New Star Eaton in Kyle show

New Star were torn to pieces on Sunday as Loco notched seven, and Jyle getting five - in an enjoyable performance at Slades Farm on Sunday.If ever Loco needed to finish the season on a high, we did it on Sunday, as we trounced New Star reserves 7-1 at Slades Farm, with goals from Kyle (5), Keith, and Stu.

It was a hot day, the pitch as hard as Andy Smith’s snowman nose on his designer pants, and Loco took to the field with a very established side, and one that was willing to put in a good performance; both for ourselves, but also for Paul, who has been managing us for numerous seasons now – as he has decided to step up to become chairman, making way for new managerial blood.

So, the story of the first half is that we won it 5-0. Kyle was a monster up front, and generally across the whole pitch the team were playing a good game.

Excellent execution of passes, intelligent running, and often some great killer balls that ensured we would up the goal tally with yet another goal!

Although I’d love to mention each goal one by one, it would be impossible, but I certainly do remember Stu’s goal – not for the expert finish, but moreso for the fact that this time he remembered to do his cradle-rock celebration, only after being reminded by all ten of his team-mates during his celebration.

Keith also got on the score-sheet, notching the ball into the net at the far post, and strolling away with the most nonchalant goal celebration you’ve ever seen.

So that leaves three first half goals for Kyle – all of which were fairly similar – powerful runs, good strength, and then concise finishes into the net, only one of which took a deflection.

Half-time: Ferndown Locomotive 5 – 0 New Star Reserves

The second half saw us slow down a bit really. The heat was getting to us, we changed down a few gears, and saw off the game quite professionally.

Although we wanted to ideally keep a clean sheet, we did concede one goal later on in the game, which was a big shame – however, this came after we had scored another two up their end, so it proved to be a very futile consolation goal for New Star.

The two goals that we did score were all Kyle’s own work, a run a shot from a tight angle, and then a subsequent net bulge – what more can you say when he’s playing like that. Mr Eaton played only a few games for us this season, and ended up top scorer anyway – a class act, and thanks Kyle for coming along on the weekends when you’ve been able to – your goals have proved more than useful!

We did have a few other chances in the half, with Ali and Sam moved up front to what could be created, but by the full time whistle, both sets of players were just burning out – and thankful more than anything that the season had come to an end!

The Loco end of season meal is soon, and I’m sure the side will want to thank Paul in their own way when the time comes to it – two promotions in four season is not a bad record at all – so thanks Paul for all your hard work, and similarly thanks to Tara who has been so bloody lenient throughout the years, for allowing Paul to do plan team-talks at 3am in the morning, put up nets at 6am, and also for being so very patient while Paul was off out managing Scott’s side aswell every Sunday afternoon!

We’ll have a further write up in the forthcoming weeks, however for now, a good team performance, and hopefully a proud way for Paul to sign off….. for the time being.

Final Score: Ferndown Locomotive 7 – 1 New Star Reserves

Super Smith volley not enough

Loco entertained Longs Farm on Thursday night, in an intriguing battle at King George – where Ferndown aimed to overturn the previous 5-0 mauling that was suffered against them.Loco had a team which consisted of Sean in goal; in defence was Mike, Dan, Andy Savage (yes, he returned!), and Luke. In midfield was Andy, Sam, Keith and Ali. This left Bomber and Kyle up front for the home side. Chris was on the bench – but oh boy did he make an impression…

Loco played some really good football on our home pitch at times, against a very polished Longs side. With a strong midfield, we were chasing balls down and really putting our weight into a lot of the challenges. Our defence was strong, and Salva was on hand to produced wonder save after wonder save when required.
Luke, who had been doing a stirling job at left back, came off injured early on into the game – well that’s what he told the bird that was watching him anyway. The ACTUAL reason was that Paul turned up late, he thought it was the second half, so decided to pull Luke off in order to give Chris his usual five minute run out – only instead of having 5 minutes he had 65 minutes…

The first half was generally bitty, with not a great deal going on. The home side managed to produce a number of chances, with Kyle being hot on the heels of the Longs defender at all times, but despite the pace and strength we showed up front, our goal tally didn’t show anything for it.

