Competition: Sportsmans League Division 3
Opponents: Greyhound (A)
Date: 3rd April 2011
Kick Off Time: 10.30am
Meeting Time: 9.30am
Location: Riverside Lands, Chiswick, W4 2SH
Directions: Barnes Bridge crossing is by the london platform, 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: £6 (£3 Subs/Substituted)
See Map:
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Squad: Dale / Ivan / James / Morris / Chris / Ismail / Stefano / Diego / George / (Trialists: Henry (GK) / Joe / Tim / Artjoms)
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Sportsmans Division 3 Results
Sunday 27th March 2011Greyhound 2 v Wee Hoose Celtic 1
Kew Antigua 'C' 2 v Valtaro Wasteels 'B' 1
London Rangers 2 v Invictus 2
Real Northern 'B' 0 v Mass 3
Worcester Park Rangers 4 v Lokomotiv Londres FC 2
The table has now been updated.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Match Report: Worcester Park Rangers v Loko
Sunday 27th March 2011
Sportsmans League Division 3
Worcester Park Rangers 4 v Lokomotiv Londres FC 2
So Close to Victory Yet So Far...
Loko started well against Worcester Park Rangers with a confidence that belied their league position, it was first against second bottom but anyone watching would have thought we were top of the league and they were second bottom.
Rangers couldn’t cope with our positive play and we took the game to them and after fifteen minutes Steve took a free kick which was picked up by DAVE, who played a one-two with Morris and was clean through on goal before chipping in a left foot shot past the oncoming keeper.
We continued to take the game to Rangers but were continually been hit on the counter attack through the midfield area. It wasn't long before Dale passed to MARC (pictured above) who dashed down the wing and his long range cross/shot went in the top corner via the post and cross bar, stunning goal and a two goal lead for the Railwaymen.
They almost got a goal back after a lot of pressure but their striker at the back post fluffed his lines and a mixture of Ismail making a good save and frantic defending got the ball clear.
About ten minutes before half time their winger got down the wing and got in a cross far too easily and a lapse in concentration by our defence let the unfittest player on the pitch, nip in and score a close range goal to pull them within one.
The rest of the half was closely contested but Loko were just about on top.
Half-Time Worcester Park Rangers 1 v Loko 2
Despite Loko being up at half time, we didn’t capitalise on this and take the game to Rangers. The manager sent the team out in the same 4-4-2 formation and asked for more of the same in the second half, and to enjoy being ahead against the league leaders, pointing out that we had scored 25% of the goals they had conceded all season in one half.
For the first twenty five minutes of the half, despite still playing a 4-4-2 formation, Loko struggled to gain ground in the opposition half as they launched various attacks at the Railwaymen to get themselves back in the contest. The defending was steady and we restricted them to only a back post header which Dale, who had gone in goal in place of Ismail, got down to push around the post.
Unfortunately, Stefanio picked up a bad knee injury and had to switch with Marc and go out on the right wing.
With little threat going forward from Loko, Rangers created a succession of chances when they curled a yard wide of the top corner, Steve miskicked a cross and Stefano deflected his clearance just past his own post and then after Dale saved a low shot they hit the underside of the bar and the ball bounced to Marc who made an excellent clearance.
There were now only twenty minutes left and with players tiring and Rangers getting closer to an equaliser, Dale brought Morris back into midfield to shore up the gaps and stop them creating more chances.
When they nearly scored from a header at the back post that had gone out of play, Dale argued with the referee after he had relied on a linesman that was twenty yards behind play, but avoided a yellow card after agreeing to get on with the game.
They equalised shortly after when a goalkick was headed back at the defence and their player was on his own on the edge of the box and his shot looked to be going wide but hit the post and bounced in.
The third followed almost immediately when they broke in numbers and the ball into the box saw two players unmarked in the middle of the penalty area and the one slotted home into the bottom corner. When someone questioned the defenders marking, Dale lost control and pointed out four of our five midfielders further up the field watching play when they put the ball into the back of the net, when they should have been tracking their midfielders back.
This resulted in Dale and Dave arguing over tactics, and Dale wrongly lost control of his emotions and had clearly had enough for the day. He should have left it until after the game but continued to be angry throughout the remainder of the game arguing with their players and questioning his decision to keep on managing.
Loko were struggling as the outburst from the manager had upset a couple of players and we were trying to get our shape back. Loko then started to play for each other despite what had happened, took the game to Rangers but after a Loko attack Rangers broke quickly and cut through the defence, and scored a fourth.
Despite being let's say emotionally challenged, Dale managed to punch a clearance away from the striker who would have had a free header eight yards out and got down full length to his left to save a drilled shot from the edge of the box. Loko could have pulled a goal back when a good move resulted in us hitting the post late in the second half as we finally mounted some pressure in the Rangers half.
Despite what took place in the last fifteen minutes and being 2-0 up but losing 4-2, in the last ten minutes we really played for each other and gave Rangers a hard game, this considering we only had eleven players and three good players had pulled out the night before. Dale left immediately after the game to calm down as he decided it was best to say nothing at all, rather than start arguments with the any members of the team.
Worcester Park Rangers 4 v Loko 2
Manager Dale Mellor's comments:
"First up, I let my emotions get the better of me, and this should have waited until after the game or possibly the following week. It was wrong to react as I did but these things sometimes get the better of us, especially when we are let down by players not turning up and decisions going against us. In seven years with Loko I have never known a year when things go against us so much.
