The gaffer feels as though we have an embarrassment of riches as a squad of 17 assembles for the return match again J Bulls at "The Theatre of Dreams" Happy Valley Astro 6. We are keen for a win to get our Nites Season going and have a score to settle with J Bulls who already beat us 2 – 0 earlier in the season.

We start with the following line up in a 4-1-4-1 formation.

Patrick G
Skurno RB
Pablo CB
Dan CB
Tel LB
Mav RW
Tom CB
Henry CM
Adam LW
Forlan F
Nick F

We have Jeff, Hemant, Mark, Willie, Sean and Pete as subs.

We start the game very well and dominate possession for the 1st ten minutes when a long ball sees Forlan break through, run past a few of the defenders and score an outstanding solo goal with the outside of his right boot. We look very comfortable and solid at the back. Against the run of play they hit a scorcher which Pat saves with his feet. Forlan gets another shot in which is saved on 15 mins as Vera puts him through. Tel gets in on the act with a mazy Christian Ziege like run on the left.
Nick then shoots wide from range when the keeper is found out of position. However, on 20 minutes the opposition start the get more into the game and Pat saved two efforts in quick succession. Jeff and Hemant come on for Tel and Adam. The linesman gets injured and so we switch to two refs. Moments later Forlan has another great run lobs the keeper but the ball hits the bar. Henry then has a shot saved from a free kick. We go in at half time disappointed as we should be two or three nil ahead.

At half time we have a little confusion over the number of subs that we can use. For the record its 7 rolling subs in total apart from at half time where its unlimited… Who made that up. Anyhow we make wholesales changes and all our subs go on. The gaffer feels we need a bit more intensity and movement.

However, the 2nd half is very different from the First as it’s very even. They work extremely hard to get the ball and release the ball very quickly. In spite of this we hang on and actually have the better of the possession in the first ten minutes. Vera has a great header but puts it over the bar from a corner. Against the run of play they score a breakaway goal with a strong header and it’s 1 – 1.

From here on in its end to end.  Willie shoots wide.  Adam heads over soon after. Then two back to back saves again from Patrick. With moments to go Forlan has a shot cleared off line. He then gets another shot in and just before the end Tom shoots wide.

Unfortunately we didn’t take our chances and we get another draw. We need to get some wins quickly to stay in this league. No one can fault the effort we put in but sometimes we need to be more direct and bring our forwards into the game a little more.

However, there were very good performances from everyone in defense especially Pablo and Dan. Henry an Tom did very well in midfield and Sean looked very good on the ball when he came on. Forlan was outstanding making an impact every time he had the chance. Sorry to Mark and Willie who didn’t get much of a run

A few drinks across the road saw the Man of the Match award go to Patrick for his excellent performance in goal. Mug of day went to El Tel for a ridiculous hat he wore to the pub.

STRENGTH & HONOUR