There was a great deal of pretty football going on though, with Chris combining well with the midfield at times, and firing in a couple of good crosses – and similarly Keith was too manufacturing a number of passes, which could have resulted in goals for the home side, but it wasn’t to be.

So the first half came and went, Luke had a shower, and along came the second half…

Half-time: Ferndown Locomotive 0 – 0 Longs Farm

After half-time, Loco went 1-0 down - which was unfortunate considering our play deserved a reversal of that score-line, however it was a swift move and sharp shot that put the away side in front, much to the depair of our fan on the touchline.

Some may have said that Paul’s decision to bring Luke off was a mistake, but, in hindsight, it proved to be a sublime move, as it was Chris who notched Loco’s first goal of the night - and the equaliser, as some great work from the right side from Kyle, enabled the ball to be squared right across, and Chris was on hand at the far post to guide the ball into the net – a challenging finish if ever there was one.

As the game progressed, Loco continued to play some good football, and this resulted in another goal for the home side, with Mr Smith getting it. The ball was pinging around the box for an eternity, before it landed on the left foot of our talismanic midfielder on the edge of the box, and he took one touch tro guide it over onto his right, and then he produced a volley of the highest order, which nestled nicely in the left side of the net past the diving keeper. 2-1 to Loco. (Is that alright Andy?)

However, like a dodgy cook on Masterchef, the finished product was slightly spoiled when Longs Farm grabbed a late offside winner on 85 minutes – a goal which should never had stood, but one nonetheless that gave Loco just the one point instead of all three.

So, another point in the bag – relegation certainly not an option, and one more league game to go in this seasons very turbulent campaign!

Final Score: Ferndown Locomotive 2- 2 Longs Farm

Loco make it a Longs night

Locomotive played Longs Farm on Sunday at Ferndown in a game that could have proved crucial in the relegation run-in.With the departure of defender Andy Savage, Loco put together a side which had a good deal of experience on the field, however despite the number of decent players we had – we weren’t strong enough to compete with a very young and reasonable talented Longs Farm side.

In the first half, after holding firm for a great deal of time, loco eventually conceded a soft goal so that it was 1-0 to the opposition. Rather than galvanise though, like Loco often do, the goal only seemed to shake our confidence, as we then moments later gave away another goal, as their striker ran through and clipped it home from close range, making it 2-0.

Unfortunately, our team just really couldn’t manage to hold the ball up and play football at all. It was one of those days were touches were poor, effort was low, and the general belief wasn’t there. As much as the Ali up-front, and Keith in midfield, tried to encourage the whole team to step up a gear – nothing was coming off, and it was epitomised when Longs got a third just before half-time.

Half-time: Longs Farm 3 – 0 Ferndown Locomotive

The second half was much of a muchness really. Although Loco stepped it up towards the end of the game, it really wasn’t enough, especially as the home side notched another two goals on 55 and 62 minutes respectively.

Ali produced a good effort on goal when a sturdy drive down the right side of the pitch gave him an opportunity to fire the ball in, however it ran wide of the post.

Later, Sam was moved up-front from his previous left-midfield position, but with little time on the clock remaining, there was little he or Loco could do to salvage any pride from this already lost fixture!

As the final whistle blew, eleven very dejected Locoboys walked off the pitch, in one of those awful games where nothing turns out right, despite some small flickers of hope every now and then. The side however, got together for a drink afterwards and certainly managed to laugh off the defeat, as was instructed by manager Paul – and with a few games remaining in the league campaign, all eyes were centred wholly on making sure we finished the season with some points in the bag.

Final Score: Longs Farm 5 – 0 Ferndown Locomotive

TX win despite Stu wonder-goal

Locomotive entertained TX United on Sunday at King George, in a fixture which was looked upon as being very important for both Ferndown sides, with local pride at stake.

The home side had a very solid team available for this fixture, despite the loss of losing Ali to Mothers Day. Therefore, we started with Sean in goal, with a defensive four consisting of Mike, Stu, Andy Savage, and Lefty. Across the midfield was Keith, Andy Smith, Bomber, and Sam. This left Paul Cashmore and Rob “The Bradshaw” Mawdsley up front. Kenny “Kenzi” Mersh and Chris were on the bench.