In relation to the game, I thought for seventy minutes we were great but then we lost the shape completely as tiredness set in. They created a number of chances and we were not getting forward in the second half and spent the vast majority of the half with Steve camped on our 18 yard box telling me he couldn't get the players forward because the ball kept coming back, hence the change in formation to tighten up the midfield with just under twenty minutes to go.
We needed to sit in formation and make it difficult for them to break us down as we had for the game up until then, but it was all too easy to attack us in numbers and overrun us towards the end.
To win games against confident teams such as these, who are doing well in the league, we needed a ninety minute performance but as with many games this season, the game was lost in that last twenty minute spell."
Team Line Up
1. Ismail
2. Stefano
3. Ivan
4. Chris
5. Steve (c)
6. Dale
7. Marc
8. Dave
9. Mark
10. Morris
11. George
Goals
Dave (1)
20th Minute - A lovely one-two with Morris sent Dave away and he chipped the keeper.
Marc (1)
30th Minute - The ball found Marc by the sideline, he battled through a couple of challenges and hit the top corner.
Man of the Match
Ismail - He had a good first half in goal and did well with limited support protecting the back four from the Rangers onslaught in the second half. Special mention to Morris who again played well and Steve who did his usual stuff at the back.
Match Report by Chris Clarke edited by Dale Mellor.
Sportsmans League Division 3
Worcester Park Rangers 4 v Lokomotiv Londres FC 2
So Close to Victory Yet So Far...
Loko started well against Worcester Park Rangers with a confidence that belied their league position, it was first against second bottom but anyone watching would have thought we were top of the league and they were second bottom.
Rangers couldn’t cope with our positive play and we took the game to them and after fifteen minutes Steve took a free kick which was picked up by DAVE, who played a one-two with Morris and was clean through on goal before chipping in a left foot shot past the oncoming keeper.
We continued to take the game to Rangers but were continually been hit on the counter attack through the midfield area. It wasn't long before Dale passed to MARC (pictured above) who dashed down the wing and his long range cross/shot went in the top corner via the post and cross bar, stunning goal and a two goal lead for the Railwaymen.
They almost got a goal back after a lot of pressure but their striker at the back post fluffed his lines and a mixture of Ismail making a good save and frantic defending got the ball clear.
About ten minutes before half time their winger got down the wing and got in a cross far too easily and a lapse in concentration by our defence let the unfittest player on the pitch, nip in and score a close range goal to pull them within one.
The rest of the half was closely contested but Loko were just about on top.
Half-Time Worcester Park Rangers 1 v Loko 2
Despite Loko being up at half time, we didn’t capitalise on this and take the game to Rangers. The manager sent the team out in the same 4-4-2 formation and asked for more of the same in the second half, and to enjoy being ahead against the league leaders, pointing out that we had scored 25% of the goals they had conceded all season in one half.
For the first twenty five minutes of the half, despite still playing a 4-4-2 formation, Loko struggled to gain ground in the opposition half as they launched various attacks at the Railwaymen to get themselves back in the contest. The defending was steady and we restricted them to only a back post header which Dale, who had gone in goal in place of Ismail, got down to push around the post.
Unfortunately, Stefanio picked up a bad knee injury and had to switch with Marc and go out on the right wing.
With little threat going forward from Loko, Rangers created a succession of chances when they curled a yard wide of the top corner, Steve miskicked a cross and Stefano deflected his clearance just past his own post and then after Dale saved a low shot they hit the underside of the bar and the ball bounced to Marc who made an excellent clearance.
There were now only twenty minutes left and with players tiring and Rangers getting closer to an equaliser, Dale brought Morris back into midfield to shore up the gaps and stop them creating more chances.
When they nearly scored from a header at the back post that had gone out of play, Dale argued with the referee after he had relied on a linesman that was twenty yards behind play, but avoided a yellow card after agreeing to get on with the game.
They equalised shortly after when a goalkick was headed back at the defence and their player was on his own on the edge of the box and his shot looked to be going wide but hit the post and bounced in.
The third followed almost immediately when they broke in numbers and the ball into the box saw two players unmarked in the middle of the penalty area and the one slotted home into the bottom corner. When someone questioned the defenders marking, Dale lost control and pointed out four of our five midfielders further up the field watching play when they put the ball into the back of the net, when they should have been tracking their midfielders back.
This resulted in Dale and Dave arguing over tactics, and Dale wrongly lost control of his emotions and had clearly had enough for the day. He should have left it until after the game but continued to be angry throughout the remainder of the game arguing with their players and questioning his decision to keep on managing.
Loko were struggling as the outburst from the manager had upset a couple of players and we were trying to get our shape back. Loko then started to play for each other despite what had happened, took the game to Rangers but after a Loko attack Rangers broke quickly and cut through the defence, and scored a fourth.
Despite being let's say emotionally challenged, Dale managed to punch a clearance away from the striker who would have had a free header eight yards out and got down full length to his left to save a drilled shot from the edge of the box. Loko could have pulled a goal back when a good move resulted in us hitting the post late in the second half as we finally mounted some pressure in the Rangers half.
Despite what took place in the last fifteen minutes and being 2-0 up but losing 4-2, in the last ten minutes we really played for each other and gave Rangers a hard game, this considering we only had eleven players and three good players had pulled out the night before. Dale left immediately after the game to calm down as he decided it was best to say nothing at all, rather than start arguments with the any members of the team.
Worcester Park Rangers 4 v Loko 2
Manager Dale Mellor's comments:
"First up, I let my emotions get the better of me, and this should have waited until after the game or possibly the following week. It was wrong to react as I did but these things sometimes get the better of us, especially when we are let down by players not turning up and decisions going against us. In seven years with Loko I have never known a year when things go against us so much.
