Lokomotiv Cove 2 - 2 Maroubra United

Another Solid Result

We had an enthusiastic bunch out bright and early for this 9am away kickoff
Neil passed a late fitness test and Terry jetted in just in time for kickoff
Rods right peg returned to the side after an extended period of playing second fiddle to his ever improving left.
We started well and quickly figured out Loko's game plan, allowing us to start intercepting their through balls
and layoffs. Their burly striker was getting no space and the quick movement of our midfielders was causing
them problems.
Midway through the half, the defence broke down another attack and fed the ball forward quickly which was
switched to Rod storming down the right flank who crossed to the back post and somehow Neil, advancing at a rate of knots, rose brilliantly to head home. 1-0.
Of course we now needed to hold firm as Loko looked to get back on level terms but we started dropping too deep, conceeding space and after the ball had seemingly bounced around the 6 yard box with 4 defenders looking on, it was half cleared towards the edge of the area. A Loko player took possession with his back to goal and there seemed little threat but he was then fouled from behind, resulting in a penalty.
The Loko striker stepped up and delayed his run up, out psyching Karl with the ball going to his right as he dived left. 1-1 halftime.

Once again after half time we seemed to drop in effort allowing Loko to come back strong into the game with their no4 starting to control things. He latched onto a through ball and got himself into a 1on1 with Karl who closed down the angles well but he somehow still squeezed it in at the near post. 2-1 to Loko

Midway through the second half, the jetlag caught up with Terry and he went off for a quick nap.
With the game seemingly getting away from us, we battled on, rotating the midfielders to keep things fresh
Another quick break forward saw Neil and Burcin working well to feed the ball to Leo approaching from the right who smashed a first time shot into the corner 2-2.

Again Loko came back strong with Karl and the defense working tirelessly to keep them at bay. Another defensive clearance fell to Luke on the halfway line who spun his man and was about to set off when he was cut down. The defender had already been book so he was sent from the field.
With only a few minutes left, we pushed forward but Loko had all but 1 now playing defense.
A corner was won and Rod delivered the perfect ball which was met with a glancing header from Neil but unfortunately he couldn't get enough contact to get on target and it went the wrong side of the post.
That was just about the last chance of the game.

Overall, another very solid squad performance against one of the top teams in the division but we need to
get more ruthless and not allow teams back into games.