The first twenty minutes saw Loco playing some of the best football we’ve seen for a long time. Really simple stuff at times, but we were creating numerous openings, with Kenny being involved in most of them. The whole side were stubbing out any threats from TX, and we made them look extremely ordinary at times.

Therefore it was extremely justified when Loco took the lead, and the goal itself came from a surprise source – as it was Mr Bramley the scored it. Not known for his antics up front, Stu got the ball to his feet in the oppositions half, and proceeded to run forward, taking a swipe at the ball, which cannoned into one of the TX defenders. Bramley however, not intent with his first effort, then managed to latch on to the ball and placed a sweet right footed lob towards the top left corner of the goal, which eventually went in off the post – a cracking goal from 20 yards, and a great start for Loco.

Stu, has been wanting to celebrate any Loco goals he scores by reflecting the birth of his and Helen’s baby Freddie, with the classic cradle rock. Sure enough though, with the excitement of hitting the back of the net, the Loco stalwart gave a manly roar, before proceeding to forget to do it… honestly.

At 1-0, Loco really should have scored more – indeed, we should have had another two goals in the following ten minutes. One attack saw some great work from Rob, who squared the ball to Keith, who just couldn’t get his shot properly on goal, which allowed the keeper to save the ball on the line.

Some good football was being played across the park for the home team, and most of the threats posed by the TX side were being quashed by some resilient defending, and some solid midfield work by Bomber and Andy. On the widths, Keith was getting a lot of joy on the ball, whereas Sam was marking their nippy little number 6 – never again…!

On thirty minutes, the away team equalised to make it 1-1, after an attack down the right saw their midfielder cut in, and pout a nice through-ball onto their striker, who just touched the ball the other side of Sean as he approached him, and it rolled slowly but surely into the net to make it level.

Then, five minutes later, it was 2-1 to TX, as a penalty was awarded, after Westy was judged to have brought down a TX forward. The TX keeper was the man to take the kick, and he scored on his second attempt, after the first spot kick saw a player encroach into the box. Sean went close with the save, however it squirmed under his body and into the net.

Soon after two, became three, and Loco looked to be falling from grace in a style that has been synonymous with this season. However, in amongst the goals, there were some sparks of light from Loco, with some decent football, a bit more aggression, and nice touches, so even though we were two goals down, the second half was eagerly anticipated.

Half-time: Ferndwn Locomotive 1 – 3 TX United

In the second half, Loco played some better football as the game progressed. TX did manage to score two goals, and we were even down to ten men in some periods of the game, however, there were will some positives to come out of the fixture.

Andy Smith, who had a couple of decent efforts in the first half, was allowed a bit more space in the middle of the park, and he was spreading the ball out well – and indeed one of his contributions nearly created an opening for Loco, when he played it wide, and Sam fired a ball across onto his feet, but he couldn’t quite latch on to it.

Elsewhere, we were looking strong at the back, despite having ten men – and we even posed a few threats on goal – but it was TX who took the spoils for the second 45.

Chris was introduced late on into the game in order to put some silk into midfield, and although he got many touches of the ball, he didn’t quite manage to produce the spark required for a Loco fightback.

At full-time Loco walked off the pitch, perhaps disconsolate after a score-line which flattered the away side to say the least – however with heads held up high, because, with the nucleus of the side3 we have at the moment – things again will be looking positive for next season. Team spirit is improving, more nights out are planned, and this is conveyed (in parts) on the pitch – where there is often some great stuff going on.

Final Score: Ferndown Locomotive 1 – 5 TX United

Penalty kick gives Mazars 3pts

Loco were at home on Sunday against Mazars. Although the visiting team got the better of Loco in the reverse fixture, the Ferndown side were looking to correct that today…

It was great to Sean returning to the team today, making his 110th performance
for the side. As discussed earlier on this season, Sam decided to give up the
captain’s armband in favour of Sean taking it on – and it was very
pleasing to see the Loco stalwart back as skipper of the team that helped to
start. The banter in the changing room before the game was back to its best,
with Salva larking around as usual – and as ever, the long haired Italian
was named as goalie. Elsewhere, in defence we had Stu, Andy Savage, Mike and
Luke. In midfield we had Keith on the right, the two Smiths Dan and Andy in
the middle of the park, with Sam out on the left. This left a strike force of
Ali and Lee. On the bench Loco had Chris, Westy and Bomber.

