Match Report
Match Report - 09 Feb 2014, Clapham Rovers Clapham Rovers beat Lokomotiv Londres
Rovers!
Rovers 4 – 2 Lokomotiv Londres
We finally got to play our first game of 2014 and whilst we were a bit rusty, we did enough to win in our 745th and final game against Lokomotiv this season.
Lokomotiv Londres have not written report this week so you’ll have to rely on my recollection of events.
We started the game with a 4-2-3-1 formation and took a while to feel our way into the match.
Godders GK
Juan (RB) G (CB) JJ (CB) Me (LB)
Matt Wright (DM) Nathan (DM)
Ed (ARM) Bunny (RB) Nick (ALM)
Smudger (CF)
We had a couple of chances early doors with some good direct running from Smudger (mainly in the direction on Ivan) and Molby making some decent forays down the left hand side. I can’t say the pitch helped us too much as the bobbly surface and large quantities of sand made it difficult for us to knock the ball around.
We also took a little bit of time to get used to the formation we had lined up with and on a couple of occasions we found ourselves exposed at the back in 3 on 4 situations. Indeed with our early chances and talent on the pitch we conceded an opener from being too committed up the pitch and being susceptible to the long ball. I took a rubbish throw in which got nowhere near Nath. They then cleared the ball long up the field for their striker to control and take up the pitch. We had 3 defenders to their 2 attackers but the ball found itself to their attacker on the left hand side of the box who took the ball down and scuffed it into the net past Godders.
This was probably the jolt we needed because it didn’t take us long to get on the ball, express ourselves and play some decent football. The equaliser began with the returning Scarlet Pimpernel, Matt Wright (“They seek him here, they seek him there”) taking the ball down and playing a great incisive ball down the right hand side for Ed to run onto. He then played a great ball into the box where no less than 5 players were all advancing and the ball fell kindly to Molby who neatly guided the ball into the bottom left hand corner of the net.
We then went 2-1 up before half time with the new wing wizard. Smudger slalomed (topical reference as the Winter Olympics is on at the moment) into the box. The keeper made a save and Ed was on hand to force the ball home.
5 mins into the second half we saw the introduction of Carswell for a long awaited and highly welcome return. He slotted into centre back, I deservedly came off and Jimmy Joyce went to left back.
Unfortunately things didn’t go to plan when we conceded an equaliser from the same Lokomotiv Londres striker has the first. A through ball split the defence and there was hesitation between G and Godders has their striker nipped in to scuff the ball past Godders once. Once again it was a weak shot but it left Godders with no chance.
Salvation appeared to come when we were given a stonewall penalty. Smudger continued his personal duel with Blofeld/Richard O’Brien/Pierluigi Collina/Right Said Fred/Ivan and skipped past him into the box. He checked, cut inside and was then unceremoniously taken down by said Blofeld/Richard O’Brien/Pierluigi Collina/Right Said Fred/Ivan. Ed stepped up confidently to take the pen but unfortunately it sailed over the bar. He was destined to miss as Jordan had said that he’d never seen Ed miss and Bunny had also advised Ed before taking the pen to take account of the wind.
Thankfully we got our noses in front from another penalty shortly after with Molby despatching the pen this time. Smudger got the ball drove towards the right byline and before he could lay it across the box, he was upended once again. Molby’s pen was high and to the right and came down off the bar and into the net.
Following this goal, Howard and Jordan entered the fray to put in 2 decent performances and give us a boost when energy levels were flagging.
We did ride our luck a couple of times following this as the swirling wind played havoc with our efforts to clear the ball from set pieces and corners. Indeed we did clear it off the line a couple of times and it was nice to see bodies being flung in front of the ball to protect the win.
The fourth goal came from a lovely left footed cross from Howard. The keeper came barrelling out like a freed IRA terrorist from the Maze Prison front gates but missed the ball and Smudger was able to nod the ball in with the back of his head. Howard then slightly blotted his copy book when he contrived to fall over the ball on the left touchline in a manner I still can’t describe. Arms, legs and feet appeared in a blur has he dumped his own @rse to the floor. It was a good 15 minute cameo from Howard nonetheless with an assist and some decent runs down the line.
This week sees us in Cup action against Parklife B. This was originally going to be the first of a 2 legged cup tie but it has now reverted to a single tie as 5 weeks of the season has disappeared with the weather. This is our cup so we have to win and progress to the next round.
I am on a Stag Do so the Bunman will be taking charge. His number is 07853342115 if you need him on the day.
8 Teams Games
Played Games
Won Games
Drawn Games
Lost Goals
For Goals
Against Goal
Difference Points
FC Lonsdale
6 4 2 0 17 6 +11 14
AFC Maverick
4 4 0 0 14 8 +6 12
Accrington Stanley Bowles
8 3 2 3 17 11 +6 11
Real Northern 'A'
7 3 2 2 15 11 +4 11
Clapham Rovers 'A'
7 3 2 2 12 13 -1 11
Lokomotiv Londres
6 2 0 4 11 15 -4 6
Parklife 'B'
7 1 1 5 7 16 -9 4
London Rhinos
7 1 1 5 15 28 -13 4
Sunday, 09 February 2014 RESULTS
4 2 Clapham Rovers 'A' v Lokomotiv Londres
King's House (Civil Service) SG W4 2RZ
P FC Lonsdale v Accrington Stanley Bowles [ Postponed ]
Wandsworth Park SW15 2PA
P Parklife 'B' v AFC Maverick [ Postponed ]
The Griffin Club 12 Dulwich Village SE21 7AL
Sunday, 16 February 2014 - LEAGUE
FC Lonsdale v AFC Maverick
King's House (Civil Service) SG W4 2RZ
Bert Gaby Challenge Cup
003 Pacific Sporting Jubilee v London Titans [ Round 2 - Second Leg ]
Roehampton Playing Fields SW15 5BW
005 * Wessex Rangers v London Rhinos [ Round 2 - Second Leg ]
Wandsworth Park SW15 2PA
Not playing - Tie awarded to Wessex Rangers
006 Clapham Rovers 'A' v Parklife 'B' [ Round 2 - Second Leg ]
Westminster Schools CR4 1DE
Clapham Rovers Clapham Rovers 4 - 2 Lokomotiv Londres ()