turned out to be.
Kick-off was delayed by fifteen minutes due to the opposition turning up late but for the first twenty minutes, it could be argued that Loko didn’t turn up at all and were having a nightmare. No composure on the ball, countless misplaced passes, a porous midfield and a hesitant defence, Lokomotiv were panicking and producing a shocking display. Captain Steve was desperately trying to rally the troops but it all fell on deaf ears. By this time we were already behind.
We got a corner after ten minutes that was cleared by their defence up field and should have been dealt with as we had three on two, but the pace of their strikers was too much for an aging Loko backline and with Ismail failing to narrow the angle they slotted the ball into the corner and took a shock 1-0 lead.
Loko had a chance to pull one back almost straight away when Roger broke into the box and saw his effort loop up and over the keeper straight to Thomas who had an open goal to aim at, only to head wide!
The whole of the first half was dominated by the team at the bottom of the league and despite their constant arguing and lack of team spirit we could do nothing to turn the game around. Steve switched the formation back to the regular 4-5-1 moving Thomas into midfield but it had little effect and a free kick harshly awarded against Morris was headed into the roof of the net by their midfielder whose aerial challenge on Ivan from the edge of the box produced a looping header that flew over Ismail and into the net.
Although play was predominantly taking place in the opponents’ half, Lokomotiv were jittery and lacklustre. Danger was only created on a few rare occasions with Thomas and Steve in particular heading the ball over the bar or straight to the keeper.
Half-Time Loko 0 v Mass 2
Adrian and the late arriving Peggy (and his boots) were brought on at half-time in place of Paul K and Marc, and the team talk by Steve stressed the same things that Dale says every week that we need to be more composed on the ball, win the midfield battle and show some desire to win the game. Former captain Roger, however, predicted that just one goal could do the trick of unsettling Mass, who had not been used to leading by two goals at half time this season.
Despite these encouraging words, the second half started just as bad as the first one with poor positioning and lack of commitment both in defence and midfield. With yet again a Mass forward clear on goal, Ismail managed to lunge forward and save what looked like game, set and match. But this proved the match’s turning point.
Sixty minutes was on the clock and still no Loko breakthrough and if anything it looked like the next goal would be theirs until Steve chipped a ball over the left back for Peggy to run on to and cross for ROGER to tap into the net.
That goal finally spurred us on and their defence started to wobble, within five minutes the score was 2-2 after some great play from Thomas got Peggy in behind again to cross for PJ to head us level. Then just two minutes later an almost identical move saw PJ with another great chance only for his side foot effort to fly past the wrong side of the post.
We should have taken control of the game from this point especially as their whole team was once again at logger heads with each other but it was them not us who had the chances to retake the lead and except for the woodwork and a couple of great saves by Ismail we would have found ourselves behind once again.
With fifteen minutes left on the clock and a big push from Loko we somehow took an underserved lead, Terry crossed into Peggy who’s shot was deflected onto the post, the ball then fell for Roger who crossed it back in for THOMAS to slot home from six yards. The remaining minutes were nervy to say the least, PJ swapped with Adrian at right back who moved into a defensive midfield position along side Morris which just about did the trick.
Clearly piqued by this turnaround, Mass launched some final attacks on a re-invigorated Loko defence who somehow managed to repel the danger, with Ismail in particular pulling off more saves and securing Lokomotiv’s third league win on the trot and a get out of jail three points!
Final Score Loko 3 v Mass 2
Team
1. Ismail
2. Paul K
3. Stefano
4. Steve
5. Ivan
6. Morris
7. Marc
8. PJ
9. Thomas
10. Roger
11. Terry
12. Adrian (Replaced Paul K 45th Minute)
13. Peggy (Replaced Marc 45th Minute)
14. Andy (Replaced Stefano 65th Minute)
Club Secretary Ivan Rahal's comments:
“To be fair, we were rubbish for most of the game today and probably didn’t deserve to win. However, we showed great character in the second half and our attacking play redeemed our defensive and midfield shortcomings. Last year, we more than often played well but had nothing to show for it. This season, we are sometimes playing very poorly but showing steely determination and producing wins. So today was certainly not one for the purists but I would suggest we are all feeling relieved we managed to grind out a result.”
Goals
Roger (1)
60th Minute – Peggy crossed for Roger to tap it home.
PJ (1)
65th Minute – Thomas sent Peggy away who crossed for PJ to head home.
Thomas (1)
75th Minute – Peggy hit a post, Roger crossed the loose ball for Thomas to slot home from six yards.
Man of the Match
Ivan Rahal - Peggy’s introduction in the second half created the danger and directly produced two goals but the award would have to go to Ismail on account of his selfless contribution to the team and his decisive saves at a time when we were on the point of collapse.
Steve Haley - Peggy. Despite forgetting his boots and only playing the second half he made a big difference and had a hand in all three goals, he linked up well with Thomas who also had a good second half.
Match Report by Ivan Rahal & Steve Haley. Edited by Dale Mellor.
Sportsmans League Division 3
Lokomotiv Londres FC 3 v Mass 2
Loko Avoid Mass Destruction
Things looked promising when the kit and most of the players (except Peggy) turned up bang on 9.30am and everyone was changed and doing the warm up thirty minutes before kick-off. This should have meant a fast start to the game but for some reason this had the opposite affect.
With Dale away having already picked the team, left Steve in charge of proceedings who made an enforced change and the team lined up in an attacking 4-4-2 formation with Ismail (pictured above) in goal, a defence of Stefano, Ivan, Steve and Paul K, in midfield Terry, PJ, Morris and Marc, with Roger and Thomas up front.During the pre-match talk, vice-captain Paul Kelly warned against underestimating a team that is currently propping up the table with no points to show for their efforts. How prescient this warning turned out to be.
Kick-off was delayed by fifteen minutes due to the opposition turning up late but for the first twenty minutes, it could be argued that Loko didn’t turn up at all and were having a nightmare. No composure on the ball, countless misplaced passes, a porous midfield and a hesitant defence, Lokomotiv were panicking and producing a shocking display. Captain Steve was desperately trying to rally the troops but it all fell on deaf ears. By this time we were already behind.
We got a corner after ten minutes that was cleared by their defence up field and should have been dealt with as we had three on two, but the pace of their strikers was too much for an aging Loko backline and with Ismail failing to narrow the angle they slotted the ball into the corner and took a shock 1-0 lead.
Loko had a chance to pull one back almost straight away when Roger broke into the box and saw his effort loop up and over the keeper straight to Thomas who had an open goal to aim at, only to head wide!