The pitch at King George was in excellent nick after the previous boggy excuse
of a ground during the Lectus game, so it was one was saw some really good football
being played. The first 45 minutes went relatively well. Loco did some good
things on the pitch, and Andy Smith was inspirational in his new centre midfield
position. Elsewhere, Keith was a motor, and did really well on the right wing.

We really managed to keep the away side out of the game, and they really only
managed to manufacture one chance on goal, which came half way through the first
period, however Sean was on hand to produce another of his wonder-saves –
a tremendous achievement considering the ball was seemingly destined to hit
the back of the net as soon as it left the boot of the Mazars striker.

Loco indeed managed to forge a number of shots on goal, the first of which
came when Keith powered down the right wing and fired in a great ball, which
was met by Sam’s left boot at the far post, however his shot found the
side netting.

Then moments later, Ali was quick to react when he managed to carve out an
opportunity on goal, which only narrowly bounced wide of the target –
a very unlucky chance, but one which gave a lot of confidence to the side as
they walked off the pitch.

Half-time: Ferndown Locomotive 0 – 0 Mazars

The second half was very much a 50/50 affair, however Mazars started to step
it up a bit, with their centre-midfielder being excellent, and winning nearly
every ball in the air against the Loco midfield.

Our defence stayed solid throughout, with Savage, Stu, Luke and Mike being
excellent examples, and in midfield, we managed to keep the Mazars threats to
a minimum. We all tried to feed the ball as much as we could to Ali and lee,
however the strikers were not getting the service they deserved after all their
battling up the top of the park.

Therefore it was unfortunate when Loco conceded a penalty. Mazars had a counter-attack,
and the ball eventually fell to their striker who was running on goal, and after
a bit of defensive confusion, Sean took on the responsibility of winning the
ball back of the striker, how as he attempted to do so, he grabbed the leg of
the quick forward and he went down, leaving Ian Stone little choice in awarding
the spot kick to the away side.

At this point it is worth mentioning that the Mazars striker who went down
was badly injured, and he got carried off the pitch. We’ve had emailed
from Graham from Mazars, who has told us that after this incident, he is likely
to be out for up to 6 weeks, as his ankle took a right old knock when he fell
– so hopefully he’ll make a quick recovery.

So, eventually it came down to the spot kick, and it was the Mazars midfielder
that took it, and he dispatched it superbly, giving Sean no chance, firing it
to the left of the Loco Number 1 – a really good penalty.

In the remainder of the game, Paul brought on Chris, Westy, and the Bomber.
It was hoped that these three would be able to put a park into the remaining
minutes, and it seemed to pay off, as loco retained a lot of the possession,
and managed to forge a few shots on goal, with Ali going very close from the
right side, and Andy Smith getting in amongst the action. Keith too, was instrumental,
and Andy Savage got forward at every opportunity.

Unfortunately for Loco, it just wasn’t to be, and we ended up losing
the game – however there was a lot out there that was very positive. As
it’s been said a million times before, this season is one of transition
for Loco. Obviously, there are teams out there who can get in 20 new players
and win a league in a heartbeat, but that isn’t what Loco is about. Commitment
is essential. We’ve got a number of long-standing players now within this
side, and added to that, with the new crop of lads that have come in this season,
we’ve got more dedicated players who look like the want to be part of
the club next season. It’s been frustrating during this particular club
transition (possibly more than any other!), but it is one that might well yield
success next season.

Final Score: Ferndown Locomotive 0 – 1 Mazars.

Mazars churn out 4-1 win

On Sunday, Loco took to the smaller (and very boggy) pitch at Heathlands to take on Mazars. Despite taking the lead through Rob Mawdsley, we fell to a 4-1 defeat.Loco lined up with Mike in goal, with Luke, Lee, Cash and Stu across the back. In midfield was Ali, Sam, Andy Savage and Andy Smith - and this left Rob and Bomber up front, making a welcome return for the Loco. Chris and Kyle were on the bench.

