Line-up: Mercelis; De Roeck, Minne, Lachia; Philpot, McGeehan, Lamarra, Novak, Gimeno Blanco; McGrath, Donner

Subs: Hodgson, Lebbink, Kellerman, Bernardo

Another emphatic win sees RBBFC1 continue their march towards the title and setups up a mouth-watering final fixture away to Tourinnois.

With second place Jefke playing away to third place Portugal, we knew that nothing but a win would do. Well, that’s not quite true as pre-match conversations highlighted. The different permutations were being run through (not helped by McGrath’s dubious maths adding to the confusion) only to finally agree that we should just focus on winning today’s game.

With our traditional pre-match speeches delivered by Rich and Hodgy, the team as always were ready to hit the opposition hard and play high up the pitch. An early good passage of play forced a corner for RBBFC. Our very own captain (who has the similar ability as Kevin de Bruyne to play with both feet), whipped in a tantalising cross to the back post which was met by the head of Joaquin or Didi or myself – hard to tell with the number of baldies in the team. Fortunately for this match reporter, Ben Thom and Spencer Springbob (I’m not making it up, that’s really his name) filmed the game and I can confirm by the shirt number that it was Joaquin who scored. 1-0 after 5 mins. In contrast, Tourinnois had not been able to get into the game and were struggling to keep hold of the ball. RBBFC continued to pile on the pressure but squandered a number of clear cut chances which lead to the inevitable. A long ball to their number 9, found him one on one with our defence. He cooly dropped his shoulder attacking the left hand of the box and drilled a clean finish across goal into the bottom right of the net. 1-1 15mins played.

Despite the goal, this did not dent RBBFC’s confidence as the previous chances missed exposed the defence frailties we were certain to exploit. Cue a McGrath, Novak combo. Nilsy picked up a throw in down the left side of the pitch. As he expertly controlled the ball, he had the vision to pick out Luka loitering on the edge of the area (Luka’s loitering is well known to the female species in and around Brussels. Should you wish to witness this first hand, he can be found at the Croatian wine bar every Friday) who struck the ball sweetly with the inside of his foot and beat the keeper down to his right. 2-1 half-time.

The half-time message was simple – keep their striker under wraps, continue to play our game and the match was ours.

As the second half progressed, RBBFC continued to press forward but failed to capitalise on the good chances created. On came Thomas who on any other day would have finished on a hat-trick but some wayward finishing, meant the score line remained at 2-1 until 10 mins from the end. Lamarra, who had failed to register on the score sheet all season finally managed to get the 3-1 after a neat passage of play. Winning a sublimely timed tackle in midfield, he drove forward down the right and played the ball to Luka. The Croatian spotted Kellerman on the left and tried to slip in a through ball which was deflected by the defender. Fortunately, Lamarra’s grace and vision saw him continue his run into the box only to collect the ball to be one on one with the keeper. Before he could get too excited at the thought of finally scoring a goal, he coolly slotted the ball into the bottom left of the goal. Wild celebrations ensued as the experienced midfielder showed why he is revered at Rue de la Ferme Plagniau. 3-1.

With 5 mins to go, the tempo of the game was coming to a close when Luka chased down a long ball deep into their half. As their goal keeper came out and with the defender in tow, a moment of hesitation allowed Luka to get his toe to the ball before the defender brought him down with a clumsy challenge just inside the box. Penalty. Up stepped Rich who hit a Lampardesque pile driver down the middle of the goal. 4-1

The post-game beers flowed at a sun-drenched Rosiere as we waited for the result of Portugal vs Jefke to come in. 0-1 to Jefke – the title will have to wait (for now).

With only one fixture remaining of the 2017/18 season, RBBFC need a win or a draw to wrap up their 7th ABSSA first division title. Whatever happens on Saturday 21st of April, the grit and determination shown by this team exemplifies the qualities seen since RBBFC returned to the top flight in 2007/08. This match reporter is proud and fortunate to have won 5 of 6 titles to date with this majestic club and can guarantee that everything will be left on the pitch in the final fixture to bring home the 7th.

MOM and match reporter: Steve Lamarra