The whole of the first half was dominated by the team at the bottom of the league and despite their constant arguing and lack of team spirit we could do nothing to turn the game around. Steve switched the formation back to the regular 4-5-1 moving Thomas into midfield but it had little effect and a free kick harshly awarded against Morris was headed into the roof of the net by their midfielder whose aerial challenge on Ivan from the edge of the box produced a looping header that flew over Ismail and into the net.
Although play was predominantly taking place in the opponents’ half, Lokomotiv were jittery and lacklustre. Danger was only created on a few rare occasions with Thomas and Steve in particular heading the ball over the bar or straight to the keeper.
Half-Time Loko 0 v Mass 2
Adrian and the late arriving Peggy (and his boots) were brought on at half-time in place of Paul K and Marc, and the team talk by Steve stressed the same things that Dale says every week that we need to be more composed on the ball, win the midfield battle and show some desire to win the game. Former captain Roger, however, predicted that just one goal could do the trick of unsettling Mass, who had not been used to leading by two goals at half time this season.
Despite these encouraging words, the second half started just as bad as the first one with poor positioning and lack of commitment both in defence and midfield. With yet again a Mass forward clear on goal, Ismail managed to lunge forward and save what looked like game, set and match. But this proved the match’s turning point.
Sixty minutes was on the clock and still no Loko breakthrough and if anything it looked like the next goal would be theirs until Steve chipped a ball over the left back for Peggy to run on to and cross for ROGER to tap into the net.
That goal finally spurred us on and their defence started to wobble, within five minutes the score was 2-2 after some great play from Thomas got Peggy in behind again to cross for PJ to head us level. Then just two minutes later an almost identical move saw PJ with another great chance only for his side foot effort to fly past the wrong side of the post.
We should have taken control of the game from this point especially as their whole team was once again at logger heads with each other but it was them not us who had the chances to retake the lead and except for the woodwork and a couple of great saves by Ismail we would have found ourselves behind once again.
With fifteen minutes left on the clock and a big push from Loko we somehow took an underserved lead, Terry crossed into Peggy who’s shot was deflected onto the post, the ball then fell for Roger who crossed it back in for THOMAS to slot home from six yards. The remaining minutes were nervy to say the least, PJ swapped with Adrian at right back who moved into a defensive midfield position along side Morris which just about did the trick.
Clearly piqued by this turnaround, Mass launched some final attacks on a re-invigorated Loko defence who somehow managed to repel the danger, with Ismail in particular pulling off more saves and securing Lokomotiv’s third league win on the trot and a get out of jail three points!
Final Score Loko 3 v Mass 2
Team
1. Ismail
2. Paul K
3. Stefano
4. Steve
5. Ivan
6. Morris
7. Marc
8. PJ
9. Thomas
10. Roger
11. Terry
12. Adrian (Replaced Paul K 45th Minute)
13. Peggy (Replaced Marc 45th Minute)
14. Andy (Replaced Stefano 65th Minute)
Club Secretary Ivan Rahal's comments:
“To be fair, we were rubbish for most of the game today and probably didn’t deserve to win. However, we showed great character in the second half and our attacking play redeemed our defensive and midfield shortcomings. Last year, we more than often played well but had nothing to show for it. This season, we are sometimes playing very poorly but showing steely determination and producing wins. So today was certainly not one for the purists but I would suggest we are all feeling relieved we managed to grind out a result.”
Goals
Roger (1)
60th Minute – Peggy crossed for Roger to tap it home.
PJ (1)
65th Minute – Thomas sent Peggy away who crossed for PJ to head home.
Thomas (1)
75th Minute – Peggy hit a post, Roger crossed the loose ball for Thomas to slot home from six yards.
Man of the Match
Ivan Rahal - Peggy’s introduction in the second half created the danger and directly produced two goals but the award would have to go to Ismail on account of his selfless contribution to the team and his decisive saves at a time when we were on the point of collapse.
Steve Haley - Peggy. Despite forgetting his boots and only playing the second half he made a big difference and had a hand in all three goals, he linked up well with Thomas who also had a good second half.
Match Report by Ivan Rahal & Steve Haley. Edited by Dale Mellor.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Match Preview: Loko v Mass
Competition: Sportsmans League Division 3
Opponents: Mass (H)
Kick Off Time: 10.30am
Meeting Time: 9.30am (Clocks go back one hour at 1am Sunday)
Location: Riverside Lands, Chiswick
Directions: (Barnes Bridge crossing is by the platform heading towards london, once at end of barnes bridge, go down the steps and turn left and follow the path by the tracks until you come to a tunnel on your left, go under and follow the road back to the river until you arrive at Chiswick Boat House)
Subs: 7 Pound (3.50 Pound Subs/Substituted)
See Map:
View Larger Map
Squad: Marc / Peggy / Terry / Morris / Steve / PJ / Ismail / Paul K / Ivan / Stefano / Roger / Thomas / Andy / Adrian
Opponents: Mass (H)
Kick Off Time: 10.30am
Meeting Time: 9.30am (Clocks go back one hour at 1am Sunday)
Location: Riverside Lands, Chiswick
Directions: (Barnes Bridge crossing is by the platform heading towards london, once at end of barnes bridge, go down the steps and turn left and follow the path by the tracks until you come to a tunnel on your left, go under and follow the road back to the river until you arrive at Chiswick Boat House)
Subs: 7 Pound (3.50 Pound Subs/Substituted)
See Map:
View Larger Map
Squad: Marc / Peggy / Terry / Morris / Steve / PJ / Ismail / Paul K / Ivan / Stefano / Roger / Thomas / Andy / Adrian
Ron Le Beau Challenge Trophy Round 1 & 2 Draw
Round 1
Athletico Sky v Tooting Bec Rovers
Round 2
Clapham Rovers A v Invictus
Star v Hammersmith Athletic
Parklife v PSJ
Lokomotiv Londres FC v Croydon Red Star A
Winner Round 1 v MDP Old Boys
Dynamo Clapham v Lambeth United
Old Sergeant v Wessex Rangers B
Battersea Dogs v Worcester Park Rangers
This cup competion is for the teams in divisions 4 and 5, and any division 2 and 3 teams knocked out of the Ron Halfacre Challenge Cup in Round 1.
It would appear we have to win three games to reach the final and four games to win the Trophy, and we have drawn Croydon Red Star A who play in division 4. It is a home game at Riverside Lands.
