Sportsmans League Division 3
London Rangers 2 v Lokomotiv Londres FC 2
Sad Day Ends on a High
After a two month enforced break due to adverse weather conditions, Lokomotiv resumed normal service on a dry Sunday morning at Riverside Lands. Yet, half the team turned up late and one player didn’t show up at all - not the greatest of preparations after what should have been an eagerly anticipated return to competition.
In typical Lokomotiv style, the Railwaymen were slow out of the starting blocks. London Rangers are currently propping up the league without a single point to show for their first five games. Yet, they looked fresh and hungry whilst Loko were spineless, disorganised, and clearly still digesting their festive pies. Only when attacking did Lokomotiv show any vim and flair, especially Peggy on the right wing who was running rings round his opponent.In the 16th minute, a long ball despatched from the middle of the pitch whizzed past the Loko midfielders and ended up on the right hand side of the Lokomotiv defence. With Morris outflanked, the nippy London Rangers left winger confidently strode into the box and slotted the ball to the bottom right of Terry and into the net.
In the 25th minute, PJ who had been his usual commanding self in defence ran over to the left to cover for Ivan but lost his footing in what looked like an innocuous fall. However, once flat on his back, he instantly – and ominously - cried out for an ambulance and oxygen. An ambulance was called and later camped on the pitch for half an hour before it departed with PJ on board with a fractured ankle and surgery required.
After a 45 minute break, play resumed - albeit with the ref deciding to only play 15 more minutes in the first half and 35 minutes in the second half. Vincent came on for PJ and captain Roger reshuffled the defence with a new back line of Paul, Ismail, Ivan and Stefano with Daniel playing up front and Morris slotting into the midfield.
Five minutes after the restart, a Rangers forward crossed the ball from the right of the Loko defence and connected with Ivan’s hand. Penalty. The Rangers penalty taker placed the ball firmly to the bottom right of Terry into the net.
Half-Time London Rangers 2 v Loko 0
As is now a recurring pattern, Lokomotiv started the second half with more determination. Terry was superb in goal, parrying what looked like certain goals over the bar and pulling off magnificent horizontal saves on several occasions. Whilst still hesitant, the defence were now better organised and encouraging each other and even rode their luck on a few occasions with the stocky Rangers number nine missing a few sitters.
The midfield were offering better resistance with Vincent proving he is not just a right back. Dave, Daniel and especially Peggy and Roger were drilling holes in the Rangers defence but no goal came until the 55th minute.
Following a combination of passes in midfield with Roger and Peggy trying to get past their markers, the ball ricocheted off a defender and then off ROGER who somehow found himself clear on goal on the right hand side of the box and his venomous shot flew in over the keeper’s head into the net.
With only seconds left on the clock and Lokomotiv in top gear, Dave got fouled on the edge of the box. Despite Roger’s protestations, DAVE (pictured above) was adamant he should take the law into his own hands, or feet for that matter. His superb free kick curled over the Rangers wall, just under the cross bar out of reach of the Rangers keeper, making the missing of his mum’s birthday party all worthwhile.
The ref’s whistle blew on what will remain a sad, shambolic day but with a chink of light at the end of the tunnel.
Final Score London Rangers 2 v Loko 2
Club Secretary Ivan Rahal's comments:
“Our thoughts are with PJ, a committed and talented player – who also showed today he has a great sense of humour despite this morning’s unkind circumstances. We all look forward to seeing you back on the pitch soon PJ!”
Team Line-up
1. Terry
2. Morris
3. Ivan
4. PJ
5. Stefano
6. Paul K (c)
7. Peggy
8. Dave
9. Ismail
10. Roger
11. Daniel
12. Vincent (Replaced PJ 25th Minute)
Goals
Roger (1)
55th Minute - Ran clear of the defence on the right hand side of the box and drilled over the keepers head.
Dave (1)
90th Minute - Curled a lovely free kick into the top corner.
Man of the Match
There were three outstanding performances today:
Terry - on account of his acrobatic and match defining saves.
Peggy - for being a dynamic and efficient thorn in the side of the Rangers’ defence.
Roger - for being a vocal leader and goal poacher when the chips were down.
Match Report by Ivan Rahal and Edited by Dale Mellor.
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