The game started well for Loco. In difficult conditions were managed to start quite positively, so much so, within five minutes of the fixture we took the lead, with Rob Mawdsley netting the goal, after some great work from Bomber up front.

Indeed, Bomber and Andy were proving a handful throughout the match, both of them getting some early shots on goal. Elsewhere on the pitch, Ali was particularly strong again in the middle of the park, and the Loco defence was very water-tight.

The lead for the away side lasted for about ten minutes before it was lost, when a quick break away from the home side resulted in a good through ball being played to their on-running striker, who met Mike and slipped it to his right into the left side of the net to make it level. Ferndown were playing with the wind in the first 45, so it was a shame we didn’t make more of this advantage. Although the pitch was cutting up nearly everywhere, we somehow managed to stick to our guns, and despite the talented opposition, we weren’t over-roared, and could have even taken the lead - however the chances didn’t quite fall for us, and we ended up leaving the field level.

Mazars 1 - 1 Ferndown Locomotive

The second half was incredibly decisive, especially the first 20 minutes of the half, where we conceded three quick goals. A near post header, a break away and shot on goal, and then another well executed finish - all three strikes were very good, however once again, they could have been prevented.

Rather than completely capitulating last the week before, Loco seemed to galvanise on 70 minutes, when Chris and kyle were introduced - and we had a great spell of possession, including some corners and a few shots on goal. The confidence really flowed through the team, and it was a good way to finish a game, despite the scoreline.

With the final score being 4-1, there were many dejected Loco players walking off the pitch, however one thing I’ve come to realise for every good time with this club, there is a bad time - this is the bad time!

There’s plenty that will be done between now and the start of next season to rebuild and get the squad we need to take us onwards and upwards. However, getting these niggles sorted now will help us be a very decent outfit next season, where we can really push for a strong league finish.

Final Score: Mazars 4 - 1 Ferndown Locomotive

Savage nets in Bransgore shock

Loco capitulated against village side Bransgore on Sunday, as they tonked us 7-1, maintaining their mid-table league form, Andy Savage netting for Loco.Ferndown Locomotive were once again thread-bare for this fixture, with many key players out. We started with Mike in goal, with Stu at right back. Simon Candy and Cash were among the central defenders, and Luke Mellor was at right back. Across the midfield we had Andy Smith, Sam Davis, Andy Savage and Dan Smith, and this left Dave Hutchins and Ali Carmichael up front. Will was a very injured linesman, so he took a place on the substitutes bench.

The away side started reasonably well in this fixture, however from the off it was looking to be a very difficult fixture on a pitch which was extremely boggy in places. Bransgore were a strong outfit, and a good footballing side - the only shame was that they couldn’t win the fixture professionally, unfortunately resorting to ridiculous insults every two minutes. It got a tad boring after a while, but being village folk, this Sunday was probably the highlight of the community - so, we can let them off.

On the pitch, Loco really didn’t get much luck - we had a few counter attacks, and even a few wayward shots, including Andy Savage and Ali Carmichael having decent efforts on goal, however they didn’t find the net. Sam on the left managed to have one decent run, Andy on the right was getting heavily involved, mixing well with Dave on the right touchline - but unfortunately it was having no effect, due to the home side being very strong in all areas of the pitch.

One of their definite strengths was counter-attacking - and they did this on several times, with Mike Brannan and the Loco defence coming to the rescue to keep the scoreline goalless.

The half finished with a couple of very subdued teams walking off the pitch, however, for the average villager, the bore-draw that they witnessed in the first 45 was nothing compared to what they would see moments later.

Half-time: AFC Bransgore 0 - 0 Ferndown Locomotive

The second half started well for Loco, as we managed to get a bit more of the ball in the first ten minutes, and Luke’s hangover was being proudly shaken off with some classic touches on the left touchline. Indeed, it was his involvement that led to Loco taking the lead, when a ball was played through to the feet of Ali, who looked up and saw Savage making a diagonal run into the box. Ali flicked the ball into his path, and Andy, from a tight angle, lobbed the keeper to nicely see the ball settle in the top-right hand corner of the goal. A great start.