Athletico Sky v Tooting Bec Rovers
Round 2
Clapham Rovers A v Invictus
Star v Hammersmith Athletic
Parklife v PSJ
Lokomotiv Londres FC v Croydon Red Star A
Winner Round 1 v MDP Old Boys
Dynamo Clapham v Lambeth United
Old Sergeant v Wessex Rangers B
Battersea Dogs v Worcester Park Rangers
This cup competion is for the teams in divisions 4 and 5, and any division 2 and 3 teams knocked out of the Ron Halfacre Challenge Cup in Round 1.
It would appear we have to win three games to reach the final and four games to win the Trophy, and we have drawn Croydon Red Star A who play in division 4. It is a home game at Riverside Lands.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Match Report: Eel Brook Rangers v Loko
Sunday 18th October 2010
Ron Halfacre Challenge Cup Round 1
Eel Brook Rangers 2 v Lokomotiv Londres FC 1 (AET)
Loko Lose Battle After Extra Time
For the second time in three weeks Loko came up just short against Eel Brook Rangers in a match that they really should have won, it came down to the team that wanted it most and on this occasion that wasn't Loko.
Another good week for numbers so us with a good thirteen players and the opportunity to gather some consistency with our team, Dale in goal, with a back four of Paul K, PJ, Steve and Ismail, Morris the holding midfielder with Andy and Dave in front, Peggy on the right and Terry on the left and Roger up front. Stefano and Marc started on the bench.
Loko were on top in the first twenty minutes, winning the challenges and pressing Rangers back into their final third. Peggy (pictured above) kept finding himself in space down the right and whipped in a few great balls but we did not have enough bodies attacking the box. Shortly after Terry picked the ball up on the edge turned and shot but couldn't control his effort which flew a couple of yards wide.
Rangers created little in the first half, Dale got down to a couple of crosses, fumbling one but doing enough to clear the ball and a couple of headers from corners looped high which Dale took cleanly. Shortly after Roger got in behind on the angle but couldn't find his man in the centre and Andy was teeing up a shot from the edge until Terry poked the ball away from him at the last minute.
A couple of big tackles midway through the half by Eel Brook saw them gather midfield territory and Loko started to lose the battle we had controlled for the first twenty minutes. The rest of the half was scrappy and both sides created little else until the half-time whistle.
Half-Time Eel Brook Rangers 0 v Loko 0
Stefano replaced Morris with Ismail moving into the holding midfield position and Stefano reverting to left back. The half time team talk was similar to previous weeks in that we needed to hold onto the ball better and win those challenges.
Once again Loko came out of the traps quickest and started to find some composure on the ball, we had territory and possession and Peggy was again having a lot of luck down the right hand side twice beating his man to the byline and putting in crosses that nobody could get on the end of. Roger twice beat his man down the same channel but skewed a cross to far beyond the far post and hit the side netting with his other.
Loko finally took a deserved lead when Peggy beat his man yet again and floated a ball onto DAVE'S head which was dragged back from the behind the line by the keeper but the referee awarded the goal as the ball had crossed the line.
The continued on and was again a scrappy midfield battle but slowly Eel Brook got on top and started winning the first and second ball and had a bit of possession on the edge of the Loko box without really threatening other than hitting a couple of shot wide, Dale had not been stretched much but was shortly given a shot to parry around the post but it was comfortable.
Eel Brook equalised out of the blue with just over ten minutes left and it was a catalogue of errors by Loko that gifted them the goal, it was a long throw into the box, Stefano lost the frst header, then both Steve and Ismail miskicked allowing the ball to land at their strikers feet six yards out with time to take a touch and drill home, sloppy would be the word.
It was at this point that Loko heads dropped even though we were still well in the game at 1-1, and this was disappointing to see, we needed strong characters to step up the level and ensure the discipline and shape remained. The game petered out to the end of full time fairly even.
End of 90 Minutes Eel Brook Rangers 1 v Loko 1
Dale had strong words once again trying to get people geed up, and let the players know we were still in it. PJ swapped with Ismail to try and get some physical presence back in the middle of the park. For the third time Loko started better and pinned them back and had much more of the ball in and around their penalty area.
It was against the run of play when they won a free-kick in the centre circle and took it quickly in behind the defence, who were all not switched on and he ran into the edge of the area without a challenge being made and drilled a great shot into the bottom left hand corner.
Extra Time Half Time Eel Brook Rangers 2 v Loko 1
Marc came on for Andy with Terry coming into the centre and Marc playing on the left, and Loko finally started showing some desire with lots of play in and around the area, Peggy hit a couple of crosses into the danger area and PJ did the same but we had no one attacking the right areas again.
Loko continued to press and Roger got the ball out wide on the left and hit a cross to the edge of the area where Terry hit a great volley that the keeper had to parry away and Steve couldn't find a Loko shirt with his subsequent cross.
Eel Brook had a couple of break aways as the Railwaymen pressed for an equaliser and got in down their left but shot straight into Dale's arms.
Loko had one final chance to take us to penalties when the ball was passed nicely through midfield to Peggy on the right, he floated a ball to the back post where PJ was unmarked on the six yard line and could only head a fantastic chance over the angle of crossbar and post when it should have hit the net, every Loko player and fan had their hands on their head.
Extra Time Final Score Eel Brook Rangers 2 v Loko 1
Manager Dale Mellor's comments:
"I have taken my time and reflected on the game at home and I am quite disappointed with the way it turned out. They have only had about four shots on target all game, and scored with two of them. Both goals were gifted to them, with two failed clearances allowing their striker all the time in the world six yards out, and a lack of concentration with a number of players switching off for their second.
This was a game that was there for the taking and I repeatedly stressed the need to start putting in the challenges but we failed to respond and allowed them to win balls too easily and dominate possession. The fact they created very little throughout the 120 minutes was a credit to the very strong and disciplined backline that stood up well to the challenge, but we needed that throughout the park.
Some players need to listen to instructions and how I want them to play because at times people were doing the exact opposite and it appears to go in one ear then out of the other straight away. If I need to tell you a second time, fine, a third time and that's not acceptable.
We play the leagues bottom team next week so we need to ensure we treat them with respect and outbattle them before we start to play our footy. Let's continue progressing and listen to instructions carefully and follow them through in future."
Team
1. Dale
2. Paul K
3. Ismail
4. PJ
5. Steve (c)
6. Morris
7. Peggy
8. Andy
9. Roger
10. Dave
11. Terry
12. Stefano (Replaced Morris 45th Minute)
13. Marc (Replaced Andy 105th Minute)
Goals
Dave (1)
55th Minute - A Peggy floated cross was headed down goalwards by Dave, the keeper blocked the ball but only after it had gone over the line and the referee rightly allowed the goal.