In relation to the game, I thought for seventy minutes we were great but then we lost the shape completely as tiredness set in. They created a number of chances and we were not getting forward in the second half and spent the vast majority of the half with Steve camped on our 18 yard box telling me he couldn't get the players forward because the ball kept coming back, hence the change in formation to tighten up the midfield with just under twenty minutes to go.
We needed to sit in formation and make it difficult for them to break us down as we had for the game up until then, but it was all too easy to attack us in numbers and overrun us towards the end.
To win games against confident teams such as these, who are doing well in the league, we needed a ninety minute performance but as with many games this season, the game was lost in that last twenty minute spell."
Team Line Up
1. Ismail
2. Stefano
3. Ivan
4. Chris
5. Steve (c)
6. Dale
7. Marc
8. Dave
9. Mark
10. Morris
11. George
Goals
Dave (1)
20th Minute - A lovely one-two with Morris sent Dave away and he chipped the keeper.
Marc (1)
30th Minute - The ball found Marc by the sideline, he battled through a couple of challenges and hit the top corner.
Man of the Match
Ismail - He had a good first half in goal and did well with limited support protecting the back four from the Rangers onslaught in the second half. Special mention to Morris who again played well and Steve who did his usual stuff at the back.
Match Report by Chris Clarke edited by Dale Mellor.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Match Preview: Worcester Park Rangers v Loko
Competition: Sportsmans League Division 3
Opponents: Worcester Park Rangers (A)
Date: 27th March 2011
Kick Off Time: 10.30am
Meeting Time: 9.30am
Location: Raynes Park Playing Fields, Raynes Park
Directions: Get the train from either London Waterloo (20 Min), Vauxhall (15 Min) or Clapham Junction (10 Min) direct to Raynes Park. Walk out of the station and head south down Grand Drive, about 15 Min walk to the playing fields on your left, just past the mini roundabout and road called Southway. See the map.
Subs: £5 (£2.50 subs/substituted)
See Map:
View Larger Map
Squad: Dale / Steve / Chris / Stefano / Morris / Ismail / George / Mark / Ivan / Marc / Dave
Opponents: Worcester Park Rangers (A)
Date: 27th March 2011
Kick Off Time: 10.30am
Meeting Time: 9.30am
Location: Raynes Park Playing Fields, Raynes Park
Directions: Get the train from either London Waterloo (20 Min), Vauxhall (15 Min) or Clapham Junction (10 Min) direct to Raynes Park. Walk out of the station and head south down Grand Drive, about 15 Min walk to the playing fields on your left, just past the mini roundabout and road called Southway. See the map.
Subs: £5 (£2.50 subs/substituted)
See Map:
View Larger Map
Squad: Dale / Steve / Chris / Stefano / Morris / Ismail / George / Mark / Ivan / Marc / Dave
Monday, March 21, 2011
Sportsmans Division 3 Results
Sunday 20th March 2011Greyhound 1 v Real Northern 'B' 2
Kew Antigua 'C' 2 v Mass 2
Lokomotiv Londres FC 2 v Parklife 0
Putney Ferrets v London Rangers [Away Win Awarded]
Valtaro Wasteels 'B' 4 v Invictus 1
Worcester Park Rangers 1 v Wee Hoose Celtic 0
The table has now been updated.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Match Report: Loko v Parklife 'B'
Sunday 20th March 2011
Sportsmans League Division 3
Lokomotiv Londres FC 2 v Parklife 'B' 0
Tantalising Terry Doubles For Win
Another late cancellation on Saturday night did not help the team but we still managed to get together a healthy squad of twelve for this bottom of the table shootout on a fine sunny Sunday morning.
A 4-4-2 formation saw Ismail in goal, and a back four of Morris (pictured above), Steve, Chris and Stefano. Terry and George started on the wings with Marton and Diego in the centre with Dale and Mark up front. Hakim started on the bench.
It was a relatively slow start for Loko who were second to the ball early on and did not heed Dale's words before the match to just go out there and have some fun. They pinned us back in the early stages of the game and had a lot of possession in and around the area without really threatening.
The Railwaymen were getting forward in bursts and could have took the lead when Marton played the ball into Dale who played a first time ball out to Terry on the wing and he ran in and hit a first time shot which the keeper tipped around the post.
Loko were being harried in midfield and were guilty of giving the ball away too often, Marton and Diego kept getting dragged wide and Parklife started to get a lot of space in the middle. One of their midfielders played a ball over the top, their striker got there first and lobbed Ismail but the goal was disallowed for offside, they also had a couple of penalty shouts turned down and Loko were hanging on.
A positional change made all the difference with Dale dropping to centre midfield, Diego went out to the right and Terry went up top, all of a sudden Loko had a holding midfielder not getting dragged wide and some genuine pace up front. Morris was having a cracking game at right back and won every tackle he went for throughout.
Almost straight away Terry was played down the right, and had Dale on the pull back but chose to play a ball across the six yard line but Mark failed to gamble and the chance was lost.
Loko finally took the lead when a kick from Ismail was flick headed by Marton, then again by Mark which sent TERRY away behind the defence, he ran the defender and drilled a shot past the keeper with his left foot which went in off the post to give the Railwaymen the lead.
Half-Time Loko 1 v Parklife 'B' 0
The team talk was simple, the game was there for us to win and we had to be up for this from the first whistle, and to go out and enjoy the second half.
