On this rainy Saturday afternoon, the Vets1 went as proud league leaders to Lars’ hometown, Wemmel. Today’s opponent, Mireille Wemmel, was ranked quite low on the table but we knew from our pre-match analysis that they were strangely enough one of the highest scoring teams in the league. So, we were warned. Or should have been.

We missed a few players due to injuries, autumn holidays and biz trips, so we had to improvise a bit with our line-up. Still though, we definitely had enough quality available to get a result. The opponent proved to be a well drilled team though, with especially some strong midfielders and attackers. Vets1 struggled to get control of the game during the first half, with Wemmel doing a better job of passing and controlling the ball on their grass pitch. Our defense was in top form though, giving the Wemmel attacking line very little space in front of our goal. At the other end of the pitch we came very close to scoring the 0-1 when Cian volleyed a pass from Darran on to the bottom of the post and just wide. 0-0 at half time.

The Captain summarized the situation quite well in his half time speech: we were not playing like league leaders in this game, on the contrary, we were more playing like a panicky relegation zone team… Harsh words, but true. We of course were poised to do a better job in the 2nd half, and agreed to at least mark the midfielders better, especially their captain nr.10 as he was running most of their show.

The second half started, and despite all the good intentions the game continued in a similar manner to the first half. Wemmel kept having the better play, while we struggled to keep possession and to find our form. Still it didn’t lead to many chances for the underdog but they did get one and it proved to be sufficient: a free kick landed at the feet of the unmarked nr.10 and he finished it well with a low volley. No chance for Tommy. With 15 minutes left on the clock Vets1 were facing an even more difficult challenge now. Top scorer Cian still came close twice: first with a well taken free kick following a foul on Ben S saved by the keeper, and next with a header against the crossbar from a sweet Thierry corner. It was too little too late though; the Vets1 winning streak ended here today in Wemmel. And truth be told: Wemmel deserved the win.

Afterwards we still went to the best pub of Wemmel according to Lars (or at least better than the other one), where we enjoyed a few post-match beers (and sandwiches, fries & cheese). Mad Mike featured in the MOM voting, Ben G got one on his return, and Carl got his customary five. But the MOM award went to Lars who indeed had a strong game in front of his hometown crowd. Well done Lars!

Let it be a lesson boys: there won’t be any easy games this season. We have to work hard and play well every single game if we want to win this league. Next game in 2 weeks against the 7thplaced Chiefs. Let’s bounce back and make it the start of a new streak!

Reporter: Bas Belfi