Mens A 3 - 2 Shaheen

After another prolonged interval to the season Club were back in action on Tuesday night under the bright lights of Kings Park; the infamous scene of ‘that Sunday afternoon’ against Bullets. We had many positives to take into the game against the reigning champions; an undefeated campaign thus far, a strong goal difference and some new fresh faces to the squad. I am told that in the past these mid-week games have been somewhat of a hindrance to title challenges, with men either stranded across Asia far and wide on business or just sat on their arse in front of a computer screen all day. Luckily, I for one managed to avoid both, surfacing from my pit around mid-day to find no regrets lying next to me (bonus), before a long YouTube session and catching up on the world around me (‘Have I Got News for You’, ‘The Apprentice’ and Sky Sports News). Elsewhere in the city, preparations were taken seriously; Russ was downing Pocari’s for fun (whether this was for the game or just to load up on lost fluids after a delightful Sichuan meal the night before I don’t know) and Jules was singing ‘Kumbaya’ with 30 Chinese kids in Sai Kung.

With our biggest squad of the season available the emphasis was put on hard work and regular changes in order to maintain a high tempo throughout. Free beers were offered to us as a reward for victory by the Khalsa coach pre match, a man who strikes a very strong resemblance to one of the worlds most wanted, not only in looks but actions it appears as come the final whistle he was nowhere to be seen.

The match started well, with Club bossing possession but unable to make an early breakthrough. Our main aim was to then put pressure on the poor Shaheen right back in order to gain some circle entries, he was that bad that I think Russ might have even gone round him a couple of times; however the deadlock was still not broken. It became clear that their only tactic was to play boring ‘Blackburn Rovers’ hockey, long ball and hope for the best. Some may have thought it was turning into ‘one of those days’ as their Jason Roberts managed to nick a goal before a short corner was slotted right on the postage stamp, 2-0 with 5 minutes to go in the first half. Club then seized the initiative and managed to get one back just before the HT whistle, a cool finish from a short corner by Toddy who was having a growing influence on the game every minute; 2-1 at HT.

Gloves and Chappie made it clear during the team talk at HT that this game was ours for the taking if we wanted it, we were certainly giving them too much respect and time on the ball. It was time to ‘become men’…

We flew out of the traps again in the second half; everyone was more hungry and working for each other. A few sloppy mistakes did creep in all over the park but it became apparent that the fight for all three points was still very much on. Yan managed to bag himself a wonder goal on his debut, a scintillating tomahawk into the top right hand corner; the stuff dreams are made of. It appeared we would take the lead after Tom Moore’s hard work down the right was paid off when he found himself one on one with their keeper, after taking it round him with ease all he had to do was slot it into the empty net….he didn’t; a defender managed to get back and block his feeble effort off the line, where’s Rob when you need him?

Perseverance was the key and after Yan crashed a ball into the ‘D’ I managed to get the slightest of touches in order to guide the ball into the bottom corner (Hotspot may suggest otherwise), however after an over-exaggerated celebration towards the bench the goal was rightly given, we had a lead to hold onto and that is exactly what we did. A valiant effort by all 16 men, it took real character to come back from 2-0 down to win 3-2; the sort of material champions are made of. Other points of interest included Jonty getting sent off twice (admittedly with the help of Will on one occasion), I do sympathise with the skipper as the umpires did have a shocker but I take great pleasure in seeing Mr. Linklaters cough up the dough for the first time this season.

We can all now take a well deserved break over the festive period knowing we have done very well so far, but we are only at the half way stage. Requests from the coaching staff are that whilst we enjoy our holiday don’t over indulge too much (Carl). Merry Christmas everyone, see you all in the New Year to work off those extra pounds we are bound to put on over the festive period and a final well done to all involved on Tuesday night.

MOM – Yan for wonder goal on debut (Flaming Lambo’s at the ready please).

·         Toddy was also awesome throughout, providing a wise head when needed; came close but the newbie pips it I’m afraid.

DOD – Tom Moore for not putting the ball and defender on the line into the net.

·         Jonty is definitely a lucky boy to not get this after his 2 cards, but the fine will do this week!