Match Report: Loko vs Kings United

Sportsman's League,
Senior Amateur Division
Sun 18 Jan 2015
Loko 0 vs Kings United 2


LOKO LOSE TO FITTER AND MORE ENERGETIC KINGS.  

Yes, don't be fooled, the Daily Mail said it was going to be minus 15 in London today

The build-up to the game today was quite interesting. One of our Daily Mail reading players was convinced that the temperature was going to drop down to minus 15 overnight and that the game was going to get called off. Another player forgot to switch off his mobile after leaving a message on Ivan's mobile saying he was running late and proceeded to murder an old tune at the top of his voice whilst insulting a fellow driver. For those interested, the hilarious recording will be aired at next week's game....

Indeed, the build -up was more interesting than the game’s opening moments. On a dreadful, muddy pitch, both teams were unable to deploy their game and nothing much happened.

On 16 minutes though, Dave F down the right crossed the ball for James who controlled the ball mid air but his shot was too weak to threaten the goalie.

7 minutes later it was Dave F’s turn to be given a chance when a ball down the middle landed at his feet as he was entering their box but his shot was weak and went wide.

At the other end, our 4th choice keeper Ismail was giving a great account of himself. True, on 35 minutes, probably still thinking he was an outfield player, he kicked the ball into corner instead of picking it up, Thankfully, he redeemed himself as he palmed the resulting in-swinging corner over the bar, showing great dexterity.

Kings United are currently third in the league but, on the face of it, their finishing ability left a lot to be desired in this first half and Loko gave a good account of themselves. Sadly, our main goal threat, James, had to limp off the pitch on 38 minutes and was replaced by Danny. Thankfully, Loko made it to the end of the first half without conceding a goal.

Half time: Loko 0 vs Kings United 0

In the second half, as Loko were beginning to tire, it was obvious that our team needed more fitness in the middle of the park as Kings were now opening up whole boulevards and outflanking the Loko defence time and time again.

Kings’ first goal came off a corner on 53 minutes but the ref disallowed the goal for offside.
A second Kings goal was disallowed on 64 minutes as their winger was even more blatantly offside as he rifled his shot in the back of the net from inside the box into Ismail’s far corner.

Kings third “goal” was given the all clear on 68 minutes as their number 10 powered a freeheader into the empty net.

Loko 0 vs Kings United 1

Lawrence came on for Dave F on 60 minutes and soon after that, Kings put the game to bed as their left winger arrowed an angled and powerful shot into Ismail’s left corner from just outside the box.

Loko 0 vs Kings United 2

Ivan came on for Dan on 75 minutes as the team had come to the realisation that there was no way back despite a very clear attempt where Beni weaved his way into the Kings box, rolled the ball to Dave F who then rolled it to Matt but his shot was easily saved by their keeper.

Despite renewed attacks by Hayden and also Neil who was surging forward as often as possible, it was game over for Loko.

M.O.M: No stellar performances today but NEIL did well. Special mention to Ismail who acquitted himself very well in a now unusual role for him.

Line-up: Ismail – Dan (then Ivan, 75’),  Neil, Gary, Mark – Beni, Matt, Tom, Hayden, Dave F (then Lawrence 60’) – James (then Danny, 38’),