Sportsmans League Division 3
Greyhound 5 v Lokomotiv Londres FC 0
More New Players, Same Old Result
The team lined up with another four new players, with Chris's brother Henry in goal, a back four of Stefano, Ivan, Chris and Ismail, a midfield containing Diego, Dale, Morris and Artjom with James and new signing Joe up front. Tim and late arriving George started on the bench. Stefano (pictured below) was made captain for the day in recognition of his fantastic commitment this season, missing just the one game.
Loko started relatively well with them beginning with nine, but a couple of minutes in they were back upto a full eleven but we had started focused and continued that early on. Joe almost got through on goal a couple of times but was unable to beat the last defender, then Dale played Diego in down the left but he tried to dribble into the box instead of taking an early shot.
Greyhound gradually got into the game and started to push the makeshift Loko team backwards. The Railwaymen were keeping the shape well but unfortunately went behind after half an hour when the opposition scored a goal direct from a corner and it was such a soft goal to gift them the lead when we had been in the game.
Within five minutes Henry did well to tip a close range shot over the bar but shortly after the striker got free down the edge of the box and Chris caught his back leg and sent him tumbling to the ground. The referee didn't hesitate pointing to the spot, and after some niggling with one of their players in regard to edge of box position, their player shot down the middle but Henry was unable to get to it.
Half-Time Greyhound 2 v Loko 0
George replaced Artjom at the break and the team came out with a fighting spirit and enjoyed some early territorial possession in and around the Greyhound box without ever really threatening to score. Joe, James and Dale all had shots wide or blocked by defenders.
As the half progressed, the Railwaymen got tired and started to lose the shape that had been there for much of the game and started to get overrun at the back. Ismail and Chris were getting the tackles in but were drifting deeper as the half progressed which left a lot of space in midfield for them to pass the ball in triangles and get the midfield chasing the ball around.
James dropped deeper and started putting in some tackles which really helped out and he was playing well, and kept winning the ball and finding the wingers.
The game ended when a long hopeful ball to the back post resulted in Stefano heading into his own goal, Henry had started to come but didn't get there and with the striker right behind him, Stef lost his bearings and headed into the empty net.
Tim came on for his debut and replaced Morris, and immediately made a nuisance of himself. Joe continued to keep working but as the team dropped deeper to try and contain the opposition he became more and more isolated.
The fourth was a long ball over the top and with Chris and Ismail chasing back, it was a straight race between Henry coming out and the striker, which the latter won when he put in a strong challenge and the ball bounced kindly to allow him to tap home just before Chris could get back on the line.
Dale and Ismail changed positions but their final goal came when the winger came in off the touchline and was afforded far too much space and he curled a ball to the back post which went straight in, whether he meant it only he will know.
Loko kept battling gamely, and despite another couple of chances for Greyhound, finished the game with some pressure in the opposition half. James was high tackled in the box and Loko were given a penalty. Diego stepped up but his shot was straight at the keeper with little power and was easily saved.
It was a tough morning, with lots of players missing again and more new faces that didn't have time to blend into the squad. It was good to see people trying right until the end.
Final Score Greyhound 5 v Loko 0
Manager Dale Mellor's comments:
"It was a difficult week for us, missing a lot of players and having four new faces join the squad. We started quite well but faded as the game went on. Greyhound were gifted their first three goals and after that it was a case of damage limitation.
Thanks to the new guys for coming along and helping us out and they have been added to the squad list to increase competition for places. Let's try to get a settled team for the remainder of the season and head into our summer tournament in positive fashion."
Team Line Up
1. Henry
2. Stefano (c)
3. Ivan
4. Chris
5. Ismail
6. Morris
7. Artjom
8. Dale
9. James
10. Joe
11. Diego
12. George (Replaced Artjom 45th Minute)
13. Tim (Replaced Morris 60th Minute)
Man of the Match
James - He kept going throughout and got involved with everything we did well. He was vocal and even drifted back into midfield to help everyone else out. Well played.
Match Report by Dale Mellor.
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