A reaction was expected following the disappointing cup result on Monday night, and the Stripes made a bright and confident start. Djurgårdsbrunn simply couldn’t keep up with the speed of LFC’s passing and fluidity up front and resorted to kicking anything that moved. The referee had a busy night, dishing out a total of 12 cards, but he also bottled some of the bigger decisions.

The writing was on the wall and as with previous games the Stripes crafted a number of excellent chances before breaking the deadlock. In trademark fashion Hentmark pulled the ball down inside the box, made half a yard and drilled a shot across the keeper with his trusty left boot. He was unlucky not to add to his tally, hitting the post with a sumptuous volley and slashing another wide following an incisive Stripes counter attack. He finally left the field with cramp in the 65^th minute following an attempted Rabona. (http://www.whoateallthepies.tv/skills/325/david_dunn_rabona_video_fail.html)

Defensively, Långholmen looked very solid. Even after McCormack left the field with a hamstring injury skipper McClelland and Ahmed closed the game out comfortably. The midfield also impressed, looking very sharp on the ball and displaying a hunger to win it back whenever possession was conceded. Young Zak Olsson displayed maturity beyond his years and brought dynamism to the centre of midfield; he broke up countless attacks, distributed well and was unlucky not to get on the score sheet.

On the balance of play, LFC should have added to their opening goal but spurned a number of good opportunities. Danny Partridge broke clear only to be cynically chopped down by a struggling defender, the referee bizarrely waving away protests. When the Djurgårdsbrun keeper did the same moments later, everyone in the ground expected a penalty and a red card… but the referee again did nothing. In the final minute, history repeated itself for a third time… Partridge’s pace sent him clear and he was sent cartwheeling through the air. The referee (true to form) saw nothing, but the linesman flagged it and Paul Sullivan stoically scored from the spot.

Special mentions for both Stew Norwood who looked very solid at right back and Luca Öhman who slotted comfortably back onto the right side of midfield after returning from his studies in San Francisco; there is genuine strength in depth to the LFC first team and competition for virtually every position – a good problem to have for the management team.

Results-wise, the Stripes have not had a lot of luck this year, but these things tend to even out over the course of a season. The important thing is to stick together, and if the current level of performance is maintained consistently, both players and supporters can look forward to an enjoyable summer.

LFC Squad

Allen (GK); Phillips (LB), McCormack (D), Mcclelland © (D), Norwood (LB), O’Sullivan (LM), Harkness (CM), Olsson (CM), Costa Eriksson (RF), Hentmark (CF), Håkansson (CF), Subs: Sullivan (75), Partridge (70), Ahmed (35), Luca (55)

MOTM – Zak Olsson; Powerful performance from the youngster

Ref Watch – Thanks for turning up 1/5.

www.långholmenfootball.com

Bottles of fizzy rhubarb pop, images of the spritely local ladies team and the silverware of glories past greeted the Stripes in the away dressing room, creating a setting Enid Blyton would be proud of. Sadly the only famous five appearing this afternoon were the home side’s goals that knocked the stuffing out of a Långholmen squad with high ambitions for the season.

The Stripes once again started brightly, pinning their opponents back in their own half and creating a number of good chances. The Skå goalkeeper made two excellent stops from Danny Partridge, and one goal line clearance from Sammba in the first quarter while Långholmen had the upper hand. Partridge was also tripped in the box running through on goal, but the referee waved away shouts for a clear penalty.

Skå play a simple formulaic style, relying on a dangerous aerial advantage at set pieces. And so it would prove to be LFC’s downfall, when they struck first from a corner… the ball delivered long to the back post and nodded in via a deflection. Their second was a swift counter-attack, catching the Stripes midfield on the wrong side on the ball and creating the time and space for a wonder strike that went in off the far post. So 2-0 at halftime, but still the belief that Långholmen could get something from the game with the right attitude and application.

The next goal would prove to be decisive, and it was sadly gifted to the home side moments after the restart following a defensive error; a blocked clearance falling to the Skå man who raced clear and made no mistake with a precise finish. The Stripes pulled themselves together and controlled the game for the next 25 minutes, playing all the football, making numerous good chances and proving their ability to compete at this level – but the result had already got away and the home team looked content to take the sting out of the game.

