Hollies don’t prick the Loco

Mellor netted on Sunday in a convincing 4-1 win against Hollies at King George, with the other goals coming from Jonny Haines (2) and Sam Davis.King George was a very boggy King George on Sunday, however the drainage was more than good enough for the game to be on, and it was a game where Loco wanted to use to try to get the league campaign back together again after last weeks draw with Verwood.

Loco had Kris Legg in goal, with a defnce of Mat Robinson, Luke Mellor and Simon Candy. This meant we had a centre midfield of Sam and Andy, with Bolty and Brown on either flank, and Paul Cashmore playing just behind. Sean and Jonny were the up front dream duo. On the bench we had a strong foursome of James Clease, Webby, Hopkins, and Kirk Eaton!

“Now that it’s raining more than ever, know that we will have each other, you can stand under my Lukey Mellor, you can stand under my Lukey Mellor, Mellor, Mellor…”

Yes, he scored.

The Loco left back, who is probably the most consistent player for Loco since Bomber, scored a wonder goal from 35 yards into the top left corner of the net. Had he not been insanely pissed we’d have probably thought he meant it… as it stands, all of us knew it was a cross that went wrong. However, it was a good goal for the lad, and testament to one of the best kickers in our football team. Nice one Luke, 1-0!

The away side didn’t really get out of the blocks early on, and Loco used their pace and general prowess to take a quick lead, so with Luke’s goal on 10 minutes, and another goal on 17 minutes, the red and blacks were 2-0 up, comfortable, and looking to net more…

The aforementioned second goal came from Jonny Haines, after an incisive through ball but the striker in on goal, and as he approached the keeper, he dipped, rounded him, and left-pegged it into an empty net to make his tally ten for the season.

The remaining 15 minutes of the first half saw Loco with a few chances to score again, with a superb one two with Sam and Jonny giving Davis the chance to score, but as he approached the keeper he played it low into his feet, instead of taking the probably easier Haines route, and netting by rounding the Hollies number one.

Elsewhere, general shots and possession was good, but then we started to lose it a bit, and the away side then quite deservedly netted to make it 2-1, after shot from close range went in – with Mat Robinson trying to save it, but failing.

Half-time: Ferndown Locomotive 2 – 1 Hollies

The second half saw Loco really assert their dominance in the fixture, and we could have scored about six in this half alone, however it just wanted happening for us. We did net two though, one from Jonny Haines and the other through Sam Davis.

As the pitch bogged up, we managed to keep our feet and at times we played some pretty decent football – however it was always quite a tussle, so we didn’t push on and net as many goals as we should have.

Jonny’s goal was Jonny-esque, and Sam’s goal was a close range shot after Jonny got skillfully hit in the face at full throttle!

Elsewhere in the half, the midfield was really strong, with Sam and Andy getting quite a lot of joy in the midfdle of the park. Bolty and Chris on either side had strong games, and at the back, Mat, Simon and Luke were very resilient, and often played the ball out rather than “hoof it”!

Up front, Sean and Salva did the business for us – with the latter being unlucky not to score. Clease, Webb and Hopkins all came on in the latter stages of the half to good effect – three excellent players,. Which truly shows off the strength of depth we have with this squad, when everyone is available.

A good win for Loco, and one which we can take on into the next fixture…

Final Score: Ferndown Locomotive 4 – 1 Hollies United

Loco keep on track with draw

Jonny scored a brace at Potterne Park on Sunday against AFC Verwood, as Loco maintained their unbeaten run with a deserved draw with our fellow promotion contenders.The conditions were relatively good on the flat, once frosty pitch, and by half ten the pitch was perfect for an entertaining game of football – and, we got it.

Kris was in goal for this fixture, with a defence consisting of Jimmy Redford, Luke Mellor, and Simon Candy. This left a midfield five of Andy, Sam, Kirk, Chris Hopkins, and Paul Cashmore. Jonny and Sean were up front, meaning the bench consisted of Matt Webb, James Bolt and James Clease – all of whom played a vital part in this fixture.

