Match Report: Loko vs Gander FC

One Goal, A Mud Bath & Still Unbeaten ( In 2016 )

" You May Have to Fight a Battle More Than Once To Win It " 
Margaret Thatcher 


Today's quote sums up nicely the game we faced. Previously dispatched comfortably by this team, on the second day of the season, we were a little unsure at how much we have actually progressed as a team and this game was going to be a good indicator off this. With both our main strikers missing at the start of play, this was gonna be a hard game.

 The pitch was not at its best to say the least. Matt playing Park Keeper clearing dog crap up before kick off with the center circle resembling a dirty paddling pool, the furthest wing had puddles and long grass along with more Dog Crap, making the playing surface difficult to play any form of a passing game. However this is exactly what Loko Done for the first 45 minutes.

 Winning brings confidence and in turn confidence brings with it good football. The ball moving from left to right, back to center and back to a solid defense, we looked comfortable. With no main target man to look for upfront we were forced to play the ball on the waterlogged floor. Interplay between Ash & Lee was causing all sorts of problems for Gander resulting in many free kicks being given to Loko as they found it difficult to stop the boys. The first free kick was taken by Hayden who shot low inches to the right of the post. The next free kick from out on the right was swung in by Matt teasingly close to the far post as Gary charged in and connected to just see the ball, again, inches past the left post.

 Dave out on the right started to put balls in, one being met by the head of Hayden heading towards goal but was easily saved by their keeper. We were on top but needed to take our chances. A strong challenge in the middle of the park from mason left their defender with a sore bollock and Mason with a slight injury. He made way for Neil with Danny pushing into the center of midfield. Immediate effect left Danny running at defenders round one then two and a shot outside the box went passed their keeper low to his right. 1-0

 Gander were not in this game at all. They had two wild shots from long balls over the top that Colin made look easy as he held on to them. This to be fair could be down to our defense that looked as solid as it has been all season with Neil, Mark and Scott wining everything. Colin on top form today saved a further two shots, a lot more challenging than the previous two, with big kicks down field to a rampant Lee & Ash who exchanged passes and runs in on goal.

Half time

The start of every half time talk is now clouded with reminders of previous mistakes we have made going into the second half. I know its been mentioned before but throughout this season we have NEVER been in a losing position at Half Time, and if results were taken from half time scores we would be top of the pile! Luke was now warming up with Mason readily available for the second half but Matt resisted change as things were going well.

 Surprise Surprise we didn't start the second half as we ended the first. Why? I have No Idea! Gander pushed hard for five minutes and we panicked and looked to clear our lines as if in the last five minutes of the game. Colin made a superb double point blank save from the Gander No.14 who couldn't believe he hadn't scored! We needed to believe in ourselves and play like we did in the first half. We did, after ten minutes, start to settle back down with Ash holding the ball up well and distributing well, across field on several occasions to Dave.

 15 Mins in and Matt and Hayden made way for a re-invigorated Mason and our current top scorer Luke. Mason started on fire! chasing down everything sliding everywhere and running at defenders with the ball using his pace. Luke was Luke! Superbly Holding up the ball, winning every long ball thrown at him. Loko were back in this game and Gander started to fade.

 A Lee free kick was met by Luke who's header was tipped over the bar by their Lucky / Good Keeper? You Decide! Chasing down the ball inspires the team all round and puts pressure on the opposition who in turn will make mistakes. Their keeper done this on a few occasions. A rushed clearance from him fell to Lees feet as he went towards goal one on one the keeper jumped at him and Lees attempted lob didn't get enough height to clear him so he made the save. A minute later the keeper mad the same mistake but this time it fell to Dave but the result was the same.

 As Gander pushed forward for an equalizer they were left exposed at the back and Loko looked to capitalize. A ball from Ash on the left found Luke one on one but the ball got caught beneath his feet. He manged to get it out and across to Lee who's placed shot was met yet again by their Lucky / Good Keeper? We just couldn't finish of this game!

 Matt & Hayden back on for Danny and Dave to help sure up and close the game out. A late flurry of attacks from Gander led to them hitting the Cross Bar with a lovely long shot. Scott, Mark and Neil were not gonna let us lose as they blocked everything incoming along with support from Gary winning every header asked of him. Another cross fizzed past our goal as an out stretched Neil manage to get the right contact to put the ball out. As Gander put in their resulting corner there was panic in the Loko team. We have been here before in the dying minutes. Luckily the resulting pinball games in our box were eventually cleared from danger to the relief of the final whistle.

Full Time

Lokomotiv 1 - 0 Gander FC  ( Danny Tysoe )

Weekly 3 Questions:

Did We Deserve To Win Today? Yes
Did We Put It In Today? Yes
Man Of The Match?

 All round great team effort today. Everyone played their part in full. Defenders, Midfielders and Strikers! The fact it is hard to single anyone out, shows how much we all put in today. Great first goal for Danny, however this weeks man of The Match award goes to Colin. Post Jon, goalkeeper performances have been underrated for Loko, but a clean sheet and some great saves today, well deserved award.

Final Thought

 The fact we won today, after being beaten last time out by Gander, along with a clean sheet and not letting in any late goals surely shows we are now playing as a team that understands each other. Teamwork is paramount in any sport and maybe, just maybe, Loko now understand and adopt this at our core.

Quote Of The Week

"Talent Can Win Games But Teamwork Will Win Competitions "