New signing Hampus Håkansson provided a bright spark in the second period, coming off the bench to display a cultured touch and a seemingly effortless ability to link play. Sammba Sowe also worked tirelessly, causing problems for defenders and offering himself as an outlet all afternoon.

With the game fizzling out in the last ten minutes, the Stripes shipped two more goals to give the score line a somewhat flattering appearance, errors again exposing a soft defensive underbelly. Before the referee awarded the Långholmen a debatable spot kick in the dying seconds that Sammba duly converted.

So a second defeat in as many games for the Stripes, who will be hoping to bounce back from this latest setback in the Cup on Monday night. Thanks to all those supporters who made the journey, we sign off with the encouraging vocals of a certain Northern Irish synthpop band of the l990’s http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dIj-6fr2SlI

LFC Squad

Allen (GK); McDonald (RB), McCormack (D), Mcclelland © (D), Thorell (LB), O’Sullivan (LF), Harkness (CM), Sullivan (CM), Sammba (RF), Burris (CM), Partridge (CF). Subs: Phillips (45), Håkansson (60), Olsson (65), Hentmark (75)

MOTM – Andrew O’Sullivan (as voted by the Skå fans)

Ref Watch – Typical standard of the league. 3/5.

www.långholmenfootball.com

LFC vs Turkiska

This was a horror show, and not the result that the LFC faithful had turned out in good numbers to see. In conditions that can only be described as shocking, LFC played some good stuff at times, and will be haunted by the chances that slipped through their fingers. Turkiska offered very little over the course of the 90 minutes but were rewarded for their efforts by snatching the points in devilish fashion.

The game kicked off in sheet rain and icy wind making tough going for the players and fans alike. Still the stripes started very well, dominating possession and creating a sequence of chances that kept the fans in good voice. LFC had the ball in the net twice, but both were harshly judged to be marginally offside.  New signing Partridge upfront showed a relentless work rate that will no doubt make him a fans favourite during the season, and he was very unlucky with a number of opportunities. Young Zak Olsson also made a strong impression in the middle of the park, breaking up the play and keeping the stripes on the front foot.

Nil – nil at the break and it felt more like when, not if, Långholmen would find the cutting edge that was lacking in the first forty five. But during halftime the soggy snow started to fall which rather levelled things. The stripes could no longer play their incisive passing game and lost their shape in their eagerness to push for the opening goal. Turkiska took the lead on 50 minutes through a comedy of errors. Sliced crosses, ricochets and miss-hits allowed the ball to loop awkwardly into the net when the visitors to their credit found some space behind Långholmen.

Långholmen pressed on through the sludge, carving open the Turkiska defence, and threatening with almost every attack. Their endeavors were rewarded in the 72 minute with a penalty when Partridge was tripped en route to goal – Paul Sullivan calmly sending the keeper the wrong way from 12 yards.

With 20 minutes left, the brave (cold and wet) fans expected a black and white victory, such was the commanding grip that LFC had on the game. But again a lapse in concentration and an inability to react quickly enough to the danger let Turkiska in the back door. Allen making one good save from distance, only to be beaten on the rebound after 82 minutes.

Still there was time for LFC to equalise – and if it wasn’t for a superlative goal line clearance from under crossbar in the dying seconds, the stripes might have levelled in injury time. McDonald made an impact when he came on with some surging runs down the right hand side, but in the end it was not to be and the game ended 1-2 to Turkiska.

A first round defeat, and some lessons to be learned for the stripes; but also some positives to take forwards from individual performances. One game does not make or break a season, and we can look forward to putting things right against our old foe Skå next Saturday. Credit to the supporters for their sterling work on the sides… wonderful to hear.

LFC Squad

Allen (GK); Phillips (RB), McCormack (D), Mcclelland © (D), Thorell (LB), O’Sullivan (LM), Harkness (CM), Olsson (CM), Costa Eriksson (RF), Hentmark (CF), Partridge (CF). Subs: Sullivan (55), McDonald (70), Burris

MOTM – ??? Something for the fans to decide

Ref Watch – Not really good. 2/5.

www.långholmenfootball.com

The long drive out to cow country was spent huddled around Wales’ agonising defeat to France in the RWC semi-final. The twelve players pulling on the stripes for the afternoon vowed to show the same brave commitment against a supremely confident Österåker side – a team that will strut about in division 3 next season after running away with the Div 4 North title.

