A typical British derby. Not the result we expected or perhaps deserved, but one more point nevertheless.

Team: M. Puig; A. Dunn, M. Guarnaccia, F. Bon, B. Thieffry; W. Ouellette, S. Friedrichs, T. Golightly, A. Gary; D. Mineo, M. Lopo.

Subs: L. Miniucchi, S. Lachia.

The start of the season has been a mixed one for the RBBFC 2nd team: some good performances, but without the results to match. Nevertheless, the team is growing, the spirit is high and after a first win of the season behind us, we were ready for the next challenge: British United. Captain Daniele ‘Missile’ Mineo made it clear in the dressing room pre-match that British United were going to be ready for us and we had to be ready for them in this good old-fashioned British derby on a wet and bouncy grass pitch.

After the team selection had been given and the warm-up had been completed, the team were ready to go. The game started as the captains wanted, all of us hungry and full of focus. Early in the game it was clear that this British United team liked to play out from the back. Daniele and Miguel up front with Will, Gary and Stef behind them began to press high up the pitch and force errors. Soon enough, this strategy brought the first chance of the game with Stef making a great run from deep midfield and ending up almost one-on-one with the goalkeeper. However, the keeper was quick off his line and forced Stef