Loco found it very difficult to get into this game, and some of our passing at times was atrocious. Movement was poor, and we were slinging it up the pitch, getting scant reward. So it was only just when Verwood took the lead… and it was through a wicked bounce from a long shot, which deceived Kris in goal.

Loco however used the rest of the second half to assert their territorial dominance on the fellow promotion contenders, by keeping the ball in their half. We really could and should have notched a couple of goals, however we couldn’t quite get it together. Verwood on the other hand, on the few times they did break our defence, looked pretty mean. So, given the fortune with their first goal, the half-time score really should have been 0-0 – but with the home side a goal to the good, there was enough confidence within the Loco ranks to rescue the fixture.

Half-time: AFC Verwood 1 – 0 Ferndown Locomotive

The second half was a little better for Loco, but we had to work hard to gain the rewards. Often, we had to work too hard, as we made it extremely difficult for ourselves at times – with the shape being pretty poor, and the general movement not being good.

Kris was solid in the Ferndown goal, and the Loco defence looked pretty sharp, with Jimmy Redford taking every opportunity to come forward any time he got the ball. Mellor, too, was sturdy, and Simon’s trusty left foot saw a few last ditch tackles and clearances.

The midfield was where the game was being won and lost, and with changes on the pitch being made with the two James’s and Webby coming on for Kirk, Andy, and Sean - Loco wanted to try to get some momentum going in a fixture that was really starting to slip away from us. There was little in the way of cohesion, and if anyone, Verwood looked like they would be the next team to get on the scoresheet, but thankfully, it wasn’t…

On 68 minutes, Loco gained the ball back, and a consise through ball from Cash found Jonny Haines running towards goa, and with the ball bouncing by his side, the nippy striker managed to latch on to the ball and hook it into the back of the net to make it level – a much needed equalizer!

However, the new-found confidence that ran through the Loco side caused a bit of havoc, with our shape going AWOL, and two goals being conceded to boot… the first from a long-distance free kick which swirled in the wind, and the second being from a corner which was converted by a good header.

So, with 87 minutes gone, Loco’s unbeaten record looked to be over. Cash tried his best by netting from the half way line, but it wasn’t to be. However there was a chink of hope when Loco got a corner, and it was put into the box, and netted by a Verwood defender – with Simon Candy trying to unsuccessfully claim it. 3-2 to Verwood.

Then in the last minute Verwood lost the ball deep into the Loco half, and it was picked up by Sam, who went on a run towards the opposition goal. With defenders backtracking, Davis carried on the run until he saw Jonny free on his left, who coolly slide-ruled the ball home into the corner of the net to make it 3-3, much to the delight of the Loco players.

Unfortunately, we had little time to make it 4-3, and the whistle blew, in a game where we really should have won. We crumbled at times.. and a big improvement is required for the rest of the month, where nothing but winning is essential.

Final Score: AFC Verwood 3 - 3 Ferndown Locomotive

Loco stun Tiegla in 4-1 g-rout

Ferndown Locomotive ended 2007 in style on Sunday with a convincing 4-1 win over fellow promotion contenders Tiegla Tiles at Ferndown Leisure Centre.Locomotive had a bit of a threadbare squad for this game, with numerous players out through injury and work commitments, however we pulled together 13 of the remainders – and gelled to put in a tremendous performance which kept us top of the league.

Loco began the game with Kris in goal, with Cash, Chris Hopkins and Matt Robinson at the back. Andy played just behind the midfield four of Sam, Ali, Kirk, and Rick – and this left Sean and James Clease up front. Chris Brown and Bolty were on the bench.

It took a while for Loco to get into the game in the first half, and we were chasing shadows a lot in the early stages with poor touches, Sam’s dodgy passes into the middle of the park, and a general lack of awareness. That said, the opposition didn’t really pose any threats either, so it was fair to say the majority of the early exchanges were spent in the middle third of the park.

