Sheffield kick-off Russia tour with Torpedo Moscow defeat

It was veteran Russian defender Sergey Ignashevich’s first game in charge of Torpedo, so he was clearly taking it very seriously.

Ignashevich started his career at Torpedo Moscow’s Academy moving on to make 504 league appearances some of which were on behalf of CSKA Moscow and Lokomotiv Moscow. Sergey played for Russia 127 times during his playing career, scoring an outstanding 8 goals.

The Club showed unbelievable strength in the first half, allowing only one goal by Torpedo player Igor Lebedenko and had three clear goal scoring opportunities.

There was definitely a clear difference in standard with regards to professional and non league part-time football but it was evident that Sheffield matched them for large parts.

In the second half, Sheffield FC substituted many of the first team squad, bringing on former Russian Spartak Moscow player Evgeny Savin and Torpedo legend Edgar Gaurach. The substitutes included tour organisers and kit sponsor, Classic Football Shirts’ very own Dougie & Gary Bierton.

The match finished 5-0 to the hosts but before Sheffield rang the changes the match was a very tight affair.

Torpedo were extremely impressed by Goal Keeper Jamie Ingham:

“The media did ask whether Ingham would consider moving across to play for Torpedo as he had an excellent game. It would be an unbelievable experience for the lad and we would never stand in his way if the opportunity actually arose," said First Team Coach, Kirk Jackson

Jamie wasn’t the only player to catch the eye of Torpedo staff, also mentioned was Captain and Central Defender Rob Darkin and recently signed Karl Demidh who gave extremely impressive performances.

The fans of Torpedo Moscow were great and we received a very special welcome.

Earlier in the day Chairman, Richard Tims has been invited by the British Ambassador, to accompany him to Park Pobedy for Remembrance Day in Russia to lay a wreath to honor all those lost in WWII.

An unbelievable day, an amazing experience and definitely not one to forget.

Photography credit: Psh Shumiløv