Line-up (5-3-2)
Sloane, Evans, Johnston, Jacobs, Moore (Waity, 45), Eyre, Pratt, Walsh, Littlechild, Butt (Wills, 55), Kuczynski (Alex, 70)

After a poor performance against The Atholl the week before CPR were back at South Park looking to take 3 pts from Lokomotiv Knightsbridge. A few changes were made to the starting 11 with Richard Pratt back after a two-week break, a starting berth for Saif and Vice-captain Toby in at right-back. CPR needed to be quick out the blocks but unfortunately that was not the case. After a mere 30 seconds Lokomotiv were given a free kick just out side the box and CPR felt themselves under a bit of pressure.

The free-kick was whipped in and Jacobs decided he had had enough and wanted to part of the illustrious own-goal club, and the ball skimmed off the top of his head and into the top corner. Unlike Scotty a few weeks before he gladly owned up and did not try and hide the embarrassment from the rest of team. 1-0 down in the first minute and I am sure there were a few people thinking the worst. However CPR are made of more than this nowadays and there would be no capitulation today.

CPR pulled up their socks, focused their attention above the opposition’s goal as per Tooley’s instructions and decided the best way to get round this was to play themselves back in the game. The defence stepped up a level, the midfield worked harder with Pratty sticking in some big challenges and Walshy starting to dominate in the air. Stuart and Saif were also starting to cause a few problems.

As CPR began to dominate the game they nearly got back in it: Gypo swung in a corner to the back post and Walshy rose to head narrowly wide. Despite some nice build-up play it was actually a great bit of direct football which got CPR on equal terms. A long kick from Sloane went further than anyone thought, especially the Lokomotiv defence who watched as the ball bounced over their heads and the wee man pounced and volleyed the ball sweetly into the back of the net. One each and CPR relaxed, knowing if they continued as they were the points were there for the taking.

It was no surprise then that soon after CPR, were to take the lead some moments later. The pressure was starting to grow on the Lokomotiv defence, which led to Rachel being hacked down just outside the 18-yard box. With one goal in the bag and the ever-present thought that unless he started scoring more the Golden Boot may be disappearing from the mantelpiece, Stu only had eyes for goal. He coolly slotted ball round the wall and in to the bottom corner under the keeper. 2-1 CPR.

Lokomotiv battled to get back into the game but never seemed to find that cutting edge, and when they did manage to break the defence, Pratty tracked back and was on duty with a fantastic tackle to stop the striker who was through on goal.

As we approached half-time CPR’s domination showed again and a flick-on went through to Saif, allowing him and the wee man to combine for Stu to prod in for the first-half hat-trick which came from just three attempts on goal. 3-1 CPR at half time.

Halftime: CPR 3, Lokomotiv Knightsbridge 1

In the second half CPR knew that the opposition would come at them hard and a change brought Waity in to centre-half for Scotty who was rumored as needing to leave to get his highlights done. This was to prove a decision well made with Whitey getting the better of his opponent from the off. Lokomotiv continued to ply balls into the box but CPR were equal to everything that was being thrown at them. And despite more possession CPR managed to keep them limited to numerous long shots and optimistic balls over the top.

This limited CPR to counter-attack football, and fresh legs up front were bought on to help out. Saif was replaced by Richard Wills who made his first start of the season and was brought on to hold the ball up and try and hit the opposition on the break. CPR were then left with a few half-chances, one of which fell to Walshy who from outside the box tried to lob the keeper only for the ball to bounce four times before reaching him. Rachel had great pleasure in not only taking the piss but also telling him that a simple ball would have put him through on goal.

The hat-trick hero was then relieved of duties, not to soak up the applause of the crowd but due to picking up a slight hamstring injury. Alex making his debut for CPR came in to the fold to add some fresh legs.

CPR also should have had a penalty when Rich Wills was sandwiched in the box and blatantly brought down and for once the ref agreed. However, he then confused everyone by awarding an indirect free kick in the area.

Lokomotiv continued to try and break down CPR but the lads were excellent, much to the frustration of the opposition who then started to try and kick anything other than the ball. So far have CPR come that in the last five minutes, rather than being pegged in their own box, they actually played in the other team’s half. In the last minute a long throw from Waity was headed goal-bound by Walshy, who was just about to start celebrating before the goalkeeper – who had been awful all game – somehow managed to get a hand to the ball and put it out for a corner.

From the resulting corner came a melee between a frustrated Lokomotiv player and Waity. As Waity ran in for the corner the aforementioned player had a swipe at him and Waity duly responded. The handbags came out but thankfully the ref, knowing the game was over, kept his cards in his pocket.

The final whistle went and CPR celebrated, another 3 pts, 3 goals for the wee man and a spirited performance means that confidence should be high going in to the Arian game.

Final score: CPR 3, Lokomotiv Knightsbridge 1

Match Reporter: Chris Walsh