First official game for new captain Rachid who decided to stick to the traditional 1-3-2-3-2 formation. Mireille looked a good side. We had a 1-1 friendly and we knew it would be hard to beat them. But we had guys who can play the ball and a lot of determination. We controlled the game, practiced swift passing, aborted any attempt to score against us, and with a move from defence to the attack, with some dribbling right to the centre and a great finish, a goal by Braun, which gave us the victory.

In this first half, while still fresh, we had some chances with runs by our wingers Lewis and Klaasen, well fed by Harbusch and Goell, also eager to score, but these opportunities were never too, too clear. At the back, apart from a few corners, Mireille never gave any trouble, Eryoruk and Criado cutting any runs by their wings and Maliki clearing the ball with confidence. Nardi and Eriksen also contained any attempt by Mireille, to control midfield.

So the first half, with a short break to water bellies (ABSSA innovation, also in the second half), was a great way to start the season and our captain was "pleased".

Second half saw Alves coming on for Klaasen and taking hold of midfield while Eriksen moved to the right wing. Mireille became desperate to equalise. We were by then tired of our efforts in the first half, but our attack had still energy to do some runs and put their keeper in trouble (definantely their best man).

We had though some great shots from Braun and Goell but we were not able to kill the game in our favour. Mireille decided to put all their artillery out but their main weapon, a chap the size and manners of a gorilla, went ballistic after Eryoruk's typical penalty spot defensive tackle which the referee (always spot on) could not see (neither I but Nardi witnessed that Harun can play rugby). Anyway, the gorilla got crazy but lasted fifteen more minutes before going out with an injury. Relief in defense.

By then Mireille's only clear opportunity came from a free-kick in front of the area, which they took very well but was impeccably saved by Nahas (with Braun's goal, the best action in the game).

Again, Rachid's own words, "we showed as well when you have 11 players fighting like one man, you can make the difference". M.O.M Criado (yeah guys, tell me the truth, you needed someone to take care of the match report). Overall fantastic team performance.

MOM: Fernando Criado