Essinge IP, or The Rock as the jubilant Stripes fans like to call it has hardly been a fortress this season, but this performance from a rampant LFC is proof that the team has turned a corner. Comfortable winners against Spånga, manager Lascelles will relish the return of the now infamous Långholmen spirit and it can be said that the first team has found it’s mojo again.
The stripes were on top from the first whistle, dominating territory and possession, as the young Spånga side seemed rather out of their depth. After a couple of good chances went begging Andrew O’Sullivan opened the scoring for the stripes; reacting first to a rebound off the crossbar to fire home on the volley.
The stripes should really have added to this in the first half, but in fact it was Spånga who scored next direct from a corner. To give Spånga credit they really raised their game for 20 minutes and it took a couple of first class saves from Ben to stop them from taking the lead. LFC were happy to hear the half time whistle so that they could regroup.
Too often this season the Stripes have been guilty of not converting their dominance into points but they started the second half with a purpose and intensity that most teams in this league would struggle to cope with. Leo banged in the second from a free kick, expertly curling the ball up and over the wall to leave the keeper rooted. A mature performance overall from the new kid on the block.
O’Sullivan intercepted a poor kick from the keeper to set up Sammba for the third; the young striker slotting home from the edge of the box. The fans were enjoying themselves, hearty renditions of the terraces’ favourite songs floated over the second half as the Stripes turned the screw.
Samba was fouled in the box, dusted himself down and powerfully picked his spot with the resulting PK for the fourth. And there was still time for hard working Chris Allen to streak through the ragged defence, skip round the last man and clip the ball into the corner off the base of the post. Class act.
A good night for the Stripes, smiles all round and some demons exercised as the cogs are all starting to fall into place. It looks like LFC are hitting some form at the right time with a cup semi final around the corner.
LFC Squad
Ben (GK); Thorell (LB), Burris (D), Mcclelland (D), Karlsson (RB), Harkness© (CM), Leo (RM), McConnell (CM), O’Sullivan (LM), Sammba (CF), Allen (CF). Subs: Ahmed (75), Bergström (50), Hentmark (45), Thornley (45)
MOTM – Andy McClelland; Playing out of his skin at the moment.
Ref Watch – Mr Worthington was on duty at the Rock; not much escaped him. 4/5.
Långholmen FC’s next league game of the season is on Friday 12th August at Spånga IP against Turkiska – KO 20:00.
Hope to see you there.
www.långholmenfootball.com