Loko were on top throughout the second half and started to press them higher and higher up the pitch, it made a difference and they struggled to get out of their own half. Marton and Dale were now controlling the centre and Steve was organising the back four well.
The Railwaymen went further ahead when Diego won the ball on the right, he skinned his man and slipped it into Mark who played a ball into the area, TERRY ran across the line and beat the keeper to the ball, rounded him and tapped home from seven yards out.
Hakim replaced two assist Mark and was lively straight away, buzzing around up front and making a nuisance of himself. Dale and George shared three long range efforts with only Dale hitting the target with a low drive that was easily saved by the keeper.
Dale took a couple of challenges to his previously injured ribs and had to go in goal, with Ismail replacing him in centre midfield. Terry could have scored again when he was played through and drilled across the keeper but missed the far post by a few inches.
Parklife rallied towards the end but failed to trouble Dale in goal, they did almost break through on goal but Chris clumsily clipped the strikers ankles and took a yellow card for the team. They then had another break and a foul gave them a free kick when advantage would have put their striker through on goal. From the freekick Dale made his only save quite comfortably.
Towards the end, Chris hit the side netting with a flicked header and Diego cut inside the defender and his low shot was well saved by the keeper, and then Morris broke the last line of the defence on the right of the six yard line and hit a rasping shot which the keeper tipped around the post at full length.
A very good last hour from the boys and a first league win in 2011.
Final Score Loko 2 v Parklife 'B' 0
Manager Dale Mellor's comments:
"Fantastic win, goals and all round performance. Enough said."
Team Line Up
1. Ismail
2. Morris
3. Stefano
4. Chris [Y]
5. Steve (c)
6. Marton
7. Terry
8. Diego
9. Dale
10. Mark
11. George
12. Hakim (Replaced Mark 55th Minute)
Goals
Terry (2)
40th Minute - Mark's flicked header sent Tel away and he drilled home in off the post.
50th Minute - Mark played the ball through and Tel rounded the keeper to score.
Man of the Match
Morris - Fantasic game from Morris, he gave full commitment, won every tackle and almost topped it off with a goal towards the end. Special mention to Terry for a great game up front and to Mark for his great assists.
Match Report by Dale Mellor.
Sportsmans League Division 3
Lokomotiv Londres FC 2 v Parklife 'B' 0
Tantalising Terry Doubles For Win
Another late cancellation on Saturday night did not help the team but we still managed to get together a healthy squad of twelve for this bottom of the table shootout on a fine sunny Sunday morning.
A 4-4-2 formation saw Ismail in goal, and a back four of Morris (pictured above), Steve, Chris and Stefano. Terry and George started on the wings with Marton and Diego in the centre with Dale and Mark up front. Hakim started on the bench.
It was a relatively slow start for Loko who were second to the ball early on and did not heed Dale's words before the match to just go out there and have some fun. They pinned us back in the early stages of the game and had a lot of possession in and around the area without really threatening.
The Railwaymen were getting forward in bursts and could have took the lead when Marton played the ball into Dale who played a first time ball out to Terry on the wing and he ran in and hit a first time shot which the keeper tipped around the post.
Loko were being harried in midfield and were guilty of giving the ball away too often, Marton and Diego kept getting dragged wide and Parklife started to get a lot of space in the middle. One of their midfielders played a ball over the top, their striker got there first and lobbed Ismail but the goal was disallowed for offside, they also had a couple of penalty shouts turned down and Loko were hanging on.
A positional change made all the difference with Dale dropping to centre midfield, Diego went out to the right and Terry went up top, all of a sudden Loko had a holding midfielder not getting dragged wide and some genuine pace up front. Morris was having a cracking game at right back and won every tackle he went for throughout.
Almost straight away Terry was played down the right, and had Dale on the pull back but chose to play a ball across the six yard line but Mark failed to gamble and the chance was lost.
Loko finally took the lead when a kick from Ismail was flick headed by Marton, then again by Mark which sent TERRY away behind the defence, he ran the defender and drilled a shot past the keeper with his left foot which went in off the post to give the Railwaymen the lead.
Half-Time Loko 1 v Parklife 'B' 0
The team talk was simple, the game was there for us to win and we had to be up for this from the first whistle, and to go out and enjoy the second half.
Loko were on top throughout the second half and started to press them higher and higher up the pitch, it made a difference and they struggled to get out of their own half. Marton and Dale were now controlling the centre and Steve was organising the back four well.
The Railwaymen went further ahead when Diego won the ball on the right, he skinned his man and slipped it into Mark who played a ball into the area, TERRY ran across the line and beat the keeper to the ball, rounded him and tapped home from seven yards out.
Hakim replaced two assist Mark and was lively straight away, buzzing around up front and making a nuisance of himself. Dale and George shared three long range efforts with only Dale hitting the target with a low drive that was easily saved by the keeper.
Dale took a couple of challenges to his previously injured ribs and had to go in goal, with Ismail replacing him in centre midfield. Terry could have scored again when he was played through and drilled across the keeper but missed the far post by a few inches.
Parklife rallied towards the end but failed to trouble Dale in goal, they did almost break through on goal but Chris clumsily clipped the strikers ankles and took a yellow card for the team. They then had another break and a foul gave them a free kick when advantage would have put their striker through on goal. From the freekick Dale made his only save quite comfortably.
Towards the end, Chris hit the side netting with a flicked header and Diego cut inside the defender and his low shot was well saved by the keeper, and then Morris broke the last line of the defence on the right of the six yard line and hit a rasping shot which the keeper tipped around the post at full length.