Many commentators had already written off the Stripes; a number of last minute withdrawals and the absence key players gave the 1^st XI a rather unfamiliar look. This gave a welcome opportunity to the title winning LFC Reserve team to step up and prove their credentials at the higher level – an opportunity grasped with both hands (and feet).

Defensive discipline was the name of the game for LFC, Manager Stuart Lascelles rolled back the years with a cultured performance at the heart of a 4:5:1 formation. But truth be told, the first 20 minutes of the game were by far the worst for Långholmen; overzealous and thus stretched by the slow-slow-quick passing game of their slimy opponents.

Österåker threatened, and eventually broke the deadlock after fifteen minutes with a textbook move executed with consummate precision. The spritely #7 latched onto a ball inside the fullback, and his pinpoint cross was deflected in at the near post. A shaky start and the travelling fans (one man and his son) could have been forgiven for thinking that this was going to be a long old afternoon.

But some frank words, and astute tactical management steadied the ship. The Stripes were happy to concede possession and defend deep, which confused their young adversaries into over playing. As stalwart Robbie Graham summed up afterwards “they were more interested in looking good, than playing football”.

The Stripes got a grip and started to put their foot in – this was a physical game; not only was it knockout cup football, but also because of the history between the teams from 2009. The ‘Alain Rolland’ reached for his pocket on numerous occasions in a feisty twenty-minute spell, booking four Stripes for colourful language, one for shoving and another for a leading elbow. But there was a sniff of something positive to take from the half. Leo was running the show on the left, Andy Mac had started to force himself on the game and you just know that Oscar always has a goal in him.

Trudging off at halftime, heated conversations with the ref suggested that Långholmen were less than happy with the official’s handling of the game. Truth be told, LFC needed to find another gear if they were going to be playing in the Stockholm cup next year.

The Stripes emerged unrecognisable from the first period. Their shape was perfectly balanced; disciplined in defence and potent on the counter attack. With only 35% possession they frustrated their opponents by working incredibly hard as a unit, closing down tirelessly, not giving their six-fingered foe any space to play at the business end of the pitch. Credit to the whole squad – everyone played their part. At one-nil you always believe you’ve got a chance, this was the time for big hearts, and nobody went missing – to a man the Långholmen team fronted up.

The pivotal moment arrived farcically on 60 minutes; O’Sullivan pounced on a loose ball in midfield, played a one-two with Ludde on the edge of the box and collapsed under a clumsy challenge. He thought it was a penalty. So did everyone else, except the ref who waved play on. Bizarrely one of the home defenders assumed a stoppage in play and calmly picked the ball up, conceding one of the most absurd handball penalties in history. After all that excitement O’Sullivan stepped up and calmly sent the keeper the wrong way from the spot. 1:1.

LFC pin-up Chris Allen deserves a special mention for a highly accomplished display in goal. His all round performance oozed confidence, which spread to the defensive unit in front of him. Both handling and kicking was immaculate and he made a string of difficult saves look easy. The pick of the bunch being a diving one-handed reaction save that was reminiscent of Gordon Banks in the 1970 world cup against Pele. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lvqwhDUhkPA. This was followed by a comical red-faced rant at his faceless defenders and much clapping/spitting into gloves. Quality.

The stripes were inevitably reduced to 10 men with fifteen minutes to go. Ludde Johnson picking up a soft second yellow for blocking a quick free kick. Mcclelland also departed with a calf injury as the LFC patched up their midfield. But LFC had a foothold and as the game edged away it felt as if Österåker had settled for penalties.

The valiant stripes had other ideas: A lightening counter attack down the right found Vasile, his intelligent pass inside was nodded over the top by O’Sullivan to Oscar Hentmark in space, who composed himself and volleyed home at the near post to send the Stripes into ecstasy with 2 minutes remaining. Stunning.