Loco kept the scores level for another ten minutes, surviving a few close shaves at the back - but the capitulation started on 60 minutes, in what was the beginning of a very tawdry thirty minutes in the history of Ferndown Locomotive.

Firstly, we conceded a free-kick in our own half, and the resulting set-piece saw a good right footed cross go straight onto the head of the grateful Bransgore striker, who nodded in past Mike in goal - who could do little about it.

Then five minutes later it became two, when the home side got a corner, and it wasn’t cleared, and their midfield turned to fire in a right footed strike into the right side of the net - a really good solid strike.

So, with 20 minutes remaining, Loco needed to claw their way back, and although we managed to get one whole shot in during this period, it couldn’t match the five shots that the home side had, all of which, by any stretch of the imagination were pot-shots… but all of which went in the back of the net. Tpical. Some of them were really good goals too.

Most of them however resulted from errors… Sam lost the ball in the middle of the park, Stu lost his footing on the dodgy ground, Cash too got done by their pacy striker - it was just one of those extremely farcial games that everything we touched turned into shit. I even had a shower after the game and my skin came off due to the water temperature being 1000 degrees.

So, forgetting that result, it is time for Loco to move on. Initial thoughts in 2007 seemed to suggest that with the squad we’ve got, we can really push for a strong finish - however it looks like it’s going to have to be a couple of months of consolidation - building on our strengths that we have found during the season.

Even during the first of Loco’s two promotional seasons, we somehow lost one of the fixtures 8-3 at New Milton, which many of the Loco old-timers, including our Aussie friend Rob Frank, will remember fondly. So, matches like this, although they’re awful and gutting, sometimes just have to be put down to “the way it goes”.

Needless to say, on Sunday, go our way it didn’t.

Final Score: AFC Bransgore 7 (Seven) - 1 Ferndown Locomotive

Ali double doesn’t stop Lectus

Ali Carmichael scored his third goal in two games on Sunday as Loco put in a brave performance against title contenders Lectus, but the result wasn’t to be…Locomotive were desperately unlucky not emerge with any points on Sunday on a horrendous surface at home to Lectus, which was muddier than a pissing down Glastonbury.

The home side began the game with a 4-5-1 formation, featuring Mike in goal. Across the back we had Dan, Cash, Will, and Luke (Stu was out due “cutting his finger” – honestly…). In midfield was Sam, Andy Smith, Andy Savage, Chris Brown, and Keith – leaving Ali Carmichael as a solitary player up front. On the bench we had Lee, and Matt – who was a welcome addition (brought along by Keith).

Well, the first twenty minutes was awesome. For a crap pitch we played some stunning football, and it was pretty justified when Loco took the lead, and it was a piece of individual brilliance from Ali that did it, who found himself some space on the left side of the penalty area after dodging a defensive challenge, and he looked up to see the keeper off the line – only to fire a beautiful crafted chip into the top of the net via the crossbar. A great start, and an accomplished finish, which Ali couldn’t help to tell everyone, by shouting “f**king brilliant”. 1-0 Loco.

The striker was nearly on score-sheet five minutes later, when the ball emerged on to the left wing where Chris Brown crossed to the far post where Ali could only get the angle to head over the bar.

It was fair to say that Loco were dominating possession, and with Andy Savage and Keith Jackson doing the business in the middle of the pitch, we really weren’t letting Lectus have any opportunities at all. The defensive four stood firm throughout, and with Sam and Andy trying to give some width every so often – the game often went in the home teams’ favour. Indeed, Sam had a couple of runs down the left side of the pitch, both resulting in corners after good saves from the Lectus goalkeeper.

Other good chances came about for Loco with Andy Smith managing to fire some shots in on goal after cutting in from the left, however we couldn’t score any more goals – which was a shame considering what occurred in the last 5 minutes of the half, when a defensive lapse let a Lectus striker in on goal, and he managed to coolly slot home past an otherwise unbeatable Mike Brannan.

Half-time: Ferndown Locomotive 1 – 1 Lectus

In the second half, the pitch got worse, and at times it was incredibly difficult to keep our feet – but even still, we just about coped. Lectus on the other hand, lost their rag, and at one point there was a flash-point between one of their players and the ref, and this only resulted in the midfielder being shown the red card.