A very good last hour from the boys and a first league win in 2011.
Final Score Loko 2 v Parklife 'B' 0
Manager Dale Mellor's comments:
"Fantastic win, goals and all round performance. Enough said."
Team Line Up
1. Ismail
2. Morris
3. Stefano
4. Chris [Y]
5. Steve (c)
6. Marton
7. Terry
8. Diego
9. Dale
10. Mark
11. George
12. Hakim (Replaced Mark 55th Minute)
Goals
Terry (2)
40th Minute - Mark's flicked header sent Tel away and he drilled home in off the post.
50th Minute - Mark played the ball through and Tel rounded the keeper to score.
Man of the Match
Morris - Fantasic game from Morris, he gave full commitment, won every tackle and almost topped it off with a goal towards the end. Special mention to Terry for a great game up front and to Mark for his great assists.
Match Report by Dale Mellor.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Match Preview: Loko v Parklife 'B'
Competition: Sportsmans League Division 3
Opponents: Parklife 'B' (H)
Date: 20th March 2011
Kick Off Time: 10.30am
Meeting Time: 9.30am
Location: Raynes Park Playing Fields, Raynes Park
Directions: Get the train from either London Waterloo (20 Min), Vauxhall (15 Min) or Clapham Junction (10 Min) direct to Raynes Park. Walk out of the station and head south down Grand Drive, about 15 Min walk to the playing fields on your left, just past the mini roundabout and road called Southway. See the map.
Subs: £5 (£2.50 subs/substituted)
See Map:
View Larger Map
Squad: Dale / Steve / Chris / Stefano / Terry / Morris / Diego / Ismail / Mark / George / Hakim / Marton
Opponents: Parklife 'B' (H)
Date: 20th March 2011
Kick Off Time: 10.30am
Meeting Time: 9.30am
Location: Raynes Park Playing Fields, Raynes Park
Directions: Get the train from either London Waterloo (20 Min), Vauxhall (15 Min) or Clapham Junction (10 Min) direct to Raynes Park. Walk out of the station and head south down Grand Drive, about 15 Min walk to the playing fields on your left, just past the mini roundabout and road called Southway. See the map.
Subs: £5 (£2.50 subs/substituted)
See Map:
View Larger Map
Squad: Dale / Steve / Chris / Stefano / Terry / Morris / Diego / Ismail / Mark / George / Hakim / Marton
Sportsmans Division 3 Results
Sunday 13th March 2011Invictus 3 v Parklife 'B' 3
Putney Ferrets 1 v Greyhound 3
Wee Hoose Celtic 3 v Lokomotiv Londres FC 1
Worcester Park Rangers 2 v London Rangers 1
The table has now been updated.
Match Report: Wee Hoose Celtic v Loko
Sunday 13th March 2011
Sportsmans League Division 3
Wee Hoose Celtic 3 v Lokomotiv Londres FC 1
No Show's Cause Loko's Downfall
This week’s game against Wee House Celtic, a physical but fair team that gave us two good league and cup matches this season was a game to look forward to…until Saturday 6pm. This is when things started going wrong with three players pulling out, followed by two no-shows on the Sunday morning. As a result, Lokomotiv had to kick off with only ten players including one player on painkillers due to a damaged rib.
On a surprisingly smooth Riverside Lands pitch and despite the odds being stacked against them, Lokomotiv held their own for the first twenty five minutes. True, some of our players were overcomplicating things and going for the odd extra dribble instead of passing the ball to their unmarked teammates. However, the Railwaymen were rather composed despite a few Wee House Celtic incursions which were being relatively well handled by the defence.
Eudimar, Diego and Dave were combining well in midfield whilst Steve was as commanding in defence as ever. However, a la Arsenal, Lokomotiv were not taking their chances and didn’t shoot enough, preferring to go for intricate passed in the box.
Meanwhile, Wee House Celtic were beginning to develop their games and from a cross zipping in from the left, their number ten headed a cannonball just a few inches over the crossbar. On the half hour mark, a loose ball that didn’t get picked up by Aaron got intercepted by one of their midfielders out on the right and he slammed the ball home from twenty five yards out into the roof of the net.
Lokomotiv heads dropped for a very short while but, just before half-time, DAVE went on a mazy run from the left hand side of their box, past two players, and shot in the direction of their static keeper. The ball came off his shin and into the net for what can arguably be referred to as Loko’s softest goal of the season.
Lokomotiv now sensed that they were in with a shout… ...until the last seconds of the half, when fate would have it that it wasn't meant to be our day after all. Greg (pictured above) was chasing a loose ball on the edge of their box when he had to stop dead in his tracks and hopping in pain with all the tel-tale signs of a hamstring injury.
Yet, Loko didn’t let this setback dent their confidence and were containing the opposition relatively well until half time.
Half-Time Wee House Celtic 1 v Loko 1
It was decided that, instead of Greg standing in the middle of the pitch on one leg, he would be better used as a goalkeeper. This turned out to be a fatal error. Our new recruit was in deep pain and almost immobile.
Just at the beginning of the second half, a rather innocuous long Wee House Celtic punt from out wide landed on Greg’s left hand but he wasn’t able to deal with it and the ball trickled into the back of the net.
Greg subsequently went off with Ismail back in goal thus leaving the Railwaymen struggling with only nine players on the pitch. Yet, again and again, Lokomotiv were being adventurous and hoping for an equaliser. Aaron on the right wing was causing their defence problems with his speed.
