MATCH REPORT - Dutch Lions 2-1 NLO III

WARNING: This match report contains deep and meaningful concepts that you may not be capable of understanding.

Today I witnessed a sign from above. A sign that would indicate something very special was about to occur. I was the first of the team to enter the ground closely followed by Taela. Just as I was entering the building I noticed a little flutter, like a crisp packet, after focusing I realised this was no crisp packet, it was a little bird, not any type of bird, a very special variety, a robin redbreast. I froze, this was a rare moment, the wee little fella settled on another player’s bag for a little rest. I slowly got the attention of this guy and his mate who hadn’t noticed this intrusion whilst they shared a cigarette. I ask the guys to freeze and not make any movements. Looking back this wasn’t the wisest thing to say. If you hear that around my way then you’re probably getting mugged at gun point.

Oddly enough they compiled and I alerted them to his new team member. To my amazement the bird sat completely still, as if it was thinking…. Was it dead, no, He was having a dump. All over matey’s bag. Unlike me, they where not able to see the significance of this event. My mother has always supported a theory that animal shit is lucky, why I don’t know. I guess it’s about taking something positive from a negative situation and I have always enjoyed that idea.

I stated to these two guys that what we had seen was a sign, a sign of good things to come, don’t be disheartened, don’t be embarrassed because a two inch bird has shit on your bag, rejoice for what you have seen is special.

I was disappointed that throughout this mind bending experience Taela remained cold, unmoved and frankly unimpressed with the whole situation. I do hope that spiritually he will realise the impact of this symbol and stop being so shallow. Only time will tell I guess.

I understood straight away that this moment had to be recorded. Matey carefully pulled out his phone in an brave attempt to capture this gift. Not only did he get close enough for a picture but the robin was polite enough to turn his head towards the camera phone totally unprompted, what a pro. At this stage I was an emotionally wreck. Then the moment was topped off with the krem-da-la-krem, Mateys Mate (you still with me) turned and whispered to the watching crowd that bravely “I’m gonna stroke it”. This for me was too much, he should be locked up. He’s clearly a nutter. As he bent over the bird remained still, not even Dr Dolittle himself would attempt such foolery but sure enough the bird remained still whilst having it’s little red breast stroked. I’ve seen everything now and wanted to go home but we had a game to crack on with. Matey sent me the photo below complete with the bird shit clearly visible.

I later contacted Matey that night and found that he had a name, they call him Paul. He plays for AC Carrera. He went onto to tell me his own story after this mornings events. His team, with a bare 11 went four nil up, lost two players to injury (one being the keeper) and Paul grabbed a brace including one half volley from a full 25 yards. Paul had also spent Sunday evening realising the robins importance. Sadly Paul’s team lost a team member recently to leukaemia. The team had dedicated their season to him and Paul genuinely believes that the robins presence was related.

Before the game it was announced that Pedro would be our new captain. Timid has stood down and we thanked him for his efforts. Pedro was very proud to take up the post. We talked before the came about being positive. We went out determined to support each other and encourage. Julian Marshall made he’s debut at right back and did not put a foot out of place all game. I replaced Noel (injured) at left back with Paulo joining Timid up front. Other than that the team was unchanged.

Timid stirred the team’s emotions comparing the film “the last samurai” with the type of dedication we should aim to achieve. He was ranting on and started talking about cutting geezers nuts off if we lost, Pedro then insisted that if we lost today we should stab ourselves. I’m really, really concerned about these two.

The first half provided several efforts from both sides with the lions testing the NLO keeper the most. We went one down after pushing up from a deep NLO free kick, unfortunately no one picked up the runner from midfield and Taela was left with a one on one which he a little chance of stopping. Timid then came close with an effort fired directly at the NLO keeper.

As the second half began we knew what was required. 3 points was achievable today, With respect to NLO we felt we could and should win. Paulo’s passing and work rate was immense today and moments into the second half he made a sensational run into the six yard box and picked out Hamza who coolly finished. Every Lion knew that our aim could be realised and we pushed on. The link up play during the game was a joy to watch between our attackers. Our second goal and the winner came from a cross into the six yard box. Macca rose like a salmon to nod the ball with pace into NLO’s net. Everyone was delighted for Macca. Sadly Macca’s Grandmother died only days before and he dedicated he’s goal to her. Well done Macca.

The lions did not get too carried away, we allowed ourselves a few high fives and cracked on. We could smell victory. Taela continued to come off his line well after some nervy late breaks from NLO but they rarely throughout the game hit the target. Grant was immense today in defence often coming to the rescue of his fellow defenders. Pedro and Ahmed kept the engine room running smooth and it was great to see the wingers enjoying the width of our pitch.

For me, my highlight was the joy I witnessed on our players faces at the final whistle, we worked hard and supported each other throughout and deserved the win today. We have also seen what can be achieved and will use this as a springboard to bigger and better things. I was very proud of everyone today.

The robin may have been a sign (it certainly was for Paul) but truthfully I have always been a firm believer that in life (and football) you make you own luck, today we made ours; we battled for one another and played as a true team. We executed our plan and refused to lose.

So Timids nuts get too see another day, Let’s hope he can keep hold of them for a little while longer. Well done Lions.

Thanks also to Paul from AC Carrera and we wish you and your team continued success.