04/05/2026
Match day 2nd May
Horwich locomotives vs Ladybridge Leopards
Today we welcomed Ladybridge to Scholes bank for the last game of the season. The locomotives were going into the game full of confidence and good form having lost only 1 of the previous 8 games so everyone was looking to finish on a high. The opposition were coming hear with an upturn in form and knowing a win could leapfrog the locomotives come the final standings but above all the derby day rivalry was evident amongst the players and coaches so the message was clear work hard and get your rewards.
Kick off: Away we went in front of a big crowd as is often the case on the last day of the season especially as ticket prices were reduced and there was an incentive on coffee and bacon.
The locomotives started brightly and the better of the 2 teams with good work down the right hand side causing Ladybridge problems. The home side settled well on the ball and looked to find the easy pass and keep the ball moving from back to front however any real chance in front of goal was becoming elusive as the home side couldn’t test the keeper from the early pressure. It’s fair to say against the run of play the visitors opened the scoring. A dangerous corner was headed home in the 19th minute as the locomotives failed to mark the box well enough something that has been an Achilles heal this season and I’m sure the coaches have ear marked as an area to improve both defending and attacking. 0-1.
Ladybridge were looking to build on their advantage before the locomotives could respond however it was the home side who found the perfect response 2 minutes later.
A long throw from Tom which has been a real weapon all season was headed out by the defender, however Fynley was on hand to react first and sweep home a half volley which looped over the keeper for his 8th goal of the season to draw level and stifle any pressure the away side wanted to build. From that important moment there was only 1 team in it as the locomotives orchestrated a truly memorable match.
CLOSE: From a corner on the left hand side by Tom, Sam had worked a lovey position at the back post and his first time controlled volley was inches last the post
CLOSE: more good work from Sam up top set up Fynley with another great effort on goal, heading for the top corner the keeper pulled off a great save and the rebound effort narrowly was a bit too high
Half time: locomotives 1-1 Ladybridge
Into the second half and the early pressure came from Ladybridge with a couple of early corners however, Connor was there to command his area and under pressure dealt with the threat expertly. Moments later the locomotives created their first chance of the second half as the ball was played into the path of Blake who fired narrowly past the post.
GOAL: it was coming!! A long ball played up from the back towards the ever present Sam. Sam showed great strength to hold off his marker and real composure to flick the ball in to Harry who was making a good run in behind. Work to be done, but Harry muscled his marker off and raced through one on one he made no mistake finding the bottom right corner to give the locomotives the lead.
More pressure was building as Josh worked the left hand side with some good skill and cut in on his right foot and had an effort go just past the far post. The locomotives could sense the game was their for the taking and give the home fans what they wanted a derby day win.
GOAL: oh my word he’s got another. The locomotives continued to play in the final third and some neat football in the Ladybridge box was eventually cleared out only to find Logan who was itching to get involved higher up. His first time drive back into the mix was creatively diverted into the back of the net by Harry to put the locomotives 3-1 up. Limbs in the home end as the traditional end of season fancy dress was on full show but the boys wanted to deliver more for them.
GOAL: unbelievable Geoff!! This has to go down as a tremendous team goal. Sadly the sky sports coverage failed us second half with a technical error resulting in the camera never moving to the right!!! However the locomotives were moving further away from their rivals. The locomotives won the ball back in the centre and moved it to the left. Josh and Sam played a delightful one- two with each other only this time Josh played a lovely cross into the heart of the box where Harry got across his man and slotted home from close range for his 35th goal of the season and another Hat trick for the record books.
The locomotives were not done there though as more good play down the right hand side delivered another good cross which was cleared to the edge of the box GOAL! What a hit. Tom picked up the loose ball and decided to have a strike it found the back of the net for his 16th goal of the season as the keeper never moved. A goal he deserved with an ever present driving force in midfield.
The final whistle blew to the relief of the away team and drew an end to the season.
Final score. Locomotives 5-1 Ladybridge
Goals Fynley
Harry x3
Tom
MOTM. Went to the whole team today as it was arguably our best performance of the season.
We close the season out with some real positive performances and results and I’m sure we can all catch up during the presentation on how the season went as a whole for the team but what’s has been ever present is just how much they improve each season and how much enjoyment they give us parents as we are all proud of our own and all the boys week in week out.
Many many thanks to the coaches for their continued support and guidance and it’s just a shame we don’t get to see them freezing cold in the reservoir this year and a lucky escape for Greg as I think he was parents choice to help out🤣