An unseasonably cold March day dawns in Brussels (or what is simply called Saturday in Finland), with serious doubts whether our friendly referee from ABSSA would feel confident enough to brave the 1 cm of snow gathered on the pitch. In the end, both teams manage to convince him and the game is good to go ahead.

RBBFC 3 is coming off a rich vein of form, having taken all 3 points against Cobra Team, third in the table, but with a score to settle after the bitterly disappointing last minute defeat to Copains Reunis having matched and to a great extent dominated the league leaders in their Rosieres fortress. Here they are looking to turn around a 1-2 home defeat to today’s opponent Azur, two places above in the table and in their own backyard.

Low availability across the club means resources have to be diverted elsewhere, but it is nevertheless a strong 11 that lines up for a midday kick-off. The 3rds revert to the classic 3-5-2 formation with the evergreen sweeper-keeper JB in goal, a solid back three of Sam ("Shaggy”), Ben ("Smurf”) and Tim behind the German-efficiency combined with endless energy duo of Simon ("The Filler”) and JC in defensive midfield. Ahead of them it’s David in the hole, with Gerry (just about standing after what looks to have been a fairly faithful recreation of a Tijuana soiree) and Lore providing the width. Upfront there is Ben E, in his first start since early September, and Salva. There are even rumours that Gary has been sighted just prior to kick-off.

Maybe it’s the excellent performances of the last few weeks, perhaps it’s the cold that discourages standing still for too long, or could it be the unexpected pep talk from Carlos in the dressing room before the game, but RBBFC 3 start with very high intensity, taking the game to Azur. After some good hard work on the left of the Azur box by Ben E, who is perhaps complementing the lack of minutes by channeling the form of his beloved City team whom he has had ample time to watch, the ball breaks free to David inside the box. He takes a touch before squaring the ball across goal, where the predatory instinct of Salva is waiting to tap in from three yards out. Cue the typically understated celebrations and a vital early goal for RBBFC 3.

After the goal the match evens out, with Azur enjoying some possession of their own and putting more pressure on JB’s goal. RBBFC 3 sometimes reverts to launching the ball quickly forwards instead of building patiently on the ground, the latter approach seems to break down the opposition every time. A quick Azur attack ensues after they win the ball in the midfield, the ball is played out to an Azur forward who rounds the oncoming JB and looks to place the ball in the net for the equalizer… until out of nowhere there is Shaggy heading the ball off the line and preventing a certain goal. This time it definitely was him. A few minutes later another Azur attack leads to a one-on-one with JB, who performs a remarkable imitation of Peter Schmeichel in his pomp, denying what looked like another golden opportunity for Azur. As it is, the teams go in (literally as its still bloody cold outside) at half-time with RBBFC 3 holding a slender one goal advantage.

Vitalized by the wise words of JB (and Carlos), the 3rds regain dominance of the match in the second half. With the wind now in their favour and more patience on the ball, a series of sharp attacks follow with Salva going close to getting his second on a number of occasions. One such close chance leads to a corner from the left, which is cleared by Azur to the edge of the area to Salva and then in the direction of Smurf. There seems to be a moment’s gasp when everyone is thinking "he’s not going to, is he?”… You bet he is, the vice-captain unleashes as a viscous low pile driver from 35 yards reminiscent of Stevie G’s last gasp winner against West Ham in the FA Cup, and aided by the slippery surface the ball is in the right bottom corner of the net. He doesn’t score often, but when he does it’s usually something rather special. There’s even a Gerrard-esque belly dive cutting through the snow in celebration.

Azur try to desperately still get something out of the game and mount more pressure into RBBFC half, but the combined efforts of Sam, Smurf and Tim manage to clear virtually every ball directed at them to safety. The midfield remains firmly in the hands of Simon, JC and David, with the former two in particular practicing the sometimes dark art of defending to a tee and not letting anyone past them. On the flanks, Lore and Gerry work tirelessly up and down in support of both defence and attack. Gerry is eventually relieved of his suffering and substituted for the one-and-only Gary.

Tempers flare occasionally, chief among them the referee who loses his head shouting at Smurf for saying something as innocuous as "that was a bit late wasn’t it ref?” One can only wonder what a real complaint would have brought forth.

About 10 minutes from the end of the match another slick passing move brings the ball to David on the left of the Azur box. The Finglishman ghosts past the defender as if he is not there and lays the ball on to Salva to get his second of the game in almost a carbon copy of the first goal. With the game effectively in the bag, Azur still try to get a consolation, but every ball is intercepted by a white shirt or the safe hands (today) of JB.

Upon the final whistle, RBBFC 3 can celebrate and congratulate each other for a game in which every player gave 100 %. The result takes the team one step further to a temptress as elusive as a female on the Cactus dance floor at 4 AM, mathematical safety from relegation.

Result: Azur 0-3 RBBFC 3

Goals: Salva (2), Smurf

Supporter and co-manager: Carlos

MoM and reporter: David