Goals: Jens, Matt

Excellent win yesterday which extends our winning streak to 4 in a row with 4 to play.

We had good numbers for the game and Flabbo was able to start a strong team with Sanj in Goal. Back four of Andy B, Briggs, Bertie and Jay. Center midfield had Rob and Aidan, with Mehdi and Joe on the flanks. Jens started up front with Andy. The game kicked off 30 mins late due to the delays in the previous promotion game between KCC and 816. The delay was frustrating and it was Azzurri who started off the better side, they certainly looked hungry for the game and former Spartan (renegade) Edouard was soon calling the shots (as he did in the first game between the teams).
This time we dealt with his trickery better, with Jay and Bertie letting him know he was in a game. Although the Azzurri were controlling the opening stages, they weren’t really creating any clear cut opportunities and as they became more frustrated, we started to play some nice football. Rob and Aidan were playing some nice interchanges in midfield, feeding off Andy who was holding the ball up well in attack. Rob put Jens through, his effort lobbed the keeper, but agonizingly the ball trickled past the post.

At the other end Edouard decided to challenge a 50/50 with the on rushing Bertie (good luck!!!).  He collided with Bertie and his game was done. No love lost there and we were glad to see him hobble and be substituted. That left Dimitri on his own up front for the Azzurri. As the half drew to a close I thought it would be good to come in at HT with a draw. Well that soon changed when some lovely interchange with Mehdi and Rob, the ball slipped out to Jens, who first time smacked the ball past the Azzurri keeper. HT: 1-0.

Much of the same for the second half were the instructions at HT. The mood was certainly up beat after getting a late lead just before the break.

No changes at HT and we started off pretty much the same as the first. The midfield were now controlling the game and we could sense that Azzurri really had nothing to bother us. Andy and Jens were battling hard up front and trying to carve out some opportunities. We had a hatful of corners, but were unable to convert. An Azzurri defender also seemed to handle in the ball in the box, but nothing was given. With 15 mins to go, Flabbo brought on Richie for the hardworking Andy up front and Mattie came onto the right to replace Mehdi. Within minutes, Matt found himself clear to nonchalantly drill the ball into the net.  As the game closed out, Oli came on for Rob to sure up the midfield. With only a couple of minutes to go and fair play to Azzurri for never giving up, they got a consolation. FT: 2-1.

Not pretty at times , but the result was excellent. An excellent all round team performance. The back four were terrific and countered any Azzurri threat. The midfield were busy and really got to grips with the physical presence of the taller Azzurri team. Jens and Andy ran their socks off and were unlucky not to net further goals. However, my MOM for his dominating performance in central midfield Aidan. Excellent game well played.

Now we come to the business end of our season. We have 4 games left and play the 3 teams currently ahead of us in the league, starting with French Kiss in 2 week’s time. If we win our remaining 4 games, then based on previous season stats, we will get promoted!! Personally, being my last 4 games in charge of the team, I would love to see us get promoted again.

NO game this week due to Rugby Sevens.

I do urge you to try and make training Wednesday.

Cheers,
Flabbo