Back Again, 4 Goals and the start of a Cup Run....
" Simplicity is the ultimate form of sophistication "
When we drew " Kingston Football Academy " in the first round of the challenge cup, we knew nothing of our opponents, neither did the league chairman to be fair. To call yourself an academy of football along with donning an illuminated kit, can be worrying for an opposition.
With a new look to Loko both in personnel and formation the game got off to a great start. We passed among the defence confidently well, from left to right and back again. Mackie in the center of the park was first to everything. He held onto the ball well creating time for others around him. Lee M was one who on a trade mark run threaded a lovely ball in front of Hayden who was clipped by a Kingston defender and unable to beat the on coming keeper Getting to the ball first. New winger , Chris, was providing a great outlet on the right, passing their left back on several occasions whipping the ball in.
However this game wasn't just about the new Loko players, It was left to the old-skool Loko to opening the scoring. James T on a slow but hopefully successful recovery, trademark style cut in from the left, with a delightful right footed curl from the edge of the box, with the keeper no where to be seen! 1-0
We were all over this team! Confidence was a plenty as Mackie hit a few shots towards goal along with a header. Mason at right back was back to his best sliding everywhere alongside pushing forward with an attempt on goal! Gary and Scott looked comfortable never really troubled! Yes we slacked off slightly towards the end of the first half, culminating in a great shot just inside our area by a Kingston Forward that 9 out of 10 times would of broke the net, but today was our day as James C pulled out an absolute world class save to palm the ball over the bar! This was, like Lees goal line clearance last week, as valuable as any goal we could of scored and with the score line still tight it was much needed! With a good performance behind us and a one goal lead, the skipper, Matt, was happy at half time but also quick to remind us Loko don't do second half's!
Half Time. 1-0
It didn't take Lokos, Masterminded individuals, to predict we would start off slow, and for the first 10 mins that's exactly what we did! Kingston came out fighting. They passed well and held on to the ball well. They had a few chances but nothing notable. After ten minutes or so we found our feet again. Picked up where we left off ! It wasn't as fluent but still as confident.
15 mins in, Mackie holding off two players on the edge of the box dispatched a low shot into the back of the net for his Debut Loko Goal! 2-0
Chris still causing trouble down the right was always a threat as was all our midfield, now with Stocker pushing forward on the left, as James T made way for Tony at left back.
Tony was now on goal kicks. His first long kick found the head of Hayden who's knock down to Chris was given straight back to Mackie who seamlessly ran through the Kingston defense to an out coming keeper who he lobbed effortlessly! 3-0
With only 15 mins remaining James C suffered a injury blow as he went down low to make an excellent save. He was replaced by Tony, who within 3 minutes of taking the gloves, was faced with a penalty, as Loko failed to clear the ball and left Stocker with only one option with an advancing attacker in front of him. The resulting penalty was hit straight at the cross bar and bounced down into Tony's arms, however, the penalty taker, thinking he could mimic CR7 decided to fake his run up half way through leading Loko players to charge into the box, so a retake was ordered and dispatched! 3-1
Loko saw out the remaining time with no major scares!
Full Time
Lokomotiv 3 - 1 Kingston FA
Weekly 3 Questions
Did we deserve to win today? Yes
Did we put it in today? Yes Everyone Did
Man of the Match?
I thought it was a solid performance today, all round!
Keeper: James, Clean Sheet and world class save
Defense: Strong, Ball Players and clean sheet, without the pen. Gary, Scotty, Stocker and Mason
Midfield: Headers Won, Possesion held and passed well. Matt, Lee, Mackie, Chris
Forward: Chased down balls drew defenders away. Hayden and James T
One player did however stand out from everyone else, with two goals and a load of balls won with a great league debut, this weeks man of the match goes to Mackie! Great Start.
Final Thoughts
Its no secret our team is without doubt, in with a shout, to be the most thickest team to grace Sunday League football, We wouldn't win a quiz night against the local cubs, let alone a pub quiz, however, we all have our talents in life and one of Lokos Is Cup games. We turn up! Last year we were unlucky to get knocked out of one cup and to lose the final of the other cup is something we all don't wanna talk about. If we can play at that standard, which i know we can still play so so much better, then this is our year, and with three cups still up for grabs I feel there will be silverware for Loko this year.
Surrey Cup Next Up......
Quote Of The Week
"Your season wont get better by chance, it only gets better with change "
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