So, with Loco having a man advantage, many would think that the game would get easier, however it was completely the opposite, and Lectus really started to play some good football. Running the game, the away midfielders were producing some quality chances for their strikers, but Mike Brannan was on hand with some excellent stops.

However, no-one could stop the inevitable – and on 65 minutes Loco conceded, when a move on the right hand side ended up in a decent cross, which was then planted into the net at the far post to make it 2-1. Bugger.

But, never fear, when you’ve got Ali up front – things happen, and within literally 30 seconds we were level, as Ali capitalised on a defensive lapse, and then spotted the Lectus keeper off his line, and he lobbed the ball over the goalie from about 30 yards to make it 2-2!

On 75 minutes though, Lectus regained the eventual decisive advantage, with a goal that was similar to their second, and this made it 3-2 - which very saddening really, considering this game was definitely a winnable one, whether or not they had ten men.

Although we huffed and puffed in the last moments of the game, including having a number of corners, and bringing on Lee and Matt – we never managed to score that much coveted equaliser, and we strolled off the pitch losing our first game 2007. There were some positive signs throughout the game though, and if these are taken on into the remainder of the season, Loco will undoubtedly secure a mid-table finish.

Final Score: Ferndown Locomotive 2 – 3 Lectus

Ali grabs last gasp winner

Loco continued 2007 in positive shape on Sunday with a 3-2 win against league strugglers Fernside Sports at King George, with Ali Carmichael grabbing the last minute winner.Loco began the game without the mighty Sean in goal, who has been living it up in Australia with Loco reject Rob Frank and family. Therefore Mike deputised in goal, with a defence in front of him consisting of Stu, Cash, Will and Luke. In midfield Loco boasted Sam, Ali, Andy Savage, and Chris Brown; leaving Simon Candy and Rob Mawdsley up front. Dave was Loco’s only substitute for this game.

The first half was a very mixed performance from the home side, however under the guidance of Cash, we managed to improve as the half progressed. Much of the game was being played down the boggy left side of the pitch, and although not many chances developed, Loco were fully in control, and didn’t look likely to concede, especially with Cash and Will being rocks at the back.

Simon was proving useful up-front, with some silky turns and good movement on the ball, however, even with his presence at the top of the pitch, Loco didn’t manage to make any in-roads.

We did manage to get some shots in though, with Rob having a good chance when getting put through, however he could only put his shot into the keeper, and similarly Andy Savage had a few long range efforts which went slightly astray.

Elsewhere on the pitch, Ali and Cash were managing to get on the ball frequently, and were constantly harassing the Fernside defence, and although the former managed to get a shot away, the team in red didn’t manage to score a goal.

So it became all the more disappointing that Locomotive went off the pitch 1-0 down, as, ten minutes from time, Fernside managed to break quickly and notch a goal against the run of play. We certainly felt annoyed at conceding a goal, however this isn’t to say that the away side were being over-roared in the game either, as they weren’t – but it was one of those first halves which really should have been one of those bore-draw 0-0 scorelines.

Half-time: Ferndown Locomotive 0 – 1 Fernside Sports

The second half saw a much improved Loco take to the pitch and claw things back within five minutes. The chance developed when we were awarded a free-kick on the edge of the area when Rob was felled, and it was decided (after Cash’s recent out-step in-step debacle) that Simon would take the kick – and his firm low shot managed to creep into the goal via the odd deflection – but they all count. Loco were level.

Then, a few dodgy (and non-dodgy) off-side decisions later, Ferndown made it 2-1. It came after Sam went on a run from the right wing and cut inside, only to lose it… but the ball then ended up in amongst the Loco midfield, who then managed to dispatch it to the feet of Rob, who broke the off-side trap, to collect the ball, turn, and drill the ball low into the bottom right corner of the net to make it 2-1. Great goal.

So with this, the game should have been killed off. Loco looked completely re-invigorated and it seemed like we would go on to get many more, however a momentary lapse in concentration let Fernside go on the attack down the right wing, where their striker managed to cut in, and fire a low shot across goal and into the bottom left hand side of the hand past a diving Mike Brannan.