Man of the Match
PJ - He started the match well, was solid at the back throughout, and was one of the first to finally start winning some challenges in midfield when he was moved forward in extra time. Was so close to taking us to a penalty shoot out when he found space in their six yard box, shame about the finish.
Match Report by Dale Mellor.
Ron Halfacre Challenge Cup Round 1
Eel Brook Rangers 2 v Lokomotiv Londres FC 1 (AET)
Loko Lose Battle After Extra Time
For the second time in three weeks Loko came up just short against Eel Brook Rangers in a match that they really should have won, it came down to the team that wanted it most and on this occasion that wasn't Loko.
Another good week for numbers so us with a good thirteen players and the opportunity to gather some consistency with our team, Dale in goal, with a back four of Paul K, PJ, Steve and Ismail, Morris the holding midfielder with Andy and Dave in front, Peggy on the right and Terry on the left and Roger up front. Stefano and Marc started on the bench.Loko were on top in the first twenty minutes, winning the challenges and pressing Rangers back into their final third. Peggy (pictured above) kept finding himself in space down the right and whipped in a few great balls but we did not have enough bodies attacking the box. Shortly after Terry picked the ball up on the edge turned and shot but couldn't control his effort which flew a couple of yards wide.
Rangers created little in the first half, Dale got down to a couple of crosses, fumbling one but doing enough to clear the ball and a couple of headers from corners looped high which Dale took cleanly. Shortly after Roger got in behind on the angle but couldn't find his man in the centre and Andy was teeing up a shot from the edge until Terry poked the ball away from him at the last minute.
A couple of big tackles midway through the half by Eel Brook saw them gather midfield territory and Loko started to lose the battle we had controlled for the first twenty minutes. The rest of the half was scrappy and both sides created little else until the half-time whistle.
Half-Time Eel Brook Rangers 0 v Loko 0
Stefano replaced Morris with Ismail moving into the holding midfield position and Stefano reverting to left back. The half time team talk was similar to previous weeks in that we needed to hold onto the ball better and win those challenges.
Once again Loko came out of the traps quickest and started to find some composure on the ball, we had territory and possession and Peggy was again having a lot of luck down the right hand side twice beating his man to the byline and putting in crosses that nobody could get on the end of. Roger twice beat his man down the same channel but skewed a cross to far beyond the far post and hit the side netting with his other.
Loko finally took a deserved lead when Peggy beat his man yet again and floated a ball onto DAVE'S head which was dragged back from the behind the line by the keeper but the referee awarded the goal as the ball had crossed the line.
The continued on and was again a scrappy midfield battle but slowly Eel Brook got on top and started winning the first and second ball and had a bit of possession on the edge of the Loko box without really threatening other than hitting a couple of shot wide, Dale had not been stretched much but was shortly given a shot to parry around the post but it was comfortable.
Eel Brook equalised out of the blue with just over ten minutes left and it was a catalogue of errors by Loko that gifted them the goal, it was a long throw into the box, Stefano lost the frst header, then both Steve and Ismail miskicked allowing the ball to land at their strikers feet six yards out with time to take a touch and drill home, sloppy would be the word.
It was at this point that Loko heads dropped even though we were still well in the game at 1-1, and this was disappointing to see, we needed strong characters to step up the level and ensure the discipline and shape remained. The game petered out to the end of full time fairly even.
End of 90 Minutes Eel Brook Rangers 1 v Loko 1
Dale had strong words once again trying to get people geed up, and let the players know we were still in it. PJ swapped with Ismail to try and get some physical presence back in the middle of the park. For the third time Loko started better and pinned them back and had much more of the ball in and around their penalty area.
It was against the run of play when they won a free-kick in the centre circle and took it quickly in behind the defence, who were all not switched on and he ran into the edge of the area without a challenge being made and drilled a great shot into the bottom left hand corner.
Extra Time Half Time Eel Brook Rangers 2 v Loko 1
Marc came on for Andy with Terry coming into the centre and Marc playing on the left, and Loko finally started showing some desire with lots of play in and around the area, Peggy hit a couple of crosses into the danger area and PJ did the same but we had no one attacking the right areas again.
Loko continued to press and Roger got the ball out wide on the left and hit a cross to the edge of the area where Terry hit a great volley that the keeper had to parry away and Steve couldn't find a Loko shirt with his subsequent cross.
Eel Brook had a couple of break aways as the Railwaymen pressed for an equaliser and got in down their left but shot straight into Dale's arms.
Loko had one final chance to take us to penalties when the ball was passed nicely through midfield to Peggy on the right, he floated a ball to the back post where PJ was unmarked on the six yard line and could only head a fantastic chance over the angle of crossbar and post when it should have hit the net, every Loko player and fan had their hands on their head.
Extra Time Final Score Eel Brook Rangers 2 v Loko 1
Manager Dale Mellor's comments:
"I have taken my time and reflected on the game at home and I am quite disappointed with the way it turned out. They have only had about four shots on target all game, and scored with two of them. Both goals were gifted to them, with two failed clearances allowing their striker all the time in the world six yards out, and a lack of concentration with a number of players switching off for their second.
This was a game that was there for the taking and I repeatedly stressed the need to start putting in the challenges but we failed to respond and allowed them to win balls too easily and dominate possession. The fact they created very little throughout the 120 minutes was a credit to the very strong and disciplined backline that stood up well to the challenge, but we needed that throughout the park.
Some players need to listen to instructions and how I want them to play because at times people were doing the exact opposite and it appears to go in one ear then out of the other straight away. If I need to tell you a second time, fine, a third time and that's not acceptable.
We play the leagues bottom team next week so we need to ensure we treat them with respect and outbattle them before we start to play our footy. Let's continue progressing and listen to instructions carefully and follow them through in future."
Team
1. Dale
2. Paul K
3. Ismail
4. PJ
5. Steve (c)
6. Morris
7. Peggy
8. Andy
9. Roger
10. Dave
11. Terry
12. Stefano (Replaced Morris 45th Minute)
13. Marc (Replaced Andy 105th Minute)
Goals
Dave (1)
55th Minute - A Peggy floated cross was headed down goalwards by Dave, the keeper blocked the ball but only after it had gone over the line and the referee rightly allowed the goal.
