Match Report

Players new and old got on the score-sheet on Sunday in a first round 5-3 win over Oakdale in the Robbins Cup, with Mr Carmichael netting a brace.

Locomotive started the season in good spirits and good style on Sunday at Ferndown Sports Centre. At 9.30am, all players arrived promptly (apart from Andy, Keith and Sean - who gain £1 fines!)

The team that started was: Kris Legg in goal; Matt Robinson, Jimmy Redford and Luke Mellor across the back. In midfield was Kirk Eaton and Andy Smith in the middle, with Chris Hopkins on the left and Sam on the right. Keith Jackson sat just behind the midfield, and this left Ali Carmichael and Jonny Haines up front. This left a strong bench of Sean Barker, Will Craig, and Dave Hutchings.

So, Loco being Loco, did the Loco thing! We went 1-0 down early, with a sloppy goal being conceded - however it was one that wasn't overly dwelled on, as we instantly hit back.

It Ali who bagged the first for the home side, with Ali Carmichael grabbing the initial goal after being knocked through by Andy - a superb slide rule finish by the Loco stalwart.

Then moments later after a sustained period of possession, the home side made it 2-1, with Keith Jackson turning on a six-pence to crack home a superb shot into the bottom left corner.

However, Oakdale pulled a goal back after a quick counter attack, with a cross meeting the striker at the far post, who nodded it home - Sam was caught napping for this one (hands up!).

Mellor however fired some inspiration into the team on 30 minutes, with one of the best free kicks ever taken on a Sunday morning in September 2007 ever seen. It was about 40 yards out and was pinpointed towards the top left corner, and would have gone in apart from a rasping save from the Oakdale keeper.

It was Jonny Haines that got the third though, and it was an exceptional goal, set up from the left side, with a cross that found the feet of the striker at the far post - and he coolly latched onto it with the instep of the right foot to see it hit the far side of the net.

Half-time: Ferndown Locomotive 3 - 2 Oakdale 2

The second half saw a composed Loco finish the half off pretty well, with the introduction of Dave Hutchings, Sean Barker and Will Craig - all of whom played their part in helping Loco thwart any threats from the opposition.

Loco scored the first goal of the second half, when Jonny Haines flicked on a ball to Ali Carmichael, who met the keeper and lobbed him nicely to see the ball hit the back of the net - a great goal!

Oakdale did manage to grab a third on 70 minutes, when a defensive mishap saw their striker with an open goal to roll the ball into, however their enjoyment was short-lived, as Dave Hutchings and Kirk Eaton combined to see a great goal, where the new Loco player slide in the young striker, who nudged the ball the opposite side of the oncoming keeper, giving the ball enough zip to cross the line.

Loco really could have had more during the half, Salva with the best chance, nodding a header over the bar, and shots came in on numerous occasions, with Keith having a chance after being put in square from Jonny.

There was probably lots of other notable action in this first fixture for Loco, but all in all it was a good start to the season. Improvements are needed, however it is a good way to start September, and long may it continue.

Ferndown Locomotive 5 - 3 Oakdale