After a long break the weather was finally allowed us to start the second half of the season. For the rest of Brussels it looked like spring started, but not for Molenbeek. The concrete surroundings were further emphasised by the cloudy weather and a horrible muddy pitch. However, this would not stop the preparation of the thirds as they always expect everything. Not even the lack of warming-up possibilities stop them as this needed to be done on just of couple of square meters.

With the so far very successful 3-5-2 setup, the thirds started the match aggressively, like there was no lack of training in the last couple weeks. Maybe it also helped (a bit) that Cosmos was playing with just ten. The scoring was opened quickly after the first whistle, which started by a beautiful through ball by the vice-captain Ben. Sioux received the ball just outside of the box and with one action put two defenders on the wrong track and could easily score with a simple shot near the first post: 0-1.

The thirds continued to put the pressure on the opponent, which resulted in many changes. However, the normally so efficient attacking play, was lacking accuracy. The winter break seemed also to have a negative effect on the theoretical knowledge of the strikers as (a lot of) chances were lost due to off-sides.

Kevin decided it was time for a wake-up call and tested the reactions of his own goalie. Romain clearly passed the test as he could, with an ultimate stretch, turn the well-placed shot into a corner-kick. That was the first chance Molenbeek had. This test had however the intended effect: out of a counter-attack and after a good cross by Salva, Sioux could put the ball under Molenbeeks' goalie, which also resulted in the comfortable and deserved half time lead: 0-2.

During half-time it was made clear that the thirds should not lower the pace and that the third goal should be scored ASAP. After a superb short free kick action between Tbag and JB including a small scrimmage between Tbag and the ref, captain JB received the ball and with a well-placed shot (just avoiding the ducking defender on the line) guided the thirds to secure another goal: 0-3.

Shortly after the third goal the captain decided to bring some fresh blood. The captain intended to confuse the opponents by changing both substitutes at the same time. However, this intention was not understood by all, partly due to a lack of shorts. Kevin was substituted for Tim (his good intentions during the first half were not well understood by everyone?) and Tbag (the captain didn't appreciate the assist?) for Jon.

Another couple of chances were missed by the attacking-players, in particular two beautiful chips over the keeper by Jon deserved more. The lack of fitness and the heavy pitch had clearly a negative effect on the thirds during the second half and as a result Cosmos even had a couple of chances out of counter-attacks. As Cosmos started to believe in the possibility of scoring, also the space behind their defence started to grow. This resulted in a quick counter-attack on the side of the thirds: Sioux picked up the ball on his own half and could sent away Divine, who delivered, after a good action, the ball back to Sioux in the box, who just had to tip in the ball. 0-4. Hat-trick for Sioux and game over.

Unfortunately, Sioux wanted the positive attention of everyone, including the Cosmos players; after a completely wrong ball back to the defence, in between three defenders who were looking at each other: "what is he doing?", a Cosmos attacker picked up the ball and could easily restore the honour. Romain didn't stand a chance. An unlucky and not very deserved goal for Cosmos: 1-4.

Final result. Maybe just better to forget the latter and look to the positive side: another three points! Moreover, the heavy pitch was good fitness training which is much needed for next week's top of the table clash against FC Patjes (3rd of the league but with a game in hand).

MOM & Reporter:Sioux

Goals:Sioux x 3, JB

Assists: Ben, Tom, JB

Crowd: Ivana, Damien & Aaron, thank you as ever for your passionate and loyal support!

Team: Romain, Kev, Ben, Sjoerd, JB, Ian, Tom, Gerry, Divine, Salva, Sioux

Bench: Tim & a hungover Jon

Next weeks top of the table clash will be live on facebook! Cheer on the thirds from all around the world!