Man of the Match
PJ - He started the match well, was solid at the back throughout, and was one of the first to finally start winning some challenges in midfield when he was moved forward in extra time. Was so close to taking us to a penalty shoot out when he found space in their six yard box, shame about the finish.
Match Report by Dale Mellor.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Captains Corner: October 2009
Your Captain Steve Haley:
"Last Sunday was my first appearance of the season and first as Captain and I was impressed with what I saw and am excited for the season ahead.
It is good to see the core of the squad is still together and it is evident that the new additions have given us an extra dimension in both attack and defence, but more importantly everybody’s attitude and the general team spirit was excellent, inkeeping with the Loko way. 
After a slow start we now seem to be well into our stride with two convincing victories back to back without us even hitting top gear.If we get a consistent turn out of 13/14 regular players we can kick on from here and there’s nothing stopping us from pushing for promotion and maybe even having a shot at the title!
The first round of the cup starts this Sunday giving us chance to get revenge for a 4-3 defeat to Eel Brook Rangers a few weeks ago, but more importantly having a genuine shot at some silverware to add to the European cup we won in Italy back in May.
Come on Loko!"
"Last Sunday was my first appearance of the season and first as Captain and I was impressed with what I saw and am excited for the season ahead.
It is good to see the core of the squad is still together and it is evident that the new additions have given us an extra dimension in both attack and defence, but more importantly everybody’s attitude and the general team spirit was excellent, inkeeping with the Loko way.
After a slow start we now seem to be well into our stride with two convincing victories back to back without us even hitting top gear.If we get a consistent turn out of 13/14 regular players we can kick on from here and there’s nothing stopping us from pushing for promotion and maybe even having a shot at the title!The first round of the cup starts this Sunday giving us chance to get revenge for a 4-3 defeat to Eel Brook Rangers a few weeks ago, but more importantly having a genuine shot at some silverware to add to the European cup we won in Italy back in May.
Come on Loko!"
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Match Preview: Eel Brook Rangers v Loko
Competition: Ron Halfacre Challenge Cup Round 1
Opponents: Eel Brook Rangers (A)
Kick Off Time: 10am
Meeting Time: No later than 9.20am, the earlier the better!
Location: Riverside Lands, Chiswick
Directions: (Barnes Bridge crossing is by the platform heading towards london, once at end of barnes bridge, go down the steps and turn left and follow the path by the tracks until you come to a tunnel on your left, go under and follow the road back to the river until you arrive at Chiswick Boat House)
Subs: 7 Pound (3.50 Pound Subs/Substituted)
See Map:
View Larger Map
Squad: Dale / Steve / Morris / Ismail / Andy / Dave / PJ / Paul K / Stefano / Peggy / Roger / Terry / Marc
Opponents: Eel Brook Rangers (A)
Kick Off Time: 10am
Meeting Time: No later than 9.20am, the earlier the better!
Location: Riverside Lands, Chiswick
Directions: (Barnes Bridge crossing is by the platform heading towards london, once at end of barnes bridge, go down the steps and turn left and follow the path by the tracks until you come to a tunnel on your left, go under and follow the road back to the river until you arrive at Chiswick Boat House)
Subs: 7 Pound (3.50 Pound Subs/Substituted)
See Map:
View Larger Map
Squad: Dale / Steve / Morris / Ismail / Andy / Dave / PJ / Paul K / Stefano / Peggy / Roger / Terry / Marc
Sportsmans Division 3 Results
Sunday 11th October 2009FC Lonsdale 2 v Lokomotiv Londres FC 3
London Rangers 3 v Cultural 4
Mass 1 v Red Star United 7
Pimlico Rangers 3 v Worcester Park Rangers 0
Simon Ridge 3 v Invictus 2
The table has now been updated.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Match Report: FC Lonsdale v Loko
Sunday 11th October 2009
Sportsmans League Division 3
FC Lonsdale 2 v Lokomotiv Londres FC 3
El Tel Brace Secures Points
Loko had the luxery this week of having a full fourteen players and two players on standby for an important fixture following up from last weeks win.
The team line up was the same with only the one change with Steve coming in for the absent Ivan. It was also announced that Steve (pictured below) would take over as club captain this season, with Paul Kelly appointed as vice-captain.
It was a decent, if not scrappy start to the game with the majority of play coming through the centre of the park with little of note happening early on. Dave and Thomas started well with Morris in behind and Loko did well to keep getting the ball wide to Peggy who had the beating of his man.
Loko took the lead when they won a free-kick on the half-way line, Morris took the kick and floated it into the box, no one took command in the Lonsdale backline and the ball bounced over their outrushing keeper and ROGER followed in and poked home, although I think it would have gone in by itself, but Roger took no chances.
The railwaymen should have doubled their lead when Peggy beat his man on the right, attacked the box and laid off a great ball for Dave who was free in the penalty area but could only hit his shot over the bar, it needed his head over the ball to keep it down.
Lonsdale had had some possession but hadn't looked dangerous until their striker broke too easily through two challenges and drilled in a low shot, Dale thought he had it covered and stuck out his foot but the ball hit a divet and jumped over his foot into the bottom corner, he should have used his body and it was a sloppy goal to concede.
Lonsdale were winning the midfield battle and were first and second to the ball in the later stages of the half, and they had a couple of corners and long range efforts but nothing to really trouble Dale in goal.
Half-Time FC Lonsdale 1 v Loko 1
There was one major point to drill home by Dale at half-time and that was we were not on top of this game because we were losing the battle. It was important that we got on top physically and only then could we get the ball down and play, if you win the ball you have more chance to dominate possession and the chances will come.
Rich came on for Stefano with Ismail moving to left back, and PJ came on for Thomas, both players went off having played well. The Londres were now shooting slightly downhill and this allowed us to pin them back from the off.
Loko dominated from the start of the half and we were finally putting them under pressure on the ball and winning it back consistantly which allowed us to dominate possession and territory.
Terry and Peggy were doing well getting wide and played in a number of great balls that just missed our attacking players. Our second goal came from a slack piece of goalkeeping, when he cleared a ball from the right hand side of his box but could only find TERRY who powered the ball into the empty net from 45 yards out.
Andy came on for Paul K with PJ slotting in at right back and Andy playing attacking midfield. We continued to be solid and Lonsdale got forward occasionally and had a couple of corners but didn't look threatening.
Some nice play in midfield between Dave and Roger played Terry in on the left hand side but he took a touch too many and the keeper came out and blocked when a first time shot would have been better. Dave, Andy and Roger all had chances to shoot but we took to long and made that one pass too many which meant those chances were wasted.
