Our Dream is Alive as FSL are Beaten

FSL 1 -2 Dutch Lions FC

Today’s game was all about belief, knowing how to play against top opposition and understanding the importance of a top goalkeeper on your side. Arran collected the man of the match award today for making four top draw saves. He’s communication was also very good and although he insists on sporting tea cosys on his head he has proved today that although his fashion sense leads a bit to be desired his prowess between the sticks is unquestionable.

The game started of in the worst possible way, Their leading striker, with his back to goal flicked the ball off Grants head, sold me the nut mug and curled it into the opposite corner within about 4 minutes. It was a poor start and he single handily caught us cold.

As the first half went on we started to get a grip on the game and we passed the ball very well. Our equaliser came from some great work from Paulo who put through Niall for his 14th of the season.

Carlos came close when he chipped the keeper only for a desperate goal line clearance to keep the sides level at half time. We went into the break believing we could do this and importantly, understanding what was required. The second half proved a long 45 minutes with both keepers being heavily tested. At times the game was truly end to end with Arran and their keeper making several key saves to keep the contest at one a piece. The decider came with around 20 minutes to go when Ahmed crossed the ball to Niall and with the FSL defense caught napping he touched it once with his right before smacking it in the the top right hand corner with his left. 

Even after scoring this we knew there was still a lot of football to play, Jaber came on midway throught the second half and worked very well often making the fifth defender late on. Grant was back to his best with a commanding performance at the back and as the game went on Noel marked their danger-man with ease. Ahmed, Julian, Paulo and Pedro played very well throughout with some fantastic passing and some great battling. Carlos and Niall worked tirelessly and defended from the front superbly. Nialls performance also must be highlighted, He worked hard, he ran and ran, he tackled back and at crucial “heated” times during the game gave good calming advice to the team.

Timid and Yasser came on late to bolster are attack but with the sheer level of pressure we were under spent most of the game defending.

 FSL are undoubtedly a smashing team and are destined for big things, They are in the Middlesex Final Vs The Stag shortly and doing well in the competitions. I will get myself down to watch that game as it promises to be a cracker.

This win puts us top for the first time in our history BUT we must win the remaining fixtures to make this day really count. Give yourselves a pat on the back and recharge those batteries for what looks like an exciting run in. Well done everyone.

TEAM: Skinny, Hamzeh, O’Keeffe, Bates, Jones, Pedro Ramalho, Paulo Ramalho, Julian, Ahmed, Carlos, Niall SUBS: Darr and Timid.