Österåker threw everything forward in the dying seconds but the Stripes held firm. A huge cheer went up at the final whistle as Långholmen completed a memorable and hard fought victory. This might only be the first round of next season’s competition, but such was the sense of elation at the end it felt like LFC had just won the cup – The perfect way to round off another successful season. Onwards and upwards.

LFC Squad

Allen (GK); Phillips (LB), Luca (D), Lascelles (D), Ahmed (RB), O’Sullivan © (CM), Graham (CM), Mcclelland (CM), Leo (LF), Hentmark (CF), Ludde (RF). Subs: Vasile (75)

MOTM – Chris Allen; We called Gordon Banks after the game and he admitted that your save was better than his.

Ref Watch – Brilliant because we won. 2/5.

Hope to see you at Dave Ely’s testimonial (30^th October)

www.långholmenfootball.com

Stripes fans in full voice

Långholmen FC faced a very fit and technically gifted Sollentuna United at Grimsta IP, with the division 2 side running out 4-7 winners. The red and black striped nets of IF Brommapojkarna rippled with 11 goals in a thrilling encounter that was a lot closer than the score line suggests. The Stripes failed to convert from the spot three times in 90 minutes, and paid the ultimate penalty as clinical Sollentuna took no prisoners.

The Stripes supporters were in fine voice throughout; their banter played a fundamental part in a legendary night – and the atmosphere they created was described as “the best outside of England” by Sollentuna coach and former Arsenal star Anders Limpar. Praise indeed.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=83bAsTrBN7s&feature=player_embedded

LFC had a bi-penalty advantage, tucking one of them away to start the game 1-0 ahead. The lead lasted all of 4 minutes in a frantic opening exchange that set the tempo for the match. A dubious free-kick to Sollentuna was clipped back cross the wall and into the open corner of the net. 1-1.

The bouncebackability from the black and white’s was admirable… they immediately rose to the challenge and demonstrated just why they are a tour de force. Paul Sullivan coaxed in a free kick from the right touchline, meeting the darting run of Andrew O’Sullivan who guided a near post header in off the stanchion. Fist pump. 2-1.

The best was yet to come… Supernatural talent Oscar Hentmark playing in an unfamiliar offensive midfield role took a sublime touch to ghost past two defenders and unleashed a fierce drive from all of 30 yards. Unstoppable. 3-1.

Sollentuna were clearly rattled, but to their credit they steadied the ship by dominating possession and their quick passing game started to pay dividends. A wonderfully incisive pass to the orange booted number 9 pulled one back, before a defensive mix up gifted them an equaliser. 3-3 after only 30 minutes.

The Stripes midfield worked very hard, but could not keep the ball. The team seemed to get deeper and deeper, inviting pressure rather then exerting themselves on the game.

Orange boots did it again for the ‘Tuna just before the break, latching onto a loose ball and smashing his shot into the far corner. The stripes were reeling… this wasn’t http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xInP9Gi0xAA&feature=related, but LFC were on the ropes and looking for half-time.

The LFC fans were amazing. They lifted Långholmen off the canvas and never stopped believing in their team. Sollentuna, sponsored by ICA supermarket were called out with chants such as “No Surrender to the ICA” and “We’ve got Southside, you’ve got ICA, ooho wooho”. Great fun.

The management shuffled the deck and the Stripes came out much tighter in the second half. They took the fight to Sollentuna and were rewarded by a moment of magic from Harkness. A bursting run from the skipper took him to the byline and his fizzing cross was turned into the net by the outstanding Sammba Sowe. 4-4. Game on.

The pivotal moment in the match came after 60 minutes; great build-up and movement down the left involving Thorell, O’Sullivan and Sammba. Sensible play by the Sammba near the corner flag turned the ball back inside to O’Sullivan. His deft flick over the advancing centre back put him goal-side and he was clumsily tackled from behind as he pulled the trigger. A stone wall penalty waved away by the officials.

Långholmen were incensed. Decisively the ball was booted clear and orange boots again showed his class one-on-one with the Stripes defence, powering his way into the box before firing past Bergquist on the angle. 4-5. Harsh.