Loko finally made it 3-1 when the ball was again played into TERRY behind the full back and he drilled a great left foot shot under the keeper for a comfortable advantage.
The defence were very solid in the second half and Rich and Steve struck up a useful partnership, keeping them quiet and they did not look a threat.
It was with five minutes left that Lonsdale scored a second, it was a hopeful long ball to the back post that Ismail misjudged and their player brought it down well, Dale slid out and blocked the toe poke but with one hand on the ball their player scuffed the ball across the goal line, PJ and Peggy tried to clear but the ball deflected right into the path of the striker who hit the back of the net.
It was a fairly quiet last few minutes and Loko weren't threatened again and held on to make it two wins out of the last two and took another three points.
Final Score FC Lonsdale 2 v Loko 3
Manager Dale Mellor's comments:
"It was a game of two halves for us today, in the first half we held the shape well and restricted their chances but we had too little of the ball and kept giving it away. In the second we were much better and won the physical battle which gave us more possession and territory and allowed us to play in the final third creating more chances.
I repeat my comments from last week that if we win the battle then the football takes care of itself, and it showed today. It was a good win against a good opposition and we stood up to the task well.
It was only fair that I started with the same team that won the week before, but everyone's attitude was superb, the subs came on and gave us another dimension and a positive outlook and fitted in brilliantly.
Well done everyone once again."
Team
1. Dale
2. Paul K
3. Stefano
4. Ismail
5. Steve (c)
6. Morris
7. Peggy
8. Dave
9. Roger
10. Thomas
11. Terry
12. Rich (Replaced Stefano 45th Minute)
13. PJ (Replaced Thomas 45th Minute)
14. Andy (Replaced Paul K 55th Minute)
Goals
Roger (1)
25th Minute - Long free kick missed by the keeper and poked home from three yards.
Terry (2)
50th Minute - Keeper mis-kick and 45 yard shot into the empty net.
75th Minute - Slipped in behind the full-back on the left and slotted under the keeper.
Match of the Match
Terry - Always gave us an outlet on the left and scored with two great finishes, keep it up son. Honourable mention to Steve for a commanding performance at the back and to Dave in midfield who had an excellent workrate today.
Match Report by Dale Mellor.
Sportsmans League Division 3
FC Lonsdale 2 v Lokomotiv Londres FC 3
El Tel Brace Secures Points
Loko had the luxery this week of having a full fourteen players and two players on standby for an important fixture following up from last weeks win.
The team line up was the same with only the one change with Steve coming in for the absent Ivan. It was also announced that Steve (pictured below) would take over as club captain this season, with Paul Kelly appointed as vice-captain.
It was a decent, if not scrappy start to the game with the majority of play coming through the centre of the park with little of note happening early on. Dave and Thomas started well with Morris in behind and Loko did well to keep getting the ball wide to Peggy who had the beating of his man.Loko took the lead when they won a free-kick on the half-way line, Morris took the kick and floated it into the box, no one took command in the Lonsdale backline and the ball bounced over their outrushing keeper and ROGER followed in and poked home, although I think it would have gone in by itself, but Roger took no chances.
The railwaymen should have doubled their lead when Peggy beat his man on the right, attacked the box and laid off a great ball for Dave who was free in the penalty area but could only hit his shot over the bar, it needed his head over the ball to keep it down.
Lonsdale had had some possession but hadn't looked dangerous until their striker broke too easily through two challenges and drilled in a low shot, Dale thought he had it covered and stuck out his foot but the ball hit a divet and jumped over his foot into the bottom corner, he should have used his body and it was a sloppy goal to concede.
Lonsdale were winning the midfield battle and were first and second to the ball in the later stages of the half, and they had a couple of corners and long range efforts but nothing to really trouble Dale in goal.
Half-Time FC Lonsdale 1 v Loko 1
There was one major point to drill home by Dale at half-time and that was we were not on top of this game because we were losing the battle. It was important that we got on top physically and only then could we get the ball down and play, if you win the ball you have more chance to dominate possession and the chances will come.
Rich came on for Stefano with Ismail moving to left back, and PJ came on for Thomas, both players went off having played well. The Londres were now shooting slightly downhill and this allowed us to pin them back from the off.
Loko dominated from the start of the half and we were finally putting them under pressure on the ball and winning it back consistantly which allowed us to dominate possession and territory.
Terry and Peggy were doing well getting wide and played in a number of great balls that just missed our attacking players. Our second goal came from a slack piece of goalkeeping, when he cleared a ball from the right hand side of his box but could only find TERRY who powered the ball into the empty net from 45 yards out.
Andy came on for Paul K with PJ slotting in at right back and Andy playing attacking midfield. We continued to be solid and Lonsdale got forward occasionally and had a couple of corners but didn't look threatening.
Some nice play in midfield between Dave and Roger played Terry in on the left hand side but he took a touch too many and the keeper came out and blocked when a first time shot would have been better. Dave, Andy and Roger all had chances to shoot but we took to long and made that one pass too many which meant those chances were wasted.
Loko finally made it 3-1 when the ball was again played into TERRY behind the full back and he drilled a great left foot shot under the keeper for a comfortable advantage.
The defence were very solid in the second half and Rich and Steve struck up a useful partnership, keeping them quiet and they did not look a threat.
It was with five minutes left that Lonsdale scored a second, it was a hopeful long ball to the back post that Ismail misjudged and their player brought it down well, Dale slid out and blocked the toe poke but with one hand on the ball their player scuffed the ball across the goal line, PJ and Peggy tried to clear but the ball deflected right into the path of the striker who hit the back of the net.
It was a fairly quiet last few minutes and Loko weren't threatened again and held on to make it two wins out of the last two and took another three points.
Final Score FC Lonsdale 2 v Loko 3
Manager Dale Mellor's comments:
"It was a game of two halves for us today, in the first half we held the shape well and restricted their chances but we had too little of the ball and kept giving it away. In the second we were much better and won the physical battle which gave us more possession and territory and allowed us to play in the final third creating more chances.
I repeat my comments from last week that if we win the battle then the football takes care of itself, and it showed today. It was a good win against a good opposition and we stood up to the task well.
It was only fair that I started with the same team that won the week before, but everyone's attitude was superb, the subs came on and gave us another dimension and a positive outlook and fitted in brilliantly.
Well done everyone once again."