On seventy minutes, Diego cut their defence open from the middle of the park with a through ball for Aaron who found himself clear on goal on the right but his shot from the edge of the box hit the side netting. Diego and Dave were being encouraged to shoot from all angles because of the recognised weakness of their keeper but their shots were either scuffed or not targeted enough.
Wee House scored again when their forward headed the ball into the net from five yards out and to the right of Ismail whose view was being blocked by Ivan and the things got a bit heated on the pitch with Eudimar complaining to the ref about Wee House’s physical challenges.
However, the most notable incident as the game was winding down was an altercation between a Wee House defender and their forward who ended up spitting on his own player and being escorted off the pitch.
Lokomotiv were still trying but clearly, at nine against eleven, they never stood a chance.
Final Score Wee Hoose Celtic 3 v Loko 1
Club Secretary Ivan Rahal's comments:
“Never ever in the history of the club have we had five players drop out within twenty four hours of a game. Some of these no-shows were unavoidable but I wish these players had given some thought about their timing.
Telling us you cannot make it so late in the day is the equivalent of a team hara kiri and leaves us with no realistic chance of finding a replacement. Think about how the other players feel when they turn up and realise that their efforts on the day are all going to be in vain.
On the positive side, I cannot praise today’s attitude of our players high enough. We really gave it a go and never let our heads drop for too long. Even Wee House gave us credit after the game for our hard battle. Well done guys.”
Team Line-Up
1. Ismail
2. Stefano
3. Ivan
4. Steve (c)
5. Aaron H
6. Eudimar [Y]
7. Marton
8. Diego
9. Dave
10. Greg (Injured 50th Minute)
Goal
Dave (1)
40th Minute - A mazy run and shot off his shin trickled into the net.
Man of the Match
Steve - As imperial as ever with his trademark sliding tackles and rallying cries. Special mention to Diego, Dave, Eudimar and Aaron for their tireless efforts.
Match Report by Ivan Rahal Edited by Dale Mellor.
Sportsmans League Division 3
Wee Hoose Celtic 3 v Lokomotiv Londres FC 1
No Show's Cause Loko's Downfall
This week’s game against Wee House Celtic, a physical but fair team that gave us two good league and cup matches this season was a game to look forward to…until Saturday 6pm. This is when things started going wrong with three players pulling out, followed by two no-shows on the Sunday morning. As a result, Lokomotiv had to kick off with only ten players including one player on painkillers due to a damaged rib.
On a surprisingly smooth Riverside Lands pitch and despite the odds being stacked against them, Lokomotiv held their own for the first twenty five minutes. True, some of our players were overcomplicating things and going for the odd extra dribble instead of passing the ball to their unmarked teammates. However, the Railwaymen were rather composed despite a few Wee House Celtic incursions which were being relatively well handled by the defence.
Eudimar, Diego and Dave were combining well in midfield whilst Steve was as commanding in defence as ever. However, a la Arsenal, Lokomotiv were not taking their chances and didn’t shoot enough, preferring to go for intricate passed in the box.
Meanwhile, Wee House Celtic were beginning to develop their games and from a cross zipping in from the left, their number ten headed a cannonball just a few inches over the crossbar. On the half hour mark, a loose ball that didn’t get picked up by Aaron got intercepted by one of their midfielders out on the right and he slammed the ball home from twenty five yards out into the roof of the net.
Lokomotiv heads dropped for a very short while but, just before half-time, DAVE went on a mazy run from the left hand side of their box, past two players, and shot in the direction of their static keeper. The ball came off his shin and into the net for what can arguably be referred to as Loko’s softest goal of the season.
Lokomotiv now sensed that they were in with a shout… ...until the last seconds of the half, when fate would have it that it wasn't meant to be our day after all. Greg (pictured above) was chasing a loose ball on the edge of their box when he had to stop dead in his tracks and hopping in pain with all the tel-tale signs of a hamstring injury.
Yet, Loko didn’t let this setback dent their confidence and were containing the opposition relatively well until half time.
Half-Time Wee House Celtic 1 v Loko 1
It was decided that, instead of Greg standing in the middle of the pitch on one leg, he would be better used as a goalkeeper. This turned out to be a fatal error. Our new recruit was in deep pain and almost immobile.
Just at the beginning of the second half, a rather innocuous long Wee House Celtic punt from out wide landed on Greg’s left hand but he wasn’t able to deal with it and the ball trickled into the back of the net.
Greg subsequently went off with Ismail back in goal thus leaving the Railwaymen struggling with only nine players on the pitch. Yet, again and again, Lokomotiv were being adventurous and hoping for an equaliser. Aaron on the right wing was causing their defence problems with his speed.
On seventy minutes, Diego cut their defence open from the middle of the park with a through ball for Aaron who found himself clear on goal on the right but his shot from the edge of the box hit the side netting. Diego and Dave were being encouraged to shoot from all angles because of the recognised weakness of their keeper but their shots were either scuffed or not targeted enough.
Wee House scored again when their forward headed the ball into the net from five yards out and to the right of Ismail whose view was being blocked by Ivan and the things got a bit heated on the pitch with Eudimar complaining to the ref about Wee House’s physical challenges.
However, the most notable incident as the game was winding down was an altercation between a Wee House defender and their forward who ended up spitting on his own player and being escorted off the pitch.
Lokomotiv were still trying but clearly, at nine against eleven, they never stood a chance.