The team in red and black (that’s Loco to the untrained reader), started to get a grip of the game half way through the first 45, and it was rewarded with a goal, when some persistent chasing by Sean saw him meet the goalie by the corner flag (with all the other 20 players on the pitch thinking it was rolling out of play). Sean hassled the keeper and managed to gain possession of the ball, and then a mis-placed clearance found Sean near the goal, and he stuck out a right boot to guide the ball past the keeper into the net from close range. 1-0 to Loco.

It should have been two only moments later, when Rick somehow found the back-lift to bring out a wonder strike from 30 yards, which hit the bar and came back into play, and James Clease managed to be in position for the simple head into goal… but it wasn’t to be as it went over the bar.

Tigela Tiles got back into the game on 35 minutes when they notched an equaliser, and it was merely a long ball over the top which caused some confusion between keeper and defender, and a Tiles striker got in between them and stuck out a foot to see the ball trickle into the net to make it level.

Half-time: Tiegla Tiles 1 -1 Ferndown Locomotive

The second half was much better from the away side, and this was the half where all our pre-season training and fitness work throughout the season came into fruitition.

We took the lead on 50 minutes when loco won a corner, which was swung in, and in amongst the resulting scramble in the box, Rick struck the ball into the net in off a Tiegla defender to make it 2-1.

Then ten minutes later we made it 3-1, when Loco had a really good spell of attack, and the ball found the feet of James Clease who was running away from goal, but he laid it back to Sam, who struck the ball left-footed from 15 yards into the top corner of the net to make it 3-1.

Then, it should have been four… as Sean Barker had the opportunity to convert from the spot after a Loco player was felled in the area, however his spot kick was saved and turned away from the Tiegla keeper, and Barker hung his head in shame. He did try to make up for it with an audacious lob from 25 yards from an extremely tight angle later on, however it went over the bar .

Chris Brown and James Bolt came onto the pitch later in the half, and performed really well for us, with Bolty getting in on the act a couple of times, nearly notching a goal himself. Ali and Kirk were having a great game in the middle of the park, and our defenders, as well as Andy (who was playing just in front of them), were being extremely strong, and rarely gave the ball away.

The fourth goal did come for Loco though, and it was Mr Smith who got it, single handedly ripping the Tiegla defence apart. As he approached goal, everyone willed him to shoot, however instead, he laid the ball to his right to James Bolt, who then pumped in a right footed cross on to the head of Andy, who got down and netted a diving header under the keeper, to make it 4-1.

Loco had other chances to net throughout the half, and really the score-line could have been more convincing, however we were more than pleased with the 4-1 win, which keeps Loco at the top of the league.

On a personal note, I was extremely proud to play in this game. Loco have had some memorable performances over the seasons I’ve played with this team, however I feel that this Sunday saw 13 players come together, and gel tremendously, with some really decent football at times, and a will to succeed and get the three points – so this was in one of my top five games I think. If we can continue this desire into 2008, and if we manage to go unbeaten in January – we WILL win the league. Players need to be available, need to be committed, and come April… you will most definitely be rewarded.

Well done lads.

Final Score: Tiegla Tiles 1 – 4 Ferndown Locomotive

Clease bags two in Loco rout

James Clease scored a brace, and Sean Barker also netted twice on Sunday, as Loco eased past Real Carling for the second time in a fortnight to go top of Division Four.It was a really good performance from Loco in this fixture, was saw us net seven. Although we conceded three goals, they were really quite soft goals, so it’s really not the end of the world. At times, some of the football was really neat – one-touch stuff really setting us apart, and some of the goals too were executed fantastically.

The team the started was: Kris, Stu, Cash, Simon, Matt Webb, Andy, Sam, Ali, James Clease, Sean, and Jonny. Therefore on the bench was Chris Hopkins and James Bolt.

Loco took the lead quite early in this game, with Sean Barker getting the goal - a corner was swung into the box, and after an initial shot was blocked, Sean picked up the loose ball and lashed home to make it 1-0.

The home did equalized though pretty swiftly with quite a well worked goal, started on the left wing, they managed to get to the byline, and their midfielder cut it back onto the foot of their striker, who blazed the ball home to make it level.

