So to the second home game of the season, the fourth kit of the season and potentially an early season six pointer as second in the table RBBFC 3 took on St Georges RCS 4 (third).

It was a very warm day in Rosieres as the third team set about to continue their impressive start to the season, again implementing the 3-5-2 formation. This week JB (captain) was in goal, the defence was Simon, Ben and Ian, the midfield 5 were Gerry, Alex, Tom, Karim and JC and the two starting strikers; Sioux and Divine. The reinforcements were the italian stallions Lorenzo and Salva.

The day started with an almost normalised panic for the third team as we realised there was a kit clash shortly before kickoff. No bother, the organisation of the RBBFC club came to the rescue and a black kit was found. So could the thirds start impressively again? In short, no, not really. The third team looked tired and lethargic and didn't play the football they were capable of, however after half an hour, hardworking Divine returning from fourth team duty managed to control a ball well and take on a defender only to be brought down. PENALTY! Everyone knows what that means; the centre back, the smurf, the vice captain, last seasons player of the year stepped up to attempt to score his annual goal having missed a penalty in a preseason tournament, there was no pressure. So Ben (me) stepped up very calmly and hit the ball (maybe a little too hard) and it hit the underside of the crossbar and went in; some described it as fortunate but this match reported described it as accurate and delicately placed out of the goalkeepers reach. There were few chances other than the penalty in the first half; we did see another strong penalty appeal turned down for a similar challenge on Divine and the chance to reach two goals in a season for Ben was denied!

Half time 1-0

A new experience then for the third team, who did not have a comfortable lead to protect so what would be the idea? Defend this lead or go for attack as the best form of defence? With no clean sheets so far, and the most goals in the division there was really only one option, the 3-5-2 was maintained and an attacking emphasis too and soon this pressure began to tell. Tom found Sioux who beat offside (maybe?) and finished it clinically after rounding the keeper. The same combination linked up again a few minutes later and produced the same result! 3-0, the scoring touch had been found once more! Salva and Lorenzo were introduced to keep the pressure and intensity high and it wasn't long before Salva impacted the game. Karim found Salva who found the goal and celebrated (loudly!!) putting RBBFC 4-0 up! Now just one target remained for the game: the elusive clean sheet! A clean sheet which was successfully thrown away shortly after scoring goal number 4 as a fast paced counter attack was converted. 4-1.

The game was a hard fought contest and the scoreline, perhaps, flattered RBBFC 3 who didn't really reach top gear but another win and another step in the right direction!

MOM: Sioux

Goals: Ben (pen), Sioux, Sioux, Salva

Assists: Divine, Tom, Tom, Karim

Attendance: 60 (10 if not including players waiting to play)