Match Report: Loko vs AFC Surbiton

A Brace, A Fumbling Drunk and a Semi!

" Winning is Becoming a Habit "

 The day started with Neil Clearing puddles from the centre circle of the pitch to ensure our quarter final cup game could go ahead. After a while we realised this game was not gonna happen on this pitch, so we stole someone else's!

 

The new pitch playing surface was nice, however , the conditions around were not. With the Sun in our eyes and Hurricane style winds this game was gonna be hard to impose good football . Matt reminded us that our opponents would have to endure the same conditions so moaning about it was not an option.

 All season we have started well and faded later but today was different. We started poorly. We were quiet and seemed lethargic and not really up for this important cup game. AFC attempted to spring our offside trap on two early occasions but our, now bonding, defence is becoming strong and resilient to these attacks. We didn't chase down balls like we used too and put as much pressure on as previous weeks. With Gary and Matt reminding us of this in the nicest possible way we actually started to play.


 Mason as per every week was bang on it in the entre of the park. Challenge after challenge he never gave up, man marking their best player Number 10 who was a constant threat.A wind swept ball in from Lee on the left passed the defenders heads and Hayden run onto the ball and shot hard, but the keepers own balls stopped this shot from going in. But the pressure was there! The resulting corner from this was taken by matt. A curling ball was heading straight into the back of the net but just to be sure Ash was on hand to guide it in with his head / Quiff.
1-0


 With our heads up we started to play football again. lee getting on the ball more and influencing runs, Dave across field to Luke who's pass put Ash through one on one with the keeper who's attempted save was scuffed and the ball found the back of the net.
2-0


 Lee from the side lines commented on how well our formation looked from of the pitch, we are getting things right! Matt took hold of the ball in midfield and went passed two AFC players and curled a delightful shot from outside the box that Gary thought was in but just went wide of the post. Another Loko attack saw Luke through one on one, but his impression of a fumbling drunk falling in slow motion outside a pub, failed to get him his shot away.


 Surbiton were not done this half yet. A attack again foiled by Scott led to a corner. The wind took the ball high over everyone and looked to be curling into the top corner, but Tony managed to tip the ball wide of the goal.


Half Time


Once again slow out the blocks and Surbiton attacked. Down the Surbiton left they put the ball through to their Centre Mid who's shot finished in the back of the net passed Tony's Right hand side.
2-1


 As Loko got frustrated the challenges became stronger. Mason challenging Fair, but strong in our box with a resounding call for a penalty denied. Luke's frustration led him to take out there centre back with Gary also flying in with tackles. Gary pushing forward went on a run and unleashed a shot from outside the box that was just over the bar. Dave weaved in and out their penalty box and his shot was saved point blank.


 A Dave free kick picked out Luke who's attempted Marodonna style handball was spotted by the Ref. Matt, not confident in us holding on tactically subbed himself and Luke with the thought of an equaliser looming followed by extra time to save legs. This equaliser nearly come minutes later when a through ball from Surbiton saw two of their players through clear on goal only to see The Linesman ( Matt ) flag for offside. Gary pointed out this was a warning and we needed to shape up.


 Scott, Mark and Neil held strong and defended every attack that come at them with the help of Gary holding a little deeper and Hayden slotting in at right back alongside Neil for support. A further three shots were held well by Tony along with a great cross from their best player that Tony confidently Called on collected. Yes it was a little shaky but hold on we did.


Full Time


Lokomotiv 2-1 AFC Surbiton


Weekly 3 Questions:


Did we deserve to win Today?  Yes
Did we put it in today?  Undecided
Man Of The Match?


  Masons energy and tackling are unquestionable along with a solid display throughout the Defence from Scott & Neil as well as Gary backing up both defence and midfield, However with a brace of goals this weeks man of the match goes to Ash.

Final Thought


A previous Draw and a loss to this lot once again, as per last week, shows progress. We can defend Now. The formation has taken time to adopt but we are getting it now. If you don't concede goals you will never lose its as simple as that? We are a team and a close one as well, this will show even more over time and I have no doubt that we will be successful both in the league and in the cup.
Semi Final.......Bring It !!!

Quote Of The Week:


" Perfection is not attainable. But if we chase perfection, we can catch excellence "