Team
1. Dale
2. Paul K
3. Stefano
4. Ismail
5. Steve (c)
6. Morris
7. Peggy
8. Dave
9. Roger
10. Thomas
11. Terry
12. Rich (Replaced Stefano 45th Minute)
13. PJ (Replaced Thomas 45th Minute)
14. Andy (Replaced Paul K 55th Minute)
Goals
Roger (1)
25th Minute - Long free kick missed by the keeper and poked home from three yards.
Terry (2)
50th Minute - Keeper mis-kick and 45 yard shot into the empty net.
75th Minute - Slipped in behind the full-back on the left and slotted under the keeper.
Match of the Match
Terry - Always gave us an outlet on the left and scored with two great finishes, keep it up son. Honourable mention to Steve for a commanding performance at the back and to Dave in midfield who had an excellent workrate today.
Match Report by Dale Mellor.
Tuesday, October 06, 2009
Match Preview: FC Lonsdale v Loko
Competition: Sportsmans League Division 3
Opponents: FC Lonsdale (A)
Kick Off Time: 10.30am
Meeting Time: 9.30am
Location: Civil Service Sports Ground, Chiswick
Directions: (Barnes Bridge crossing is by the platform heading towards london, once at end of barnes bridge, go down the steps and turn left and follow the path by the tracks until you come to a pathway on your right with a sign for the Civil Service Sports Ground, walk along until you reach the pavillion)
Subs: 7 Pound (3.50 Pound Subs/Substituted)
See Map:
View Larger Map
Squad: Dale / Steve / PJ / Terry / Stefano / Morris / Andy / Dave / Roger / Peggy / Ismail / Rich / Paul K / Thomas
Standby: First Standby - Adrian / Second Standby - Marc
Opponents: FC Lonsdale (A)
Kick Off Time: 10.30am
Meeting Time: 9.30am
Location: Civil Service Sports Ground, Chiswick
Directions: (Barnes Bridge crossing is by the platform heading towards london, once at end of barnes bridge, go down the steps and turn left and follow the path by the tracks until you come to a pathway on your right with a sign for the Civil Service Sports Ground, walk along until you reach the pavillion)
Subs: 7 Pound (3.50 Pound Subs/Substituted)
See Map:
View Larger Map
Squad: Dale / Steve / PJ / Terry / Stefano / Morris / Andy / Dave / Roger / Peggy / Ismail / Rich / Paul K / Thomas
Standby: First Standby - Adrian / Second Standby - Marc
Sportsmans Division 3 Results
Sunday 4th October 2009Eel Brook Rangers 2 v Pimlico Rangers 1
Invictus 0 v Lokomotiv Londres FC 4
Red Star United 0 v Cultural 1
Simon Ridge 5 v Mass 1
The table has now been updated.
Sunday, October 04, 2009
Match Report: Invictus v Loko
Sunday 4th October 2009
Sportsmans League Division 3
Invictus 0 v Lokomotiv Londres FC 4
Disciplined Play Gains Rewards
Everyone turned up on time, barring another no-show from one of our players who has now been suspended for two games. It was was great to see everyone changed and warming up twenty minutes before kick off.
It appears that Dale has found his calling and went in goal, a back four of Paul K, Ivan, Ismail and new player Stefano. Five in midfield, with another new player Morris playing defensive midfield with Dave and Thomas just in front, with Terry on the left wing and Peggy on the right. Roger went up front by himself to lead the line.
The game started scrappy and Loko kept their shape from the off, put tackles in left, right and centre and made it difficult for the Invictus to play the ball through us. Dave had an early shot which went well wide and Peggy and Terry kept getting wide looking for the ball.
Loko took the lead when Roger was slipped in behind the defender by Dave to shouts of offside, ran through on goal and drilled in a low shot that rebounded off the keeper into Thomas's path and he powered the rebound into the open goal.
Invictus responded well and forced a period of sustained pressure, the back four with an average age of around 40 were coping well and Stefano inparticular fitted in superbly and kept putting in the tackles and held the shape well.
Invictus finally had a chance of note when their forward cut inside two challenges on the left hand side of the box and went one on one with Dale, hitting a low shot towards the keepers bottom left hand corner, but Dale dived quickly to his left and parried the ball out for a corner with a strong left hand. Then from the resultant corner their player leaped highest and header the ball down towards the bottom left corner of the goal only for Paul to clear the ball off the line.
It was against the run of play that Loko got their second, Terry won the ball out wide and knocked it into Roger on the left wing, getting taken out completely by their player in the process, the referee played a good advantage and Roger ran his man and went one on one on the angle and hit the top right corner which gave the railwaymen a bit of breathing space.
Pretty much straight after Loko extended their lead, when new boy Morris won a fifty-fifty in midfield and knocked the ball to Dave who played in Roger down the left and he produced an identical finish to his second.
Invictus to their credit, kept coming and had a few high balls into the box that were being won by Ivan and Ismail, as they had all half and they hit a few shots over the bar which Dale had covered. Everyone had battled well and if you win the battle the football will take care of itself.
Half-Time Invictus 0 v Loko 3
The half time speech from Dale was to keep the disciplined shape and marking and to keep communicating, and to ensure we keep it tight for the first fifteen minutes after the break and give them no reason to get their hopes up.
The second half was a very scrappy affair with both teams running out of steam as the half progressed, Loko sat back for most of the half and continued to play to Dale's tactics. We were very solid all throughout the park and they were having to go wide more and more as there was no way through the centre.
Invictus managed to create their first decent chance of the half when they got in behind Paul one on one from the angle but Dale got down well and blocked the ball with his body and Ismail (pictured above) was once again on hand to clear the rebound. Another player skipped across our box past three players and hit a shot that Dale got down to parry and Ivan cleared the resultant loose ball. They also had a few shots wide or over the bar which were not much threat.
Peggy and Thomas were doing well when we counter attacked and Roger was running the channels as they slipped balls in behind towards the corners, resulting in Roger winning numerous throw ins and corners around their penalty area. From two of those corners, Ivan was a fraction short of winning a header six yards out only to have it taken off his forehead at the last minute.
The killer goal came when Dave and Roger both tackled and won the ball in midfield, the loose ball found Thomas who held it well and spotted Roger's turn and run through a gap in the defence and slipped him the ball. Roger held off the challenge of the defender, and rounded the keeper to the left and calmly placed the ball home for a brilliant hat-trick.
Invictus continued attacking and had a couple of free-kicks just outside the box that were easy for Dale and they had another one on one from the angle that Dale again got down and blocked with his legs, the ball rebounding against the striker and out for a goal kick.
