Match day 2 found Locos travel ‘Away’ to an in form Trades and Labour team who went into the game with 2 wins out of 2. Thankfully they share the same pitch so it was just like a home encounter.
The warm up was cut short due to the ref who was very keen to get the match underway just under 10 minutes early. This seemed to impact Locos who were dreadful for the opening period of the game. Make no mistake though, the slightly early start could only be used as a minor excuse, the main problem was a clear lack of desire from the team. Trades and Labour were the better team without really creating any chances. After a very dull spell of football the game finally livened up 21 minutes in. Four ‘crazy’ minutes of football seen 3 goals and Trades and Labour 2-1 up. The first goal came from the left flank and just like the week before at Doddington, a handball was involved. The Trades and Labour player controlled the ball with his hand and played a pass to a teammate who unleashed an unstoppable strike from 25 yards which lobbed Turbs in the Locos goal. Take nothing away from the strike but had the ref been in a better position, he would have seen a clear cut handball in the build up. This finally woke Locos up who responded 2 minutes later. Colin Thow picked the ball up inside the box after some play down the left and rolled the ball in to make it 1-1. Then straight after play resumed, Allan Scott made a defensive error whilst trying to take the ball round the Trades and Labour striker, who then rolled the ball past Turbs who was quick off his line to try and prevent the shot. The game again went fairly quiet leading up to HT With the score 2-1.
After a bit of moaning and re-grouping at Half Time, Locos finally began to start playing football. They pressed Trades and Labour deep into their own half and began to create some half chances for the opening spell of the second half. Persistence paid off with the equalising goal coming just after the hour mark. Trades and Labour failed to deal with a Locos corner and the ball rolled to veteran Steve Brydon in the 18 yard box who left the keeper standing with a great strike into the far top corner. 2-2. Both teams continued to graft and work hard creating a few chances. Trades and Labour searched for the lead and had a handful of free kicks and corners. But the defence of Locos showed its stubbornness yet again and dealt with everything that came their way. Fresh legs were introduced when Chris Chalmers felt a strain and was replaced by Vadim Becs, who immediately displayed a solid graft and determination to win the game. Ryan Kelly also came on for Snodz who was having a rare below par performance. Emilio on for Macca which was a like for like sub as both possess pace and power on the flank. Sinky also on to replace Colin Thow who had shown a true number 9’s performance. His work rate is an example to anyone in the team chasing down scrappy passes and constantly putting the opposing defence under pressure. Finally Luke Heath was also on for Captain Gareth McBlain. The changes seemed to work well as the energy upped a gear and Locos finally went ahead In the 80th minute. Sinky found himself in some space and struck a tame effort at goal which was blocked by the defender. Dean Clark reacted fast and sent an immaculate strike into the right side of the net to make it 2-3. A few minutes later Locos put a scrappy affair to bed from a corner. Vadim sent a deep cross into the back post which was met by Steve Brydon who rose high above everyone else to nod the ball in. 2-4. This certainly killed off any threat from Trades and Labour in the final period of the game, as they had visibly ran out of steam and somewhat ran out of ideas. Final score 2-4.
Not the prettiest encounter but nevertheless an important win for Locos. Still lessons the be learned, the main one learning to be fully switched on and prepared for the task ahead from minute one. Too many casual individuals who didn’t seem up for the game until we were behind. Credit to Trades and Labour, they rolled their sleeves up and gave a physical performance and will certainly match any team on their day. 2 wins out of 2 for Locos who host Wilby Reserves next Saturday who are sure to be full of confidence after a 8-1 win against Desborough and Rothwell ‘A’
MOM today was Steve Brydon. A Performance that oozed experience, class and leadership. Solid in his defensive duties and clinical at the other end when it mattered the most. Brilliant. Notable performances from Kev Watson who put his body on the line at any given opportunity in the centre of the park and not forgetting the previously mentioned graft of Colin Thow. So much more than just goals to his game and he proved that today.
Roll on Next week.
