Locos entered the game on the back of 3 league wins out of 3. Knowing Desborough and Rothwell's shocking last result (19-1 loss) and their miserable recent form, it was safe to say they had already established themselves as the 'whipping boys' of the division. So trying to get the Locos players in the right frame of mind, with the right motivation was difficult with the above in mind.
This was visible from the off as the home side started brightly and had Locos defending their goal early on. Locos were second best to pretty much everything and failed to step into gear one as Desborough and Rothwell peppered their box during the opening 20 minutes. Thankfully nothing came of it.
After surviving a mini spell of pressure, the first goal came in the 21st minute when Kev Watson sent a defence splitting through ball to the path of Vadim who smashed the ball in the far corner from inside the box to make it 0-1.
"A team is most vulnerable just after scoring" is an old myth that Locos proved right. A couple of minutes after breaking the deadlock, Vadim gave away a silly free kick over on the right flank. A deep cross was sent in the box and Locos failed with a couple of attempts to deal with this. The ball then fell to the Desborough and Rothwell man who smashed the ball in to make it 1-1.
This finally woke Locos up who then raised their efforts to take control of the game. Panic mode had been switched off and they began to play some composed football from the back. One of the moves found Macca who then made a powerful run through the home team's defence, Vadim then took over and sent a hard strike through the keeper to make it 1-2.
The third was added after yet another neat move from the back. This time Ryan Kelly made a clever overlapping run and left the full back for dead. He was then man handled in the box and the ref awarded a well deserved penalty. Andy Kyle confidently stepped up and rolled the ball in to make it 1-3.
The fourth goal for Locos came around the 35 minute mark. Another good move of one touch football and clever movement ripped through the home teams spine. Chris Chalmers showcased his skills with an immaculate piece of control over on the right flank. He then sent a beautiful reverse pass to the path of Macca who sent a lofted cross to Vadim who powerfully headed the ball in the net to make it 1-4 completing a well deserved hat trick.
The first half was wrapped up nicely with a goal on the stroke of half time. Another team move involving the majority of the Locos players. Andy Kyle sent a clever back heel to Vadim in the box who then sent the ball across goal to Ryan Kelly, who tapped in to an empty net. HT 1-5.
Second Half started really dull. It was as if both teams had accepted the result and all effort had gone out the window. Half hearted attacks from both teams resulted in wasted opportunities. Locos were going for the wonder goal every time instead of using their brains and giving the ball to the players in better positions. Frustration continued to grow for the home team who simply couldn't break Locos down.
A change was then made. Vadim who was clearly carrying a knock, came off for Aiden Ennis. Chris Chalmers came out on the left and Aiden slotted in the number 9 roll. Almost immediately after moving to the left flank, Chris got on the scoresheet. Another through ball from Kev Watson down the left flank. Chris still had some work to do and carried the ball 25 yards before rolling it in the far corner. 1-6.
Steve Brydon was then replaced by Brendan Logue. Snodz moved into centre half and Brendan went to left back.
The game then had it's worse spell. For 25 minutes it was painful to watch as no decent football was played. No notable chances or moves, just long balls and lazy football from both teams.
Sinky and Andy Kyle were then replaced by Vadim and Steve Brydon. Vadim went up top and Steve sat in the holding roll with the aim of adding some control to the game for the last 10 minutes.
The two subs linked up well in the closing minutes as Steve Brydon set up Vadim who made it 1-7 from inside the box.
Finally, with almost the last kick of the game, Macca got on the scoresheet after some poor defending from the home team. He smashed the ball in the corner to make it 1-8 which was the full time result.
Not the best match to report and its difficult to explain how little a 1-8 scoreline felt afterwards. We know it was a lazy performance today over the 90 minutes. Some of the goals however were very well taken. When it was good, it was enjoyable to watch from Locos, but this wasnt on display enough and they found themselves sucked into a miserable game for large parts. Credit to the home team, for 20 minutes they were hungry and clearly played out of frustration from the week before. But they burnt out far too soon and this is why Locos could and should have scored more than 8 goals.
Wasted chances could come back to haunt Locos and this is what needs to be worked on. We need to get in the habit of being more clinical and being able to show the right desire over 90 minutes. Particularly as next week we face our toughest test yet - An away trip to Kettering All Stars who have had a respectable start to the season.
Man of the Match today was Kev Watson which might seem strange as Vadim scored 4. But the game isn't just about goals and Kev Watson was solid throughout defensively and added two assists to his game. He's marginally missed out on Man of the Match every game this season but today he deserves it.
A perfect September for the reserves. 4 league wins out of 4. Let's hope October is the same.
