For the third week in a row Kick Off was delayed for Locos Reserves. This time for a bizarre reason ... the referee managed to get himself locked in the changing room and was apparently blowing his whistle for around 10 minutes for attention, before a club assistant from Ravens eventually checked and released him. Arctic weather conditions certainly didn't help the delay.
The match finally started around 10 minutes late and for the first 5 minutes Ravens showed early signs that they were more than ready for a match. They pressed high and were full of energy off the ball.
Locos eventually settled after the early rush by taking the lead on 10 minutes. Kev Watson played a nice ball to Vadim who linked up well with Bobby Hearn down the left flank. Bobby still had some work to do but cut inside the full back and sent a great placed effort to the far right corner. 0-1.
For the next 15 minutes the game was a good battle, end to end football without any clear cut chances - Both teams showing their defensive qualities.
Ravens then upped it a gear and began to torment the Locos backline at every opportunity. Their constant high pressing was a problem for Locos as they struggled to get out of their own half. This also led to silly passes and moments of panic on a few occasions. Thankfully stand in keeper Scott McBlain made save after save to keep Locos in the lead.
Persistence finally paid off for Ravens just before half time when a lack of communication allowed the striker to drift onto a through ball who comfortably slotted the ball in to make it 1-1. HT.
Second Half it was Locos turn to come out all guns blazing, the energy on and off the ball had increased and they began to force Ravens into silly errors. One of which led to a corner just before the hour mark. Vadim whipped a pacey ball in on goal and the keeper could only parry it into his own net. 1-2.
Locos continued to pile the pressure on Ravens before a fortunate third goal was added for Locos. Bobby Hearn again showing his desire to chase down loose balls forced the keeper to smash the ball which rebounded off Bobby and rolled in the net to make it 1-3 after 65 minutes.
5 tactical changes were then made and some reshuffling was required.
On - Sinky, Brendan, Marc, Ryan and Tom Off - Chris, Bobby, Andy K, Snodz and Gaz
Scott Porch switched from RWB to CDM Vadim switched from LWB to CF
Ravens then reshuffled themselves and threw numerous men forward to look for a result. Again some good saves from Scott and some resilient defending kept Ravens at bay.
Tom Medhurst then went from hero to zero in the space of a minute. He made a great clearance off the line before making a passionate but clumsy tackle very soon after, bringing down the Ravens man for a penalty. This was slotted home to make it 2-3 with a few minutes still to play.
As always at this stage of a game with a tight scoreline, it was nervy to say the least but Locos dealt with everything that came their way and held on for 3 points. Final Score 2-3.
A proper Corby Derby. End to end football at times, as mentioned before. Some crunching tackles. Some suspect decisions favouring both teams. Plenty of arguing. Yellow cards. 5 goals. It certainly lived up to its expectations.
A great win for Locos and a huge statement made by beating the table toppers. After falling short away to Kettering All Stars in the last league match it was paramount to get a result against Ravens to keep them in the mix and to show that they can roll their sleeves up and compete.
MOM was a very tough call. Everyone played their own vital part and a handful of players showed their determination in playing out of position for the team (not forgetting Kev Watson playing through serious chest pains) ... but the award goes to Scott McBlain for going in the sticks for the second week running. First week he was untested but Ravens kept him busy and if it wasnt for Scott the scoreline would have been much higher. Brilliant performance.
Next up for Locos is a Home League match against Higham Town Reserves this Saturday.
We go again. Hard work pays off.