The tackles started to fly in, with both teams seeing yellow in a fully committed ‘classic’ cup final. The game hung in the balance, when the Stripes were awarded a penalty for handball at a corner; An ICA defender getting his angles and limbs all wrong. Sammba stepped up, but he blazed over as the crowd held their breath.

Moments later a wonderful strike from 35 yards put the game beyond LFC, as Sollentuna extended their lead to put one hand on the cup. 4-6. The referee, perhaps regretting an earlier decision gifted the stripes another penalty with 5 minutes remaining for a soft challenge on Chris Allen. The Stripes hit man dusted himself off and took the spot kick himself, only for his scuffed effort to be saved by the diving keepers legs. Heartbreak.

There was something very fishy about Sollentuna’s seventh goal; a penalty in injury time. Firstly, Andy Mac would claim he got to the ball fairly, and secondly the player dummied, as he was about to strike the ball. This is illegal (one may dummy in the run up, but not in the shot) but thankfully irrelevant in the result. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6dyXXbo7OXA&feature=related)

The better team won and Sollentuna claimed the title. But the magic of the Stockholm Cup in 2011 was powered by Långholmen FC and their spirited band of merry supporters. The road to the final has been epic; providing some heroic nights of knock-out football, stretched out over many months. Never has the old adage been truer for LFC; this was about the journey rather than the destination. Långholmen FC have arrived, making many friends along the way. We will be back in both the Stockholm and the Swedish cup next year, determined as ever to build forward on the experiences of this year. The journey, continues.

LFC Squad

Bergquist (GK); Thorell (LB), Lascelles (D), Mcclelland (D), Phillips (RB), Sullivan (CM), Allen (RM), Harkness © (CM), Hentmark (CM), O’Sullivan (LM), Sowe (CF). Subs: Ahmed (80), Leo (45), Burris (70), McConnell (70), Karlsson (45)

Special Mention – LFC Supporters Club and Fans. Simply the best.

Managers MOTM – Sammba and Oscar. Special talents, both delivered on the big stage.

Supporters MOTM – Andrew O’Sullivan. Heart, desire and a rare headed goal.

Ref Watch – Firm and fair, but got some big decisions wrong. 3/5.

HIGHLIGHTS

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=usPO1cvkpO8&feature=player_embedded

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-0gU3kZ-m-Q&feature=related

PHOTOS

http://www.flickr.com/photos/langholmenfootball/sets/72157627781101298/?page=2

QUOTES FROM THE FANS

“Has to go down as the best night as a football supporter since I moved to Sweden, despite the defeat.” – Neil M Banks

“Snacka om publik inramning. Så här mycket publik har vi aldrig haft i någon av våra div 2-matcher” – Sollentunatränaren Anders Limpar.

“For my part on the pitch I have to say that the young lads deserve so much credit, Samba and Eric in particular were easily our 2 best players on the night. That’s not to say there wasn’t some great performances elsewhere, Leo had a cracking 2nd half, and Oscar was superb in an unfamiliar role.” – LFC Captain Billy Harkness

“Not often football fans go away from a game seeing their team conceed 7 and still smiling. All round top night, superb atmosphere.” – Scot James

“Quite honestly, I think we could have won the game. They were fitter and better in possession but they looked scared when we went at them.” – Ciaron McCormack

“Thank you all for last night. A number of people from other clubs have called today and congratulated us on our achievement. Very proud to be a Stripe on occasions like this.” – LFC Chairman Mats Gustavsson

“Great performance guys, hard luck. Stratford Haven salutes Langholmen FC. (via Twitter) – SHFC Captain Rob Taylor

“We may have lost, but the lads played their hearts out, and we had more fun…” (via Twitter) – Peter Vinthagen Simpson

“Unlucky lads, great fight” (via Twitter) – James McConnell

“Tough luck boys… keep your heads up…” (via Twitter) – Lieutenant Evan Barnes

“Oscar! F**king great goal! Well played lads -a great game to watch against a tough side… Proud.” – Richard Wright

“Big thanks to all the people that came down tonight and gave the players a huge boost. You really did make it a night to be proud of and what a fantastic group of people we have supporting this club.” – LFC Manager Stuart Lascelles

“Definitely tempting. If I can get my name on a chair at Southside, I’m all yours.” – Sollentuna United Captain Jens Åberg

Långholmen FC’s final league game of the season is against Djurgårdsburnn on Sunday 2^nd October (Essinge IP – KO 14:00)

Hope to see you there.

www.långholmenfootball.com

Together We Are Stronger – Come and cheer for your Stripes!!!

