Mens F 1 - 0 Recreio B

 Dear F Team,

Does the world today seem a brighter place, is there a spring in the step of the F Team players, or is it just their Zimmer frames and Wheelchairs have been given a Spring polish after a sparkling display of determination and quality hockey that we seem to pull out of the hat when the chips are down and the opposition is good ?

A full fourteen assembled well before the start-time of 16.30 to witness the demise of the E Team in added time, playing against a 4th Div Valley side, in the same Cup competition. They had 70% possession, they had Proudy too and a full 16 squad, dozens of chances, but could't convert to goals. So, time passed and it seemed that Recrio were hardly keen to take to the pitch and were still short and their GK still getting ready. The toss saw Recrio win the push back, and still waiting for the GK, so it was awarded back to the F Team for time-wasting.  Off we went. There was none of the usual slow start and we drove hard into the Recrio half and "D" time and again. A strong midfield saw our domination of possession and a will to succeed far outweighing that of the Recrio side who seemed far from confident. As the game began to even out, most attacks from Recrio were halted in the tracks by the back line of Walter doing a tremendous job, Tim clearing thge line time and again, David G hard and fast in the centre, JP tackling hard and lets us not forget ( as I often do ) the 'invisible man' Steve B, who had a hard run until a pulled somethingorother cut his day short. Jeroen was on top form but had few moments of danger thanks to the sterling defenses and our clearing the ball to move up field through the likes of Chris weaving and turning, Bertie as ever muscling through and charging up the field ( and back ), Thorsten all over the place and tackling hard and Anthony playing a great game of hassling and passing. Part-time playboy Pete showed his form too and got stuck into the opposition in midfield and on the wings, while Dermot and Tom had top games going forward and all had chances in the "D". 

The first half we had a spell of several short corners and this times variations and good play saw chances desperately saved by the Recrio defence. Then a scramble in the "D" saw the ball open and in flew the WMD to strike just as the whistle blew for a Recrio infringement, and in the goal it was....short corner !  But the writing was on the goalpost and not long after another short, out to Dermot, across to David and his hard shot saw Tom directly in line, and not wanting his leg shattered, give the old trademark flick in-off and it was 1 - 0.  The half finished with more and more F Team pressure but no further goals.

Second half Recrio came out with more determination and their usual screaming and upsetting behavior, but it wasn't going to phase the F Team composure this time.  It was  afar more even game and as time wore on they began to attack more and more. It was not desperate defending but an organized and well orchestrated display of good hockey, passing out of our defence to midfield and we still drove down the pitch many a time to have chances and the GK did a good job to keep the scoreline to 1 - 0. Time faded away and the F Team dropped back fully to defending their precious single goal, even to the point the WMD cleared up filed from our own "D" and put in a few tackles on advancing Recrio players !

The final whistle blew and the triumphant F -Team gave 3 cheers. A highly deserved, well fought, hard won victory.  Really all out commitment by everyone playing and a real "team" effort.

One we go to the Quarter finals in just 2 weeks time. We'll play Elite "D" from the 4th Div  ( now 3rd place ).  Prepare the same mindset for that and we'll have as good a chance if not better.

Congratulations to all.  We have 2 games this week.  Friday versus the Vets B. ( 20.30 HKFC ) and Sunday vs Dutch ( 18.30 HKFC ). So keep fit and have a good week ahead.

GAME :  WIN

SCORE : 1 - 0

GOALS : TOM  ( heavy assist from David G )

MVP :  WHOLE TEAM ( can't select one as all played a great role ! )