Bert Gaby Challenge Cup Round 2
Lokomotiv Londres FC 2 v Wee Hoose Celtic 1
Quarter-Final Beckons in New Year
Loko were all up for this cup game against Wee Hoose Celtic who like us were struggling in the league due to inconsistent results. We had Pete and Peggy back this week, Roger brought Eric and Rhyce brought Aaron.
We started with a 4-3-3 formation which sent a strong attacking message and we showed our intentions from the start. Typical Loko we were all over them for the first fifteen minutes, then a defensive error by our right back let their striker in from a long ball, he got a shot away which was saved well by Eric but they scored the rebound from an acute angle.
We didn't let our heads go down and we kept the pressure up and our efforts were soon rewarded. We had some nice build up play between the defense and midfield and when we won a throw in, Chris launched a long ball into the box and Dave rose highest to head the ball on, JAMES (pictured above) got hold of the flick and skinned a defender, took it to the by line and lashed a shot against the crossbar and in the corner for our equaliser.
We kept the pressure on and were defending well as a team, and we had some lovely passing and build up play, DAVE got the ball into his feet on the edge of the box and pulled it back, dummied a few times and skinned a couple of defenders before shooting into the bottom corner.
We maintained the momentum for the rest of the half and went in at half time on top.
Half-Time Loko 2 v Wee Hoose Celtic 1
We kept with the same formation and attacking strategy for the second half, Celtic came out strong and were throwing men forward pressing but not really creating chances.
We had a few chances in front of goal from James and George but our finishing let us down at the vital moment. Celtic continued to press and had a couple of efforts and crosses on goal which Eric did really well to punch away and got down well to save.
There was a one on one situation which Eric dealt with and again saved well but that was the total of their forays into the Railwaymens penalty area. Everyone was working hard for each other and as the minutes ticked down on the clock the quarter-finals were beckoning.
In the last twenty minutes they brought on a substitute who was quite pacey and he caused a few problems but Loko soaked up the pressure to see out a well earned victory and progression to the quarters in the new year. It was a good performance from a much changed line-up.
Final Score Loko 2 v Wee Hoose Celtic 1
Vice-Captain Roger Barne's comments:
"Good performance, the 4-3-3 formation seem to work well today. Eric volunteered to play in goal , and gave a commanding performance, very comfortable and capable in coming out for the ball, the highlight being a brilliant save in the last five minutes.
The partnership of Pete and Chris was impressive (Watch out Steve Haley!), however, there were a couple of lapses from the full backs, one which led to the opening goal.
Rhyce was made captain due to a few players arriving late and he revelled in his responsibility. The midfield was solid with 3 against 4. The 3 forwards worked well from the front which meant their defence had little time on the ball. A cracking equaliser by James who scored from an impossible angle and a good individual goal by Dave.
Well done guys and a Quarter Final fixture to look forward to next year, so lets build on today's performance and take this positive result into our league games.
Special mention to Dave who led the line well and Chris and Rhyce who were also key players today."
Defender Chris Clarke's comments:
"A really good positive performance today. We didn't panic on the ball and we had confidence and belief to build from the back. Well done everyone."
Team Line Up
1. Eric
2. Morris
3. Stefano
4. Chris
5. Pete
6. Vincent
7. Peggy
8. Roger
9. Dave
10. James
11. Rhyce (c)
12. George (Replaced Morris 60th Minute)
13. Aaron M (Replaced James 70th Minute)
Goals
James (1)
35th Minute - Brought a flick under control and lashed a shot into the corner off the crossbar.
Dave (1)
40th Minute - Shot into the bottom corner from the edge of the box.
Man of the Match
Pete - Marshalled the defence well, very good partnership with Chris.
Match Report by Chris Clarke and edited by Dale Mellor.
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