The referee blew his whistle and Loko had won the game through great shape, discipline and a willingness to match the opposition ball for ball 110%.
Final Score Invictus 0 v Loko 4
Manager Dale Mellor's comments:
"A great performance from every one of the eleven players who turned up, we were disciplined, held our shape and put in our tackles and we fully deserved the three points against very good opposition, who will be there or thereabouts in our league.
The two new lads were great and settled in quickly and we had Tel and Peggy back after missing last week. A couple of players are back next week so things are looking up.
Well done everyone."
Team Line Up
1. Dale
2. Paul K (c)
3. Stefano
4. Ismail
5. Ivan
6. Morris
7. Peggy
8. Dave
9. Roger
10. Thomas
11. Terry
Goals
Thomas (1)
20th Minute - Roger broke the offside trap, drilled a low shot the keeper could only parry into the path of Thomas.
Roger (3)
30th Minute - Ran through from the left hand wing and hit the top right corner.
35th Minute - Identical goal to the first, from the left wing and hit the top right corner.
75th Minute - Roger turned the last defender, rounded the keeper and scored.
Man of the Match
Dale and Roger (Joint) - Being manager I cannot give it myself, and my choice would have been Roger for deadly finishing, but Ivan said I must nominate myself jointly for my saves in goal so his wishes have been followed. To be fair everyone was in with a shout this week and could have got the vote, well done all.
Match Report by Dale Mellor.
Sportsmans League Division 3
Invictus 0 v Lokomotiv Londres FC 4
Disciplined Play Gains Rewards
Everyone turned up on time, barring another no-show from one of our players who has now been suspended for two games. It was was great to see everyone changed and warming up twenty minutes before kick off.
It appears that Dale has found his calling and went in goal, a back four of Paul K, Ivan, Ismail and new player Stefano. Five in midfield, with another new player Morris playing defensive midfield with Dave and Thomas just in front, with Terry on the left wing and Peggy on the right. Roger went up front by himself to lead the line.The game started scrappy and Loko kept their shape from the off, put tackles in left, right and centre and made it difficult for the Invictus to play the ball through us. Dave had an early shot which went well wide and Peggy and Terry kept getting wide looking for the ball.
Loko took the lead when Roger was slipped in behind the defender by Dave to shouts of offside, ran through on goal and drilled in a low shot that rebounded off the keeper into Thomas's path and he powered the rebound into the open goal.
Invictus responded well and forced a period of sustained pressure, the back four with an average age of around 40 were coping well and Stefano inparticular fitted in superbly and kept putting in the tackles and held the shape well.
Invictus finally had a chance of note when their forward cut inside two challenges on the left hand side of the box and went one on one with Dale, hitting a low shot towards the keepers bottom left hand corner, but Dale dived quickly to his left and parried the ball out for a corner with a strong left hand. Then from the resultant corner their player leaped highest and header the ball down towards the bottom left corner of the goal only for Paul to clear the ball off the line.
It was against the run of play that Loko got their second, Terry won the ball out wide and knocked it into Roger on the left wing, getting taken out completely by their player in the process, the referee played a good advantage and Roger ran his man and went one on one on the angle and hit the top right corner which gave the railwaymen a bit of breathing space.
Pretty much straight after Loko extended their lead, when new boy Morris won a fifty-fifty in midfield and knocked the ball to Dave who played in Roger down the left and he produced an identical finish to his second.
Invictus to their credit, kept coming and had a few high balls into the box that were being won by Ivan and Ismail, as they had all half and they hit a few shots over the bar which Dale had covered. Everyone had battled well and if you win the battle the football will take care of itself.
Half-Time Invictus 0 v Loko 3
The half time speech from Dale was to keep the disciplined shape and marking and to keep communicating, and to ensure we keep it tight for the first fifteen minutes after the break and give them no reason to get their hopes up.
The second half was a very scrappy affair with both teams running out of steam as the half progressed, Loko sat back for most of the half and continued to play to Dale's tactics. We were very solid all throughout the park and they were having to go wide more and more as there was no way through the centre.
Invictus managed to create their first decent chance of the half when they got in behind Paul one on one from the angle but Dale got down well and blocked the ball with his body and Ismail (pictured above) was once again on hand to clear the rebound. Another player skipped across our box past three players and hit a shot that Dale got down to parry and Ivan cleared the resultant loose ball. They also had a few shots wide or over the bar which were not much threat.
Peggy and Thomas were doing well when we counter attacked and Roger was running the channels as they slipped balls in behind towards the corners, resulting in Roger winning numerous throw ins and corners around their penalty area. From two of those corners, Ivan was a fraction short of winning a header six yards out only to have it taken off his forehead at the last minute.
The killer goal came when Dave and Roger both tackled and won the ball in midfield, the loose ball found Thomas who held it well and spotted Roger's turn and run through a gap in the defence and slipped him the ball. Roger held off the challenge of the defender, and rounded the keeper to the left and calmly placed the ball home for a brilliant hat-trick.
Invictus continued attacking and had a couple of free-kicks just outside the box that were easy for Dale and they had another one on one from the angle that Dale again got down and blocked with his legs, the ball rebounding against the striker and out for a goal kick.
The referee blew his whistle and Loko had won the game through great shape, discipline and a willingness to match the opposition ball for ball 110%.
Final Score Invictus 0 v Loko 4
Manager Dale Mellor's comments:
"A great performance from every one of the eleven players who turned up, we were disciplined, held our shape and put in our tackles and we fully deserved the three points against very good opposition, who will be there or thereabouts in our league.
The two new lads were great and settled in quickly and we had Tel and Peggy back after missing last week. A couple of players are back next week so things are looking up.
Well done everyone."
Team Line Up
1. Dale
2. Paul K (c)
3. Stefano
4. Ismail
5. Ivan
6. Morris
7. Peggy
8. Dave
9. Roger
10. Thomas
11. Terry
Goals
Thomas (1)
20th Minute - Roger broke the offside trap, drilled a low shot the keeper could only parry into the path of Thomas.
Roger (3)
30th Minute - Ran through from the left hand wing and hit the top right corner.
35th Minute - Identical goal to the first, from the left wing and hit the top right corner.
75th Minute - Roger turned the last defender, rounded the keeper and scored.
Man of the Match
Dale and Roger (Joint) - Being manager I cannot give it myself, and my choice would have been Roger for deadly finishing, but Ivan said I must nominate myself jointly for my saves in goal so his wishes have been followed. To be fair everyone was in with a shout this week and could have got the vote, well done all.
Match Report by Dale Mellor.
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