Loco pulled into the lead again though five minutes later, after Jonny Haines on the right did some good work which enabled a cross to be put in, and Sean left it (or more like mis-controlled it), and it found Sam on the left apex of the area who struck it left footed into the roof of the net,

At this point the goals just felt as though they were going to continue for the away side, and they certainly did, with Simon Candy netting from close range to make it four on 25 minutes (Sean Barker tried to claim that he notched it, but no one decided to believe him).

James Clease made it four later on in the half, as he managed to earn himself five years, and he placed a low shot forcefully along the ground, and the keeper somehow made a mishap of the save, and the ball ran under him and went into the net – much to the delight of James, who has been a thorn in the side of the Carling side throughout the game.

Half-time: Real Carling 1 – 4 Ferndown Locomotive

The second half was 3-2 to Loco – a close score-line which didn’t really paint the picture of the half.

The two goals we did concede were quite sloppy, with Kris mis-handling for one, and then an extremely quick counter attack which saw a 7 on 4 situation (with the rest of our players up the other end of the pitch arguing over some decision!)

However, without dwelling on the exploits of the home team, sandwiched between these moments of madness was another Loco moment of brilliance, with two other well executed goals which came as dessert to see Loco emerge 7-3 winners.

The first of the three second half Loco goals was that of Jonny Haines, who was given some fantastic service from the right with an excellent cross, and the wee striker jumped above his marker and headed into the goal to make Loco’s tally five!

Sean Barker grabbed the sixth Loco goal – again some great all round player offering the Loco stalwart a chance to slide home the ball into the net, and Salvatori, never one to shy away from hitting the net, made sure he did with style, putting enough pace on the ball, leaving the Carling defender little hope in scrambling it out.

And then it was seven, and it was a great move which saw this happen. The ball started at the back, was played around, was taken down the right, in and out, pass and move, Ali to Cash, Cash to Simon, Simon to Webby… etc – and James Clease got on to the end of it to make it seven.

A good win for Loco, and one which hopefully will put us in good stead for our next tough fixture…

Final Score: Real Carling 1 – 4 Ferndown Locomotive

Jonny downs Carling in 4-1 win

Locomotive beat Real Carling 4-1 at home on Sunday with goals from Jonny Haines (2), one from Sean Barker, and another from Paul Cashmore - keeping the unbeaten league run going.It was a very wet and cold Sunday at King George which saw Locomotive net four goals against a solid Real Carling side. Loco in all realism, could and should have scored more, however the three goal margin by which the side eventually won the fixture was more than justified, with some good football being played in the shocking conditions.

Loco began with Kris in goal; Luke Will and Matt Webb at the back. This put Cash just behind the midfield four of Sam, Ali, Chris Brown and Andy Smith. Up front was Sean Barker and Jonny Haines – meaning our bench consisted of James Bolt and James Clease.

Chris Brown gave Loco a dream start on five minutes, after a sweeping move was capitalised on by the midfielder, who swept the ball home into the net… only to find out later that the goal was ruled out for off-side. Unfortunately for the young blighter.

To compound the misery, it was Carling the netted first as well – a quick counter attack, and then a bit of confusion in the box, followed by a low shot into the corner of the net – typical! The away side were 1-0 up!

But, to be fair, it really wasn’t that long until Loco were right back into the game – indeed we netted three replies in the subsequent 30 minutes, with Ali Carmichael in the mix for the first one. It was his strength on the ball in the box that earned a penalty, as whilst shielding the ball, he was felled by a Carling defender. Sean Barker stepped up to take the spot kick – and well, he delivered yet again with a fantastic strike which gave the keeper no chance.

It was 2-0 moments later, when a fantastic Mellor corner came in, right on to the head of Paul Cashmore, and he thumped the ball home with his head, giving Loco a deserved lead.

As the weather deteriorated, the kicking styles of all players were having to be adapted in this bitter cold and wet, however, the Carling keeper didn’t quite do this – as once of his clearances on 34 minutes only managed to find cheeky chappie Jonny Haines, who netted with aplomb, from quite a distance.

