Dutch Lions 1 – FSL 3
It came down to the last game of the season, one match and the winner is crowned champions. Previously we has beaten FSL and although that game was like the alamo we knew they could be beaten so we went into the game confident. Boris the Blade was the ref for this contest and I must say he continues to impress me as a fine referee.
With the sun beating down we got the game underway. FSL gave us a lot of pressure early doors but we dealt with most attacks whilst making sporadic attempts on the FSL goal. Jaber cut inside from the right flack, dropping his shoulder to pass another defender and forcing a great save from the FSL keeper.
FSL went one up after a cross and a dodgy bounce of the hard surface put FSL’s top striker threw, he got on the right side of our final defender and cooley slotted the ball into the opposite corner.
We did not allow our heads to be dropped but it wasn’t long before FSL went two up. With us pushing up very high up the pitch, a nicely weighted ball was slipped right through the middle of our defense for the other FSL striker to poke home after beating the offside trap with precision.
Second half kicked off and we turned up the heat straight away. Carlos had a couple of efforts that saw the FSL keeper flapping. Our goal was created from a great passage of play involving Julian, Ahmed and finally Paulo. A drilled shot from 25 yards by P was hit with pace but unfortunately, straight at the FSL keeper, with half the team retracting into position we could not help but gasp as the FSL keeper allowed the ball to dribble through his legs.
Fortunately for him that mistake did not prove significant as sadly, another comeback against FSL was not on the cards today. With us pushing on for an equaliser, FSL hit back with a third after carving out a great move and there top forward placing a shot into the top corner of our net.
My man of the man award goes to Hamzeh, I thought he was composed, calm and solid. This man has a great story, well done Hamzeh.
So, the dream was over. As disappointed as I was, I was so proud that we never gave up, we never made it easy for them throughout the entire season, beating them in the league, losing only two games in total and with an almost identical goal difference.
It has been rumoured that FSL have been offered Division 1 status, Will they accept this? who knows. From what I have seen that’s where they should be, just look at the results in all competetions. Whatever happens with them, I hope to play them again next year one way or another. They brought some of the best out in us and gave us a run all the way to the end and that made it so much more interesting.
Division Two status awaits us and we look forward to our next real challenge. Onwards and upwards teammates.
Coming soon: The Lions official end of year report.