When: Wednesday 28th September.

Where: Grimsta IP (Kick-off 20:00)

MAP: http://kartor.eniro.se/m/a4FyP

There will be a fantastic family atmosphere, so put on some black and white, bring your friends and who knows the underdog Stripes might just go all the way and lift the trophy for the International Community.

Pre/After Party details to be announced.

STOCKHOLM CUP FINAL

Långholmen FC vs Sollentuna United

28/09 @ Grimsta IP (KO 20:00)

www.langholmenfootball.com

A bright start and early goal from Wille Karlsson set the tone for the match. The model youngster enjoyed his time in a more advanced attacking role; terrorising the fragile Reymers defenders on both sides of the ball. A good dead ball delivery is often worth a goal, and when the visiting side made a hash of their clearance under pressure, the ball dropped to Wille inside the six-yard box for him to poke home.

Långholmen controlled the tempo of the game and dominated possession throughout the first half. McClelland and Thornley renewed their partnership at the back, winning the physical battle and marshalling the troops well. Phillips and Thorell both worked hard, saw a lot of the ball, and used it very well. They will be happy with the clean sheet as will nomadic keeper Danny Kelly; the Irish gent returning for a brief cameo in the sticks.

Also back in the Stripes squad was Karl Lykke Holm – another maturing young player who grew into the game as it went on; showing his strength and composure on the ball.

Långholmen’s second goal was an example of Totaal Voetball; defenders and attackers interchanging some silky one and two touch passes down the right hand-side to create an opening for Chris Allen. Fluid football from Karlsson, McClelland and O’Sullivan carved open the Reymers defence and when the ball was pulled back, the unmarked Stripes hitman drilled his shot through the keepers legs from 12 yards.

The Stripes got behind the visiting defence numerous times in the first half and were unlucky not to add to their tally. The management team would have been very happy at the break and looking for more of the same in the second period. On came Baydi and Otis for LFC, and although Reymers did start to see more of the ball they rarely threatened going forwards as the game drifted towards the inevitable conclusion.

The referee got bored and decided to spice things up a bit. He missed a number of ‘off the ball’ incidents, denied the visitors a blatant penalty for handball, ordered the stripes manager Lascelles to sit down and very nearly gave Billy Harkness a second yellow card for not wearing a bib on the subs bench. He was guilty of disrupting the game, which frustrated both sets of players.

Långholmen were not as clinical in the second half, squandering a couple of good chances to put the game safe. The decisive third goal coming with just a few minutes left to play. Lykke Holm crossed to the back post where three players were queuing up to score. O’Sullivan initially got an acrobatic volley all wrong; before bouncing up again to slash the ball into the top left bin. Sublime/Ridiculous.

A comfortable home win for the Stripes ends their local rivals run of good results. Now attention switches to the big game against Krukan on Friday night at the Damm. Always a keenly contested and physical fixture, this top of the table clash is also the final opportunity for players to stake a claim for cup final selection.

LFC Squad

Kelly (GK); Phillips (LB), Thornley (D), Mcclelland (D), Thorell (RB), Graham (CM), Karlsson (RM), Harkness © (CM), McConnell (LM), O’Sullivan (CF), Allen (CF). Subs: Lascelles, Sammba (45), Burris (45), Lykke Holm (30)

MOTM – Gary Phillips. Rolling back the years.

Ref Watch – Inconsistently fussy; not a good combination. 2/5.

Långholmen FC’s penultimate league game of the season is against FC Krukan on Friday 23^rd September (Zinkensdamm – KO 20:00)

Hope to see you there.

www.långholmenfootball.com

It is long ball from Skå really… or negative positive football, as we like to call it. It’s effective, but not particularly attractive. But if it works, and gets results then who are we to fault them with it. The big grass pitch and swirling wind makes them favourites at home, but on this occasion the Stripes will be kicking themselves for not taking all three points home.