Half-time: Ferndown Locomotive 3 – 1 Real Carling

Loco came out for the second half with the ambition of extending our lead, and extend it we did - as we played some patient football, and then scored the goal of the game when Paul Cashmore fed a concise ball through to Chris Brown, who then twisted and turned to secure a good cross which was met at the far post by Jonny Haines.

At 4-1 to Loco things were looking really good, however we did let the away side into the game a bit at times, but thankfully our side stood up to the task of holding firm.

Nothing else really developed in the last 20 minutes, bar substitutions with Andy and Sam being replaced by Jonny and James - who were extremely strong in their respective positions.

Kris Legg, if you’re reading this and you are thinking that I have forgotten, I DEFINITELY haven’t! This section my friend, is dedicated to you…

Yes Loco readers, our beloved goalkeeper Kris Legg made a massive blunder on Sunday after 70 minutes, and it instantly made him Gimp of the Game as default. The ball was overplayed by the Carling side, and it ran through to Kris, who was a full five yards outside the box, and for some reason (perhaps he was thinking of the Hot Chocolate he was about to have at the Nightjar??) he handled the ball and then kicked it away.

At this point I looked at where he was and I was shocked, kind of the shock you get when something has happened and you can’t quite believe it. Not quite in the same league as Diana or 911, but you get what I mean. It was madness. But he still did it. So this gave the ref no option but to send him off, leaving us short of a man. Sean Barker thankfully deputised to the delight of many, however he did slightly aggravate some of the team by taking half the day for the kit swap to occur!

Nevertheless, we finished the game 4-1 winners, and Loco’s march continues…

Final Score: Ferndown Locomotive 4 - 1 Real Carling

Verwood progress in Dorset Cup

Loco went out of the Dorset Cup on Sunday against Verwood. It was a below-par Loco performance rather than us being outplayed, so league optimism remains high…The home side had a good turn out for this fixture in numbers, however the numbers simply didn’t perform on the day, which was a shame. However, with debacles like Portland a couple of seasons ago sticking in the mind, I sense that this exit is quite a blessing in disguise!! It’s league or bust now for Loco.

Loco began the game with Kris in goal, an unchanged defence of Jimmy, Matt and Stu - with Matt Webb just sitting in front of them. In midfield we had Sam, Andy, Ali, and Kirk - which meant up front we had the might of Jonny Haines and Sean Barker. A strong bench consisted of Keith Jackson, Harry Bolt, Luke Mellor, James Clease, and Chris Brown.

The home side started in the best possible way in this fixture, despite the flow of the game completely being ruined by an over-zealous referee. A few players got booked in this game for both sides, and neither of them - including Verwoods, should have been yellows - specially for the free-kick which led to the opening goal!

It began when Jonny was felled just outside the area on the left side of the penalty box, and a free-kick was awarded with the Verwood defender being unfairly booked. Anyway, the resulting free kick was taken by Matt Webb, who planted a lovely far post cross on to the head of Jimmy Redford - who rose above one and all to plant the ball in the top right hand corner - a good goal.

The lead didn’t last long though for Loco, with Verwood equalising on 25 minutes, after a cross from the left side was converted at the far post by their lanky right midfielder.

Loco had chances to get back into the game in the second half, however there was little composure on the ball, and the half fizzled out with the reds going in 2-1 down.

Half Time: Ferndown Locomotive 1 - 2 AFC Verwood

The second half was not much better for Loco, despite having the benefit of the wind, it was some lax defending and a mis-judged goal-keeping jump with let the village side emerged with the victory - with two more goals killing the game.

Verwood went 3-1 up moments after the start of the half, with an easy finish from close range. The build up was good, however Loco had umpteen chances to get the ball away - so it was only our own fault.

And then one 65 minutes, the Verwood striker had a cross which turned into a shot, and Kris couldn’t judge the zany shot, so the ball ended up going in at the far post, much to the disbelief of the lad who took the shot in the first place!

Changes were made by Paul Cashmore, with Andy, Sam and Kirk coming off for Luke, Keith and Chris Brown - and the changes paid instant dividend, with a spell of good pressure helping us to get successive corners.

