Black day for Brussels British saw 1st Team take the only point of the day (in the last minute)

TEAM (SUBS): Mercelis / Minne, Thom, Deroeck (Lebbink) / Philpot, McGeehan, Hodgson, Springob, Gimeno / McGrath, Donner

RBBFC rocked up for a fixture against Ambiance that promised to be a close fight. Both sides had only conceded 8 goals, the tightest defences in the league. However, upon arrival it was clear that only one of the teams’ goalkeepers had luscious locks, and that Mercelis’ had shown it’s resilience by growing even stronger since the recent car accident in Boston.

Captain Rich continued his team talk on the theme of resilience and made clear that the boys in white would have to fight until the end. The surprise call was saved for later, as oh ah Nils McGrath got the nod up front, a move that shocked him so much he still lined up at centre back at kick off.

The match kicked off with the good guys in complete control. Slick passing, a high-line, some good hold-up play from Nils and Danny up-front, and Rambo Spencer in central midfield ensured a strong start. All that was lacking was a goal to break the deadlock, but it never came. Early on RBBFC made a tactical change as Ben’s head was moved into the magnetic pull of the goal kicks. After plus ou moins 80 headers the elegant centre back left the pitch with a bruised forehead and even less follicle coverage. Following a couple more half chances the whites heard the whistle blow and expressed their frustration at half time.

The new half began and following a strong gust of wind one goal kick was blown off its usual trajectory and thus missed the usual forehead. The opposition took advantage and sneaked ahead. Spencer took this as a personal insult, and told everyone he knew people in Loveland, Colorado who could help us with our little problem. Fortunately most of the Brits assumed he was speaking Spanish so stopped listening the moment after he uttered his first Yo.

In the end, the good guys didn’t need any outside help as urgent football, higher intensity and resilience resembling that of immovable curly hair saw them through. The opposition were pegged back as their box was pummelled with crosses. In the end one told as Minne arrived late to a header across goal from Thom and got the goal the whites deserved. Nevertheless, there was still time for some late drama as Philpott went down in a heap in the box and let out a scream of anguish the likes of which his teammates hadn’t witnessed since that fateful day when our 23 year old’s ankle bracelet snapped. With a look of genuine concern on his face the ref blew his whistle, but unfortunately it was the final whistle and RBBFC would have to settle with a draw.

Reporter & MOM: Ben Thom