Långholmen fielded a patchwork squad following injuries, suspensions and last minute absentees, and welcomed back Mattias Larsson into the fray. The little general slotted into centre back; fizzing the ball around and looking very comfortable after a few months out of the game.

Welcome also to Vasile, our new Romanian centre-back who filled the bench by himself. Manager Lascelles had to play in goal while Robbie Graham rolled back the years with a bustling performance in the Stripes engine room. Lascelles the cat had a Weston Super in the warm-up but didn’t put a foot wrong during the match.

The Stripes, playing with the wind and slope, controlled the game in the first half and deserved their lead at half-time. Chris Allen again showing all the skills that Ipswich Town are missing when he clipped a left foot peach in off the post from 20 yards.

But a one goal lead is never safe. The Skå keeper played a blinder; making a string of top reaction saves to keep his side in the game and then provided the assist for the equaliser. His long punt downfield (wind + slope) was allowed to bounce and the home striker was able to steal in behind the LFC defence.

At 1:1, the Stripes pressed hard for an equaliser. Allen and O’Sullivan both went close, but it was super-sub Vasile who grabbed the headlines. The big defender was thrown on up-front for the last ten minutes and his enthusiasm was rewarded when he latched onto a perfect cross from Otis to nod home with less than 3 minutes left on the clock.

And that should have been that. A deserved 3 points and all back to the Southside for the chips of victory. But no, the Stripes needlessly conceded an injury-time corner which was duly converted by an unmarked attacker at the back post. So, heartache for the loyal travelling fans who watch the Stripes lose a draw – but it’s not such a bad away draw really against a negative positive team that has beaten both the league leaders at this ground this season. Onwards and upwards.

LFC Squad

Lascelles (GK); Phillips (LB), Larsson (D), Mcclelland (D), Thorell (RB), Sullivan (CM), McConnell (LM), Harkness  © (RM), Graham (CM), O’Sullivan (CF), Allen (CF). Subs: Burris (75), Vasile (80)

MOTM – Erik Thorell; An old head on young shoulders.

Ref Watch At least he was consistent. 3/5.

www.långholmenfootball.com

Emergency flares and the standard colloquial chants were ignited well before the match kicked off proper. The home side granted two penalties before the game to even things up; comfortably slotted home both to give them a 2-0 lead at the start.

The Stripes, playing with 3 central midfielders dominated the early exchanges, securing possession and moving the ball around quickly. Syrianska to their credit chased the ball down tirelessly in the first period, putting pressure on all facets of the game; especially limiting the quality of the Långholmen passing in the final third.

After a lot of huffing and puffing, LFC created few clear-cut chances in the first forty five and the travelling fans could have been forgiven for thinking that this might not be a night to remember. But the Stripes have been on a magic cup run this year, dumping out division 2 side Enskede en route to the semi has obviously given the team some belief and the second half display was simply too good for Syrianska to live with.

Chris Allen got the equaliser, powering a header into the net direct from a corner after 50 minutes. Allen was also instrumental in the equaliser, dancing through the defence and rounding the keeper only to be dragged down. The Syrianska keeper was harshly dismissed and Paul Sullivan notched from the spot.

Only one team was going to go on and win it from here, and when McClelland was fouled in the box moments later, the referee made his only mistake of the game when he waved away a stone wall pen. The stripes had the game by the scruff of the neck now, no amount of booing, abuse, car horns or fireworks were going to distract them.

The decisive goal came from the spot once more; O’Sullivan this time running onto a perfect through ball and nicking it away from a clumsy last ditch tackle. Cue swam dive, blatant penalty and a second yellow for the guilty party – the valiant home side were down to 9 men and staring down the barrel. Sullivan stepped up to the plate again and finished his seconds with a cultured left foot finish.

Syrianska had to come out and attack now, but they had nothing left in the tank. Chris Allen rounded off a marvellous evening for Langholem FC when he bagged a superb individual goal on the break; a mazy run across the face of the goal and a powerful drive into the corner put the game safe with ten minutes still to play.