One of the corners was a good one too, and Luke managed to flick it on for Sean Barker to head home at the far post to make it 4-2.

Ali could have pulled one back later on in the half when he was put through on goal - however his shot went straight in to the keeper, and this really was just another incident in a game of ifs, buts and maybes - that, on another day, would have all gone right for us.

On this occasion though, it didn’t. Well done to Verwood and best of luck in the rest of the cup. It should be a cracking league campaign from here on in! It needs to be!
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Final Score: Ferndown Locomotive 2 - 4 AFC Verwood

Sean nets two as Loco win 3-0

Locomotive brushed aside Division Four hopefuls Arkon at King George on Sunday with a convincing 3-0 win, with two goals from Sean Barker, and another from in-form Jonny Haines.
The Ferndown club started with Kris in goal, and a defence consisting of Jimmy, Matt Robinson, and Stu Bramley, with Cashmore just ahead of the back three. In midfield we had Kirk and Andy in the middle, with Chris Hopkins on the left and Sam Davis on the right. This put Sean Barker and Rick up front; with a strong bench of James Clease, James Bolt, Jonny Haines on the bench.

The home started the game really strongly, and were playing some really good simple football at times. The whole flow of the game was much better than previous weeks, and for once we really seemed to have total control of the fixture across the park. Kris in goal was steady; the experience triumvirate of Stu, Jimmy and Matt were rock-like at the back, and Cash won the majority of headers which cleared any danger. In midfield we did really well, with Andy particularly impressing when he got the ball.

Loco took the lead early on in the game when a good headed through-ball from Paul Cashmore put Sean in the clear from some way out, but Loco’s top-scorer of all time, was patient, and let the ball run in front of him, before unleashing an unstoppable left-footed strike into the back of the net from 20-yards – a great strike from the left apex of the penalty area, which left the keeper with no chance, with the ball fizzing past his near-post and past his extended fingers. Great goal.

It could have been more for Loco, with a couple of efforts here and there throughout the first 45. The away side really didn’t cause too much hassle, although their striker was excellent at holding up the ball, and often he managed to turn and fire in a strike, but the presence of our defence. And then the solidity of Kris in goal – ensured that the score remained nil on their part.

Half Time: Ferndown Locomotive 1 – 0 Arkon

The second half was probably our best 45 of the season. A lot of patience, chances galore, and not letting the other team have a sniff at goal – despite a few heart in mouth moments for a ten minute period.

Harry, James, and Jonny all came on in to good effect, with Rick being one of the casualties - after he pulled a hamstring and had to go off. Sam switched to the left side of the pitch, and with Harry on the right, there was a lot of balance to the side – and through the middle, Andy and Kirk ensured sound distribution at all times.

The second goal of the game came on 60 minutes when Sean Barker was put through on goal, and he expertly placed a left footed strike past the keeper into the corner of the net – another good strike by Loco’s goal machine.

The space was really opening up as the game progressed, and with the Loco midfield keeping a firm grip of the game in the middle of the park, a third goal was surely to follow, and indeed it came on 75 minutes when some good work on the left flank resulted in a square pass being played into the feet of Jonny, who has little hesitation in clipping the ball into an almost empty net!

Loco really could have notched a further few goals in the second 45, however they seemed to be happy to see this result out with a professionalism that really was a breath of fresh air.

A good performance by the home side, and one which we hopefully can carry on into the next game which is against AFC Verwood.

Final Score: Ferndown Locomotive 3 – 0 Arkon

Loco sink to Bathroom scale-mate

Loco entertained Aspect Bathrooms on Sunday and should have emerged with a win, however had to settle for a draw - with a converted penalty earning the point.This is a game which Loco will look back on as two points lost, and not one point gained - despite the way in which the scoring went. Aspect Bathrooms were a reasonable side with a few good players, however we really should have put them to bed a lot sooner than we did, as we raped them across the pitch, with our finishing just letting us down at times.

