Line up

T.Williamson P Wrigley, D James, K.Hyde, A. Knott A.Talib, S.Macdonald, P.Brown, G Boyadjiev C.Ffinch, J.Donnely Subs: Mazza, P.Dean. Hughie Gallagher

On a beautiful autumn afternoon we met the Irlande FC at Zaventem. We were determined to win and spirits were high in the vestiaire.

First half, we started very well, all positions well functioning with good passes. We played a strong game well defended leaded by Darren, Kevin and Scot in the centre and Alex and Paul on the left and right.

Good pressure by Ffinch through which we created a couple of good chances. 20 minutes into the game, the Irish’s goalkeeper cleared the ball out in the direction of Ady, who shot towards the goal post then not well cleared by their defender to Georgie who then gently scored our first goal.

There were a few counter attacks by the Irish which were saved by Tony.

Five minutes before half time, there was a foul from the Irish from the left side which awarded us a free kick taken by Darren. Through a misunderstanding between the Irish goalkeeper and their defender, the ball bounced back to Georgie who scored our second goal. Half time - Irlande FC 0 RBBFC 2.

No Changes at halftime, just the usual gabble about keeping it up, sounds like my missus! The beginning of the second half we started rather well but the Irish toughened up their defence. Couple of surprise attacks from the Irish but cleared by our defenders and goalkeeper. We had to make a change, replacing Jimmy Donnelly “our mentor” with Mazza. The game became balanced and the Irish gave us a lot of problems.

Irish scored their first goal with a nice shot beating Williamsons’ left foot, and bobbled into the corner. 2-1 to us. OK chaps, concentrate and keep them out. Unfortunatley, this wasnt to be, a pass from the Irish midfield just evaded the outstretched boot of James, landing nicely at the feet of their forward, who again, left Williamson no chance sliding the ball into the far corner, 2-2!!

We had a few more good chances, unfortunately not with a good finish. Final score Irlande FC 2 RBBFC 2 and Chris Ffinch again deserved to be our MOM.

Everybody played well and the feeling was that we deserved 3 points instead of 1 point. Had we played at home with the same teamwork we should have the 3 points.