The Stripes can now look forward a mouth-watering final against Anders Limpar’s Division 2 Team Sollentuna United FK. To be played on Wednesday 28^th September at Grimsta IP KO: 20:00.

LFC Squad

Bergquist (GK); Phillips (LB), Thornley (D), Mcclelland (D), Karlsson (RB), Sullivan (CM), McConnell (CM), Harkness  © (CM), O’Sullivan (LF), Sammba (CF), Allen (RF). Subs: Thorell (45), Ahmed, Burris (75)

MOTM – Chris Allen; Delightful.

Ref Watch – The best we’ve had all season. 5/5.

Hope to see you at the final.

www.långholmenfootball.com

Vasasällskapet are a team of big units. But they collapsed like a house of cards in the tackle and some of their theatricals were shameful. Apart from a long ball they don’t carry too much of a threat but they equalled a rather lackluster Stripes in the first period. Both teams created few clear cut chances, as Långholmen struggled to get a foothold in the game. Passing was hurried and sometimes forced, and when they did get behind the Vasa the final ball needed just a bit more quality.

When Wille Karlsson switched to the right wing, he immediately started to have a bit of joy; providing width and pace that troubled the rotund home defence. A couple of times he got behind them and one cross to Allen at the back post provided the best chance of the half. Allen’s header fizzing just over the bar. The 19 foot 27 stone Vasa forward then put a header against the top of the bar from a corner, but Ben had it covered.

By this time the referee had booked five or six Långholmen players for a variety of inocuous enough challenges. Any flow or rhythm to the game was completely destroyed and both sets of players were left scratching their heads. He bizarrely booked a Vasa player before the beginning of the second half too, for an unidentified misdemeanor that no one could quite understand. The game needed a goal, and Vasasällskapet delivered it from their fourth or fifth corner of the second half. A deep cross to the back post was volleyed back through a sea of legs to squeak inside the near post. Soft.

This was the kick up the ass that the Stripes needed, and from that moment on they dominated. They were much sharper all over the pitch and started to really hurt the tiring home team. Wille played a blinder on the right wing, defensive pairing of Sund and McClelland looked very solid against formidable opponents and Chris Allen was a constant threat. The ref was still whistle whistle whistle; every solid challenge was penalised and he was dishing out cards like Clinton’s so it was hugely frustrating experience for the players and fans alike.

The Stripes were chasing the game. They had their tails up, and had turned the momentum of the game firmly in their favour. After sustained pressure, a couple of half chances and good blocks by the keeper, Paul Sullivan slipped a lovely ball in to Chris Allen who took a touch before tucking the ball away on the angle. Tidy. With 15 minutes to play it felt like the Stripes could go on to win it. Sadly the ref had other ideas; Pete McConnell was given his marching orders for a second yellow (for a ball winning challenge in the opposition 18 yard box) when the linesman had actually already flagged for offside. Speechless.

Down to ten men, the stripes continued to swarm forward and Deri Thomas had the chance to seal the win when the ball broke to him inside the box. It was a sharp chance and the keeper did well to block with his legs. In the dying seconds a through ball caught the home keeper (another giant of a man) out of position, and when he collided with Thomas  in a 50:50 outside the box the ref whistled and gave the advantage to Vasa with the unguarded goal at the Stripes mercy. It was a horror show, and the Stripes did well to maintain their composure and take a point home.

Overall, disappointing to only get a draw, especially after a strong second half performance. But something to build on as Långholmen look forward to entertaining old rivals and league leaders Ekerö at home on Saturday. A result there will certainly put a shine on the season and build confidence going into the Stockholm Cup semi final on the 7th September. All to play for.

LFC Squad

Ben (GK); Ahmed (LB), Sund (D), Mcclelland (D), Karlsson (RB), Sullivan (CM), Harkness © (RM), Phillips (CM), McConnell (CM), O’Sullivan  (CF), Allen (CF). Subs: Graham (85), Thomas (60)

MOTM – Wille Karlsson; Stella performance, and the best looking player on the pitch.

Ref Watch – Ruined the game. 0/5

Långholmen FC’s next league game of the season is on Saturday 3rd September at Essinge IP against Ekerö FK – KO 14:00.

Hope to see you there.

www.långholmenfootball.com