Semi of Champions League – Kowloon Tsai Stadium.
Goal : Simon Duff
A terrific display of football saw us dominate Mes Amis for long periods of time. The score line slightly flattering for them and I can’t recall Mes Amis having a single shot on goal throughout the game. We on the other hand should have really killed off the game much earlier with the number of chances we had. However it was great to see us return to the kind of football we have been playing for most of the season. And some of the interplay and touches resembled much of what Barcelona dished up later that night minus the goal scoring powers we had throughout the season.
The game started off at 100 miles an hour with both teams playing terrific football. However as the half continued we started to dominate the midfield. It wasn’t long before we started to press Mes Amis in their own half. The first good chance fell to Jeff who split their defence but didn’t get enough power on the shot to trouble their keeper. However the goal came with some great lead up play from Aidan. Simon Duff manage to escape the defense and with the slightest of touches was able to beat the incoming Mes keeper and see the ball roll into the net. A quality and well taken goal by Simon who was having a terrific game.
As the game went on just before the break Thomas R had a terrific chance to put us ahead 2 nil with an open header. However somehow missed and gave Mes a life line.
Second half and we just got better and better. Steve G and Aidan were totally dominating midfield and even with Mes pushing back Wanderers Stuart McInness to combat this, there was no stopping our momentum. The chances came think and fast. Thomas R had another great chance this time with his foot to put us further up but miss queued it. Jeff had another shot but went straight to the keeper. Steve G had a terrific chance as well but it just went wide somehow. However when Simon missed a point blank chanced that hit the cross bar a few of us were worried that we might regret all these chances being thrown away.
However as the minutes ticked away Mes found it hard to pass the half way line and we piled on the pressure. Mav was open and unselfishly passed the ball to Jim Rose who drill it but straight to keeper. And Adam had a late rocket that just went over the bar. Whistle went it was a good win although a few more goals probably would have been a fairer reflection of our dominance.
Probably one of the best displays all season praise galore for everyone who played in this. Starting from Thomas M who had little to do but what he did, he did well. The defence was super solid Briggsy returning to some of his best football while Bertie was winning and clearing everything. Thomas D was getting to every ball first while Scottie was outstanding on the right with some crunching tackles along with some cool control when needed.
Two of the best anyone would want in your team, Steve G and Aidan were in the zone and it was a delight to watch both of these guys in full flight. Steph, Steve Y and Jim Rose where all playing their socks off and supported them so well with terrific passing and movement. Up front Jeff was causing loads of problems while Simon was in terrific form and every time he got the ball would help create attack after attack.
The subs came on and did a job, a few guys didn’t get a run out. Many apologies for not getting everyone on but the semi was tight on the scoreboard and all the players have put so much into the season I didn’t want to change too much that might unsettle our play. There will be many more chances ahead to show the club what you have.
As for the Man Of Match, votes were taken later on at the night and Aidan won it with Steve G, Thomas D and Simon running a close tied second.
Congratulations guys a well deserved victory you were all outstanding when it counted.
H