Final Score Wee Hoose Celtic 3 v Loko 1
Club Secretary Ivan Rahal's comments:
“Never ever in the history of the club have we had five players drop out within twenty four hours of a game. Some of these no-shows were unavoidable but I wish these players had given some thought about their timing.
Telling us you cannot make it so late in the day is the equivalent of a team hara kiri and leaves us with no realistic chance of finding a replacement. Think about how the other players feel when they turn up and realise that their efforts on the day are all going to be in vain.
On the positive side, I cannot praise today’s attitude of our players high enough. We really gave it a go and never let our heads drop for too long. Even Wee House gave us credit after the game for our hard battle. Well done guys.”
Team Line-Up
1. Ismail
2. Stefano
3. Ivan
4. Steve (c)
5. Aaron H
6. Eudimar [Y]
7. Marton
8. Diego
9. Dave
10. Greg (Injured 50th Minute)
Goal
Dave (1)
40th Minute - A mazy run and shot off his shin trickled into the net.
Man of the Match
Steve - As imperial as ever with his trademark sliding tackles and rallying cries. Special mention to Diego, Dave, Eudimar and Aaron for their tireless efforts.
Match Report by Ivan Rahal Edited by Dale Mellor.
Monday, March 07, 2011
Match Preview: Wee Hoose Celtic v Loko
Competition: Sportsmans League Division 3
Opponents: Wee Hoose Celtic (A)
Date: 13th March 2011
Kick Off Time: 10.30am
Meeting Time: 9.30am
Location: Riverside Lands, Chiswick
Directions: Barnes Bridge crossing is by the london platform, 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 (£3.50 Subs/Substituted)
See Map:
View Larger Map
Squad: Ivan / Steve / Stefano / Ismail / Eudimar / Greg / Dave / Diego (Trialists: Aaron H / Marton)
Opponents: Wee Hoose Celtic (A)
Date: 13th March 2011
Kick Off Time: 10.30am
Meeting Time: 9.30am
Location: Riverside Lands, Chiswick
Directions: Barnes Bridge crossing is by the london platform, 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 (£3.50 Subs/Substituted)
See Map:
View Larger Map
Squad: Ivan / Steve / Stefano / Ismail / Eudimar / Greg / Dave / Diego (Trialists: Aaron H / Marton)
Sportsmans Division 3 Results
Sunday 6th March 2011Greyhound 4 v Invictus 5
Kew Antigua 'C' 2 v Putney Ferrets 3
Lokomotiv Londres FC 1 v Valtaro Wasteels 'B' 3
Wee Hoose Celtic 3 v Parklife 'B' 0
The table has now been updated.
Sunday, March 06, 2011
Match Report: Loko v Valtaro Wasteels 'B'
Sunday 6th March 2011
Sportmans League Division 3
Lokomotiv Londres FC 1 v Valtaro Wasteels 'B' 3
Lack of Discipline Proves Costly
A cold spring morning greeted the players at Raynes Park with the team missing our two main strikers from the cup match two weeks before. We had a full fourteen and played the same 4-2-3-1 formation that finished the previous match.
The opposition should have took the lead when the ball was floated to the back post, Stefano was ball watching and his man pulled away and headed back across goal, the ball was then chipped back in from the other side and their player missed a free header from two yards.
Loko struggled to get forward and too often the front four were guilty of giving the ball away needlessly when in space and the ball kept coming back at the defensive midfielders and defence. Loko had a few forays into their half and around the box but a couple of long range shots wide were all we had to show for things.
Loko 0 v Valtaro Wasteels 'B' 0
The team talk was that the shape would work if we played it correctly, Diego came on for Stefano and George replaced James. The gaffer tried to rally the players but the mood of the squad was rather subdued.
Loko started the second half of the match superbly and spent twenty minutes pinning them back in their half, with the formation now working as we went four on four at the back. Dale won numerous headers and tackles in and around their penalty area and Loko almost got lucky on a couple of occasions with goal mouth scrambles but the ball just wouldn't fall kindly.
Steve had the back four working well and they put paid to any breaks from Wasteels, and Loko almost scored again when a Diego cross was headed a yard past his own post for a corner by the defender at the near post. Then from a Terry free kick, Dale chased it down and slid in front of the keeper but couldn't make contact with the ball which was always a yard too far ahead.
Daniel replaced Marc and moments later totally against the run of play in the second half, Valtaro were ahead when Diego failed to pick up his midfield runner, who got goalside and slipped in the striker to score an easy goal and give them the lead.
Unfortunately for Loko, heads dropped and the team were devoid of leaders to get everyone going again, Steve and Dale tried but too many people had almost given up and they now started to attack at will. The second came from a debatable penalty decision as Chris was penalised for holding from a corner kick, the opposition admitted after it was not a penalty, and the player sent Catalin the wrong way.
The formation was changed to 4-4-2, with Daniel going up front and Dale dropping into centre back but the midfield were not now tracking back and they had men over on Dale and Steve time and again.
The third was a four on two break and the numbers told when Dale challenged in the box the ball bounced to their player, who their own players said was offside after the game, and he had an easy time finishing into the bottom corner.
Valtaro tried timewasting towards the end and players from both sides lost their discipline and tackles and words were exchanged and the referee blew his whistle early to stop anything further developing. The referee had not had a great game and the Railwaymen were on the worst end of his decisions yet again.
Final Score Loko 1 v Valtaro Wasteels 'B' 3
Manager Dale Mellor's comments:
"I'll be honest, I'm very disappointed with some players attitudes. It's hard enough managing 14 players to begin with but when many of your decisions are being questioned continually, it is a pain in the arse. If I played everyone where they wanted to each week I'd have eight attacking players and sod all defenders.