Loco started with Kris in goal, with a defence of Stu, Matt and Jimmy. Cashmore played in front of the defence, and just behind the midfield of Sam, Andy, Luke and Matt Webb. Jonny and Ali were up front, and Harry and Kirk were subs for this game.

We got chances in the first half, with the closest one falling to Cash who could only direct his header over the bar. Other opportunities arose with first time efforts from Jonny and also Ali having a few cracks - however non of them wanted to nestle in the net.

In the meantime though we were successfully keeping the away side out of the game, and they didn’t pose any real danger, however, the Loco defence stood firm at every opportunity - and Kris also was reliable when he was needed.

Half-time: Ferndown Locomotive 0 - 0 Aspect Bathrooms

In the second half, Locomotive started to up the pressure somewhat, and we managed to get some width and spray a few good balls into the box.

Jonny had a good few chances throughout the second 45, and Ali too had a couple of distant efforts - however none of them went in our favour which was a nightmare.

We did however make the breakthrough on 70 minutes, when Ali scored what we all thought was a legitimate goal, as he turned and fired a cracking shot into the right side of goal past the stranded keeper - however the Loco stalwart was judged offside, therefore the ref had no option but to chalk the goal off.

So with confidence brewing after their escape, the away team then typically took the lead, and it was a well worked move which saw them do it - a sweeping move which finished with their striker side-footing it past Kris into the goal.

So with little time left on the clock, Loco fought back straight away, and showed some excellent grit and determination. Indeed, the desire to see the scores level was personified by Jonny Haines run into the box for Loco, which resulted in the nippy striker being felled, and the referee awarding the team in red and black with a penalty.

So Matt Webb stepped up to the spot, and drilled the ball home to the keepers right, ensuring the goalies already injured hand was that much more in pain from trying to keep his pacy low strike out of the goal!

The score ended 1-1 - probably a fair reflection on the last ten minutes, although not of the previous 80! Loco must work harder to achieve our goals this season, however the main thing is that we still remain unbeaten this season. Each week we are growing in confidence, and it is superb to see - well done lads.

Final Score: Ferndown Locomotive 1 - 1 Aspect Bathrooms

Twatted out of the Robbins Cup

This was one of those fixtures that would appear on the vide-printer on Final Score, and they’d have brackets with the written word of how many goals were scored…..and they weren’t our goals either! This isn’t an easy match report to write by any stretch of the imagination, but anyhow, I’m going to give it a go.

However, to cut a long story incredibly short, and without getting too caught up in what was quite a freak result, Loco conceded ten goals in this match against a superb Premiership side, most of players have played at a higher level before – AFC Bournemouth, Wessex League – you know the sort.

Loco began the game with Kris in goal, Matt Robinson, Jimmy, and Cash at the back. In midfield was Andy Smith, Sam, Ali, Chris Hopkins, and Jonny with a roving role. This meant up front we sports Rick Watkins and Sean Barker. A very strong bench therefore comprised Harry Bolt, Will Craig, and Luke Mellor.

At first, Loco made it easy for the home team, after some sloppy defending let them get 2-0 up very quickly. Then moments later Andy Smith was stretchered off with what looked an incredibly painful knee after going in for a challenge with a Christchurch midfielder. Will Craig therefore deputised, and the players were shifted about – and we began to start to play some alright football!

We did concede a third before we got into it, however when we did score we looked good – as it was a sweeping move which eventually ended with Jonny Haines half volleying the ball into the left side of the net from 12 yards out – a really good finish.

Chances wise, this was about it for Loco for the half, as the home side powered on, with their skill showing through with various breaks and attacks which were quality – tearing us apart very often. They scored another two goals, with one “debatable” finish occurring after a handball in the box – but nevertheless, it went in, and at half time we trundled in 5-1 down.

Half-time: East Christchurch SSC 5 – 1 Ferndown Locomotive

The second half wasn’t much better. Luke and Harry both game on at various periods in the second half, and despite their input, the away side still managed to concede another five goals – although, if there is a small sado-masochistic chink of light to be had from the second batch of 45 minutes, these goals actually did come from individual errors as opposed to glaring team cock-ups!

