Sportsmans League Division 3
Putney Ferrets 2 v Lokomotiv Londres FC 0
Disappointing Disjointed Display
Following a good result in the Cup the previous week, the Railwaymen warmed up for this Sunday’s league game in excellent spirits and hoping to eradicate the memories of previous poor league performances.
Yet, after a few minutes in the game, Loko’s hopes were dashed. A clever ball floated over the defence from the right saw their forward outpace the defence into the box, however the ball was flicked on from their midfielder with the forward now stood ten yards offside but the flag stayed down, and with only Eric to beat, he did by placing the ball into the Loko keeper’s bottom right corner.
With many of our players heads dropping instantly and our midfield letting Ferrets’ attack outflank us, especially on our left hand side, the situation looked ominous.
Another dangerous situation within our box saw their forward take a low shot to the left of Eric which our goalkeeper parried confidently and rather spectacularly. They then got through on goal only to shot wide then a mishit clearance by Morris in his own area gifted them another one on one which they again hit wide.
Despite the occasional clever dribble or one-twos in the Ferrets’ half, Lokomotiv never got into the game and were further inhibited by the ref who seemed rather partial to the Ferrets.
From a throw-in in the 22nd minute, the ball flew over Chris (pictured above) who had switched off, and with him facing our own goal, their forward simply collapsed under Chris’s feet which caused the referee to award them a penalty. Their midfielder slotted the ball low and hard to the bottom left of Eric leaving him no chance.
To compound Lokomotiv’s misery, Vincent twisted his knee and wriggled in agony and had to be replaced by Ashley.
Loko did have some chances throughout the half, Marc had a shot heading for the top corner turned over the crossbar by the keeper, Steve clipped the crossbar with a header and Roger also headed a yard wide.
Aaron had a shot which was a yard over and in the last minute of the half Ashley swung over a corner which was cleared off the line by the defender underneath his own crossbar.
Half-Time Putney Ferrets 2 v Loko 0
Ivan came on for Morris and Dale went in goal for Eric who was asked to play in his favourite position upfront with Roger pushing back into midfield.
Rhyce was wriggling past defenders. Chris and Steve were sweeping nicely at the back. Roger was showing his usual great composure on the ball and letting experience do the talking. Eric proved far less goal shy than his teammates and was taking countless shots from the edge of the box.
From a rare corner, Ivan outjumped his marker but his header hit the crossbar. Despite a better tempo and Loko creating more chances, it simply wouldn’t happen, and with Aaron coming off with an injured shoulder in the 70th minute, a Lokomotiv comeback with only ten men now looked even more unlikely.
Midway through the half Eric dribbled sideways past three defenders and moved menacingly towards their box. But once again, his shot from just outside the box was pushed round the post at full stretch by their keeper who was having a good game. Unfortunately, throughout the game too many players were not playing with teammates, they were playing as individuals and ignoring players in better positions, and the attitude was at times quite shocking and unhelpful.
Ferrets were still threatening down the wings but did not create many chances and Dale didn't have much to do in the second half apart from chase after the ball behind the goal when it kept going wide, he only had one save to make low to his left but the shot had no power behind it.
Lokomotiv were holding on easily but not playing well enough as a team to get back in the game, it was all in vain.
Final Score Putney Ferrets 2 v Loko 0
Club Secretary Ivan Rahal's comments:
"After a great start to the season, we seem to have lost our way. The recurring pattern is: concede early goals then panic once in possession then start blaming each other then lose our heads and give up.
True, we’ve started the season without three of our best players from last year. However, on occasions, we’ve proved that we can still develop a great passing game. So let’s restore some positivity to this team and encourage each other to make getting out of bed on a cold Sunday morning all worth it."
Team Line Up
1. Eric
2. Morris
3. Stefano
4. Chris
5. Steve (c)
6. Vincent
7. Marc
8. Dale
9. Roger
10. Aaron M
11. Rhyce
12. Ashley (Replaced Vincent 25th Minute) [Y]
13. Ivan (Replaced Morris 45th Minute)
Man of the Match
Marc - He had a great game, he gave everything for 90 minutes and never stopped trying. He was an example to some other players by the way he never moaned and did whatever was asked of him. Only a good save by the keeper stopped him from opening his account.
Match Report by Ivan Rahal edited by Dale Mellor.
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