Dave replaced Luke later in the half, and Dave really managed to put together some great link up play. Elsewhere on the pitch, Savage, Ali, and Stu saw plenty of the ball, and Will and Cash were strong at the back – however, for all the possession we had in the final ten minutes, it wasn’t looking likely that we would get the winner, especially with Will seemingly getting injured every 5 minutes.

So with 30 seconds left on the clock, Loco simply mullered the ball forward, and after a bit of a pinball in the middle, the ball ended up at the feet of Rob, who, from the left apex of the penalty area, touched the ball inside to open up a shot on his right foot, and he curled an effort towards the far post, but the Fernside keeper parried…

…but then, out of nowhere, strode Ali Carmichael – who managed to prevent the ball going out of play, and instead he wrapped his foot around the ball to fire a low shot under the Fernside keeper into the net, much to the delight of everyone on the pitch, especially Sam, who shamefully planted a smacker on the Loco secretary’s cheek.

The whistle blew moments after, and although it wasn’t a classic Loco performance, it was a win, and one which was definitely required, Well done lads, it wasn’t pretty – but we stuck in.

Final Score: Ferndown Locomotive 3 – 2 Fernside Sports

Magpies Eaton by Kyle hattrick

Kyle returned to the side on Sunday to put in yet another goal-scoring show, to see Loco move further away from the drop zone, in a professional 3-0 win vs Magpies at Heathlands.Locomotive started at Heathlands with a very strong line up consisting of Salva in goal. Across the back was a dependable defence of Stu, Simon, Luke and Cash. Then in midfield was Sam on the left, Andy on the right, with Ali and Andy Savage in the middle. This left Rob and Kyle up front. On the bench was Mike, Chris, and Dan.

To be honest, Loco were in control throughout the game, and there was never a point where I feared we would go behind. Playing against the wind in the first half, the ball held up for us well, and we were playing some reasonable football on a very tricky surface. We were having success on both the right and left side of the pitch, with Andy Smith particularly doing well.

At the back, the defence and Salva didn’t have a great deal to do, but when they were called on, they were very strong in the tackle, and the distribution to midfielders was excellent - showing how we can really do so well if we build from the back.

Given the possession, you’d think we’d get a few shots on target, however the reality is that we didn’t - apart from an 85 yard Paul Cashmore effort! Ali had a number of shots from distance, as did Andy Savage, however they drifted wide of the target. Sam also had a turn and shot which he dragged wide of the post.

So, although there was no break-through, the first half was relatively pleasing. Luke fared pretty well at left-back with some deft touches, and Simon showed no signs of labour. Up-front, although both Kyle and Rob scratched and scrabbled, there were no clear efforts, so we strolled off goal-less.

Half-time: Magpies 0 - 0 Ferndown Locomotive

The second half was much better for Loco, with three pretty quick goals settling the game. The first came after Ali set Sam free on the left, and he cut a ball in to Rob, who slightly mis-connected with his left boot, and the ball drifted up over the keepers head onto the bar, straight into the path of Kyle Eaton, who gratefully nodded into an empty net.

Moments later it was two, as Kyle was first to react when an under-hit backpass from a Magpies defender allowed him to intercept and hit the ball sweetly first-time with the inside of his right boot, curling quite brilliantly into the lower right corner of the net. Loco 2-0 up.

A bit of time elapsed before the third goal, but once again it was Mr Eaton who dispatched it from close range after the ball was cut in from the left side of the pitch. 3-0 - a convincing lead, and one we didn’t want to scupper.

Substitutions during the half consisted of the introduction of Dan into the midfield, Mikey coming into defence, and Chris adopting a centre-midfield position - and all of them played their part in finishing off what was a solid performance.

Other efforts on goal in the second 45 came from messers Savage, Cash with a free-kick, Ali with a net bound effort (the net behind the pitch that is), and Kyle with a few teasers for good measure.

In all, we could have got more, but towards the end we were happy just to cruise off with three goals in the bag, and no injuries to boot - and another good win in our quest to have an unbeaten January.

Final Score: Magpies 0 - 3 Ferndown Locomotive

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