A much better defensive performance this week as we turned over a first half deficit to come out eventual winners of a tightly-fought (and often feisty) encounter. The weather was unforgiving and in our faces during the first half which made playing the long-balls much harder, and subsequently easier for them to just pump the ball downfield and attack. During a heavy hailstorm we conceeded a soft goal into the corner and Lokomotiv took a 1-0 lead into half-time. I was brought on for the second half and put up front, replacing Fisky from left-wing (Tommy moved across to the left).

We started the second half much better and scored inside 2minutes as a ball from the left evaded me but Sam was there at the back stick to prod home the equaliser. Despite the groggy pitch and thick mud, we tried to make the most of their slow defence and often broke the offside trap. We could've got 3 or 4 but for some magnificent saves from their.. rather curvy shaped keeper (is the politest way I can put it). A couple of chances fell to me, such as a cute flick and shot on the turn that sailed just wide of the post, and another that almost fell to my left foot but the bounce was impossible to judge and it skidded up into me knee. The best chance I did have was when I broke down the wing, took a touch, then hit a shot that I really should've got on target but I put it wide instead. Not a great game for me, I'll be honest, I lacked composure and focus, but heh. Maybe next week.

Luckily our attacking from corners was better than last weeks defending from them (after we conceeded 4 of the 6 from corners) and Sam grabbed a second after a powerful header that left the keeper with no chance. Some resolute defending from our back four kept us in the game and we held on until the final whistle, despite their players best attempts to pretty much assault us during the game. Their keeper was lucky not to to see red after stamping on one of our players and lucky that the ball had already gone out of play for a goal kick before he did so.

A terrific result which helps us climb the table (3 wins and 3 losses now) with games in hand. Our next league game is against Claddagh, who Lokomotiv turned over 10-0 last week, but we shouldn't judge them until we play them - we can only beat what's put in front of us. Well played Lion! A deserved 2 points!*




*in the sunday league, a win is only worth 2points. A mockery, I know, c'est la vie.

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