1nil win, lost Forlan with broken foot.

goal – Mike Marriott

Our first league game in 2012 for Nites saw us return to the small pitch in Kowloon Tsai for a tense encounter with Mediplus who we have had success against in the past. We start in a 3 – 5 – 2
formation with the team below:

Sanju 
Henry
Leandro 
Flabbo
Stef
Jay
Aidan
Miles
Willie
Patrick
Forlan

Jamil sub
Mike M sub
Hoy sub
Ray sub
Jeff sub
Oliver sub

We begin a little slowly and Mediplus look like they want revenge against us. Early on Forlan gets a shot in after Pat’s through ball. The opposition seem to be intent on shooting from anywhere and Sanju pulls off an excellent save off long shot. Patrick copies the opposition and gets a long shot in himself which is saved. We should be a few goals to the good after Forlan has a double shot which is saved. Shortly after this Flab sends in a free kick into the danger area which Stef heads over the bar. Aidan pushes forward and gets a few more shots in. Then gets three shots in quick succession which all go wide or over. Half time assessment is that we are unlucky not to be ahead but we also do well to keep a clean sheet.

SECOND HALF
Mike comes on for Willie and makes an immediate impact at right wing back setting up Aidan for another shot which is saved. Shortly after Aidan has yet another shot which is saved as well. Then a horrible moment when Forlan runs through on goal and is taken out by their keeper with a horrendous, reckless, studs up foul. The ref ignores this and we don’t even get a penalty. We have to carry Forlan off. Now totally determined after the injustice we pile on the pressure. Henry heads over from Stef’s corner, Mike hits the bar with a thunderous shot and Patrick also heads over. After another dangerous run when we should have got another penalty Patrick’s volley is saved by Stef with the rebound falling to Mike via a defensive hand ball to fire in the winner. We then wind down the clock and defend well will excellent challenges from Jeff, Patrick, Leandro and Paul Hoy who comes on. All our subs work hard and get a good run out. Sanju also makes a few more saves. Jeff and Paul are booked.

We created 16 chances and need to convert more of these so we can win that kind of games with a bigger margin. However, a workmanlike performance from everyone and a satisfying win. 

All this is overshadowed by the serious injury to our top striker Forlan. We will miss him and wish him a speedy recovery.

Man of the match : Mike M for giving us that extra dimension with his pace and intelligent runs.

STRENGTH & HONOUR
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