The home side didn’t ever take the piss though – it was just good solid work, and they had numerous players who stood out, particularly (and embarrassingly) with their ex-school colleague of mine Michael Johnson, simply running the show in the middle without seemingly moving – which was testament to the quality he had! Similarly, the nippy midfield on the right side caused us grief galore.

We did manage to grab a couple of shots and a bit of possession late on in the game, however the score was a mirror of the first half (but just minus that Loco goal), therefore Loco were soundly ousted from a cup competition we were never going to win anyway – with the Christchurch side taking all the plaudits, winning, as they did, by nine goals.

If there was something to take away from this one, it was humble pie – however, the team spirit lived on – with players coming to the pub afterwards to drown their sorrows with a quick beer at the Beefeater – this is what it’s all about. This will certainly help us be bigger and stronger for when the important games arrive (ie: on the 27th!)

Final Score: East Christchurch SSC 10 (Ten) – 1 Ferndown Locomotive

Haines and Barker grab draw

Ferndown Locomotive played a well drilled JS Sports side, who managed to grab a draw against the away team in a hard fought encounter at Chapel Gate.Loco began the game with Kris in goal, with Will, Cash and Chris Hopkins at the back. This left a midfield of Andy, Kirk, Sam, Chris Brown; with Ali taking on a roving role. Up front was Rick and Jonny, with Sean Barker and Kyle “Old” Eaton on the bench.

The away side really wanted to win this fixture in style, however we almost thought about it too much, as we got unstuck fair quickly against JS, who took the lead within five minutes. A bit of defensive confusion occurred, and their striker managed to get behind the back line and side foot a neat finish into the corner of the goal, past Kris who could do little to keep it out of the net.

The side in red and black stayed very consistent though, and it was clear that the team were starting to gel, as nothing was getting through at the back, and we also starting to turn our possession into some really good territorial advantage too – as most of the game was being played in the JS half. However, quite strangely, this time on the ball didn’t pay dividends up front, as we hardly got a shot on goal. However Andy kick-started things from the midfield, producing a quite sublime ball through to Rick, however the shot wasn’t quite up to the standard.

We did eventually get a breakthrough though, and it was Ali Carmichael that was involve in it, as it was his instinct that managed to clip on a through ball to Jonny, who went one on one towards the keeper, and he skilfully chipped the ball over the advancing Number One’s head, into the back of the net. This levelled the scores much to the delight of all – however the new boy Haines repaid us with a bruising goal celebration – one that should be banished and forgotten ASAP!!!

The half seemed to fizzle out somewhat after this goal, and despite the amount of time we spent on the ball, the score remained 1-1.

Half-time: JS Sports 2 – 2 Ferndown Locomotive

The second half for Loco was much better, as we managed to get much more attacking going on, especially down both the flanks. Despite this though it was once again a game of catch up that we were playing

JS Sports took the lead on 55 minutes with a goal which really we should have not conceded, however con cede we did – so it was another team effort that was required to pull the scores back level.

Kyle “old” Eaton was used, as was Sean Barker, who came on to great effect up front – and then the Loco started to play. Cash was particularly dominant at the back, and was getting forward at every opportunity, spreading balls left and right on numerous occasions. It was a ball out to the right that saw Loco grab one back though, as he found Sam, who crossed the ball, and after a mêlée of activity in the box, Sean Barker stole in at the bar post to blast home a cracking shot from close range to bring the scores level.

Ferndown had chances to make it 3-2 later on into the game, as Ali had a shot, Sean again was close, and Cash too was getting in on the act with some good headers from Chris Hopkins’ excellent corners – however none of them wanted to go in, and we had to be satisfied with just the single point.

At this point it might be worth mentioning some dodgy referring decisions which really were mystifying to say the least, however I will not choose to mention that, and say that, despite getting one point instead of the preferred three - JS were a good side, much improved over recent seasons, and will be challenging up the better end of the table this time – so good luck to them.

Final Score: JS Sports 2 – 2 Ferndown Locomotive

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