Dutch Lions 3 Gwalia 0

The league results are out from Sunday and the Lions are now the only team to take maximum points from their opening game. Gwalia were always going to be “Physical” but their number nine took it to a new dimension. The game started with Gwalia poking the outside of the post after a moment of madness from out defense & midfield. It simply took an age for us to get into this game and with us not getting our foot in at the right times we allowed Gwalia to play. To be fair, They did stretch us but we continued to work hard with Carlos, Jabor and Paulo  working the channels. We got our act together and Carlos made some great space for himself to cross a beauty over the entire defence to the far post for Hamzeh to side foot in. won nil going into half time.

Second half kicked off with Gwalia coming out like mad dogs and trust me, they wanted blood, we rolled with it but never got involved, I think that was key in this result. I believe they became their own worse enemy. Some of the baiting from the Away sides following on the sides lines was a OTT (this is well documented) and with such intimidation present it’s no wonder we struggle to get enough referee’s. Big Andy from Gwalia did his best to keep everyone in check. I really believe if this team could start using there energy in a more positive manner they might achieve something.

Gwalia threw everything at us second half but with some good defensive performances from all we kept them out. Arran made a great save with his feet to deny Gwalia an equaliser and O’keeffe cleared one off the line to keep our one goal lead in tact. Clark fouled one of Gwalia’s dangerous subs just outside the box but nothing came of there pressure. Paulo came so very close with almost two identical efforts which both whizzed low past the keepers left hand post. With 15 minutes left Yasser D. made his first appearance and within minutes worked really well to carve out a shot which (with pace) went over the out-coming keeper and into the back of net, 2-0 and now I started to smell victory. With Gwalia pushing forward we worked hard on the counter and Paulo put the game to bed with his second of the season with a low shot into the near post.

In summary, A well deserved victory however 3-o probably flattered us. 

Next week, The Impressive, Unbeaten, League leaders Colindale Athletic. Our objective is simply,  We win and we could go top, Need I say more.