Loco go out to Division One New Star

Ferndown was the venue on Sunday as Locomotive played New Star in the second round of the In-Excess Cup at King George.  New Star were a Division One side, and they have been a very good Premier League outfit in the past, so it was always going to be an interesting match, as it was to give manager Paul Cashmore a good indication on how the team is doing as a whole.

Loco’s team started with the amazing deputee Dan Carr in goal.  Our defence consisted of Neil Dall, Mat Robinson, Chris Hopkins, and Jimmy Redford.  In midfield Loco sported Sam Davis, Dave, Kyle, and Wacko Jacko.  This left a striking partnershp of James Clease and Rik Watkins.  Up front was a strong bench of Andy, Ali, Jonny.

Playing a Division One team was always going to be tough, but Loco were up to the challenge from the off, some some excellent passing play and some equally strong tackles.  New Star were a strong side with a lot of good platers, but every chance they got was stunted by a very willing back four - Jimmy particularly impressing.

Loco took the lead in this fixture, with Rik Watkins being the goal scorer, after 20 minutes - a sweet finish from close range - a deserving lead for the Division Three side.

Loco sat back on this lead a bit, and although we gained the odd bit of possession, the oncoming waves of pressure from our opponents was at time overwhelming - Dan in goal was really sturdy, and he was pulling some excellent saves out of the bag, and was doing well to keep Loco’s lead intact.

Despite his solidness, the New Star side did manage to claw back an equaliser on 40 minutes, as a vicious shot came in, and although Dan did well to aprry the ball, their nippy striker came in and finished it from close range to make it 1-1.

Half time: Ferndown Locomotive 1 - 1 New Star Reserves

In the second half, all three Loco subs were utilised - and each had a good effect on the game, with Ali particularly doing well on the left flank, replacing Sam.  He managed to send over a couple of decent crosses during the second 45 mintue period, however ultimately, they did not result in anything for the home side.

Other chances evolved for Hainsey and Watkins as the game progressed, but as New Star held on, it seemed they had something left in their locker - and they certainly pulled it out of the bag on 75 minutes, when they managed to take the lead to make it 2-1.

So with ten minutes to go Ferndown were pressing the New Star goal like crazy, aiming to get that goal that would take the tie into extra time, however it simply didn’t come.  Although the wind and the momentum was with the team in red and black, the number of minutes on the clock didn’t look favourable - and before we knew it, the ref blew the full time whistle and Loco were unceremoniously dumped out of the cup, much to the disappointment of all the players and touchline supporters.

Still, we had some great moments in this game, and it would be hoped that this kind of form would translate into the forthcoming league games, where we really would like to make a positive start.  Unlucky Loco.

Final Score: Ferndown Locomotive 1 - 2 New Star Reserves