Match Report: Clapham Rovers A vs Loko

Sportsman's League, Division 1 

Sun 9 February 2014

Clapham Rovers A 4 vs Loko 2 

LOKO GIVE UP THE FIGHT IN THE SECOND HALF

As has been the case ever since the turn of the year, the whole week preceding this fixture was a case of monitoring the BBC weather website hoping the rain would ease off. Thankfully, the groundsman gave it the go ahead at 8am on the morning.

Things then looked great following the previous week’s excellent result vs Accringron Stanley with first class firepower upfront in the shape of Adil, James and Oliver. Unfortunately, top s corer Adil had to pull out at the last minute.

Loko lined up in the usual (and adventurous) formation with 3 at the back and 2 wingbacks and things looked OK to start off with as Loko were able to contain the fit Clapham Rovers forwards.

Thinsgs looked even better still when, on 17 minutes, a Loko counterattack saw Oliver on the right hand side of the pitch collect a through ball, hold off his2 markers and cross across the box to JAMES (pictured above) who turned his defender inside the box and despatch a low shot into the keeper’s bottom right corner. 1-0 to the Loko!

Loko held on to their advantage for a good 12 minutes but then a cross from our left got deflected into the box and bounce off a Clapham forward’sfoot into John’s far corner. 1-1.

With only 7 minutes before half time, a long ball down our right flank looped over Gary’s head. Ivan tried to clear the bouncing ball but their winger sped past him and crossed into the box where both Mark and Marcel were unable to clear and the ball ended up in the back of our  net.

Half time: Loko 1 vs Clapham Rovers 2

The second half got off to a great start with JAMES again pouncing on a through ball by Terry 3 yards out and equalise.

Loko were now visibly suffering in the middle of the park in particular vs a team that hadn’t played a single game since 2013. Clapham were fitter and quicker than us.

On 67 minutes, their nippy winger stride forward into the box and facing Ivan and threw himself against Ivan pretending he had been fouled. Penalty. Thankfully justice was served as their penalty taker skied the spotkick.  

Sadly, Clapham Rovers scored a 3rd form a cross that was headed into the empty net by one of the shortest players on the pitch! A fourth followed soon afterwards when Mark fouled their winger and this time Clapham Rovers didn’t miss their chance. 4-2 to Clapham.

Following a freekick, a goal by Dave F got disallowed for an imaginary offside but, to be fair, Clapham Rovers were dominant and deserved to be in the lead.  The last 15 minutes were quite embarrassing as Loko simply gave up the fight and ran out of steam across the park with the notable exception of a handful of players!

M.O.M: Serious lack of effort especially in the second half. However, special mention to Terry, Neril and Gary for their hard work and energy. The M.O.M award goes to James with 2 well taken goals and endless energy down the wing. Well done!

Line-up: John – Gary, Ivan, Mark – Neil, Marcel (then Andre 75’), Ismail (then Dave F, 46’), Terry, Matt, Oliver, James