The team comes first and some people need to realise that. This team have some fantastic players who will play wherever they are asked without grumbles and I can't thank them enough.
The match itself was disappointing apart from the twenty minute spell after the break when we showed some desire, but once the goal went in the lack of fight and spirit was evident and we needed some big personalities which we just did not have.
Let's keep going and try to play with a smile on our faces, no matter where we are asked to play."
Team Line Up
1. Catalin
2. Marc
3. Stefano
4. Chris
5. Steve (c) [Y]
6. Dale
7. Terry
8. Eudimar
9. Aaron
10. Greg
11. James
12. Diego (Replaced Stefano 45th Minute)
13. George (Replaced James 45th Minute)
14. Daniel (Replaced Marc 55th Minute)
Goal
Greg (1)
80th Minute - The ball fell loose on the edge of the box and he drilled it over the keeper and in off the underside of the bar.
Man of the Match
Steve - A captain's performance at the back when too many others were having an off day. He was solid and put in tackle after tackle. He was one of only a few that kept trying to the end.
Match Report by Dale Mellor.
Sportmans League Division 3
Lokomotiv Londres FC 1 v Valtaro Wasteels 'B' 3
Lack of Discipline Proves Costly
A cold spring morning greeted the players at Raynes Park with the team missing our two main strikers from the cup match two weeks before. We had a full fourteen and played the same 4-2-3-1 formation that finished the previous match.
The team was Catalin in goal, back four of Marc, Steve, Chris and Stefano with Dale and Eudimar defensive midfield. Terry, Aaron and James were pushing forward from midfield with Greg up top by himself. Diego, George and Daniel were on the bench.
It was a slow start from Loko and the team were second to most challenges and failed to find any fluency in their passing early on, the team were pressed backwards but Valtaro were only able to get some long range shots on target early on, which were easily dealt with by Catalin.
The opposition should have took the lead when the ball was floated to the back post, Stefano was ball watching and his man pulled away and headed back across goal, the ball was then chipped back in from the other side and their player missed a free header from two yards.
Loko struggled to get forward and too often the front four were guilty of giving the ball away needlessly when in space and the ball kept coming back at the defensive midfielders and defence. Loko had a few forays into their half and around the box but a couple of long range shots wide were all we had to show for things.
Loko 0 v Valtaro Wasteels 'B' 0
The team talk was that the shape would work if we played it correctly, Diego came on for Stefano and George replaced James. The gaffer tried to rally the players but the mood of the squad was rather subdued.
Loko started the second half of the match superbly and spent twenty minutes pinning them back in their half, with the formation now working as we went four on four at the back. Dale won numerous headers and tackles in and around their penalty area and Loko almost got lucky on a couple of occasions with goal mouth scrambles but the ball just wouldn't fall kindly.
Daniel replaced Marc and moments later totally against the run of play in the second half, Valtaro were ahead when Diego failed to pick up his midfield runner, who got goalside and slipped in the striker to score an easy goal and give them the lead.
Unfortunately for Loko, heads dropped and the team were devoid of leaders to get everyone going again, Steve and Dale tried but too many people had almost given up and they now started to attack at will. The second came from a debatable penalty decision as Chris was penalised for holding from a corner kick, the opposition admitted after it was not a penalty, and the player sent Catalin the wrong way.
The formation was changed to 4-4-2, with Daniel going up front and Dale dropping into centre back but the midfield were not now tracking back and they had men over on Dale and Steve time and again.
The third was a four on two break and the numbers told when Dale challenged in the box the ball bounced to their player, who their own players said was offside after the game, and he had an easy time finishing into the bottom corner.
Loko scored a consolation when George got down the left, played the ball into GREG who turned on the edge of the box and hit an unstoppable drive into the roof of the net from the edge of the area.
Valtaro tried timewasting towards the end and players from both sides lost their discipline and tackles and words were exchanged and the referee blew his whistle early to stop anything further developing. The referee had not had a great game and the Railwaymen were on the worst end of his decisions yet again.
Final Score Loko 1 v Valtaro Wasteels 'B' 3
Manager Dale Mellor's comments:
"I'll be honest, I'm very disappointed with some players attitudes. It's hard enough managing 14 players to begin with but when many of your decisions are being questioned continually, it is a pain in the arse. If I played everyone where they wanted to each week I'd have eight attacking players and sod all defenders.
The team comes first and some people need to realise that. This team have some fantastic players who will play wherever they are asked without grumbles and I can't thank them enough.
The match itself was disappointing apart from the twenty minute spell after the break when we showed some desire, but once the goal went in the lack of fight and spirit was evident and we needed some big personalities which we just did not have.
Let's keep going and try to play with a smile on our faces, no matter where we are asked to play."
Team Line Up
1. Catalin
2. Marc
3. Stefano
4. Chris
5. Steve (c) [Y]
6. Dale
7. Terry
8. Eudimar
9. Aaron
10. Greg
11. James
12. Diego (Replaced Stefano 45th Minute)
13. George (Replaced James 45th Minute)
14. Daniel (Replaced Marc 55th Minute)
Goal
Greg (1)
80th Minute - The ball fell loose on the edge of the box and he drilled it over the keeper and in off the underside of the bar.
Man of the Match
Steve - A captain's performance at the back when too many others were having an off day. He was solid and put in tackle after tackle. He was one of only a few that kept trying to the end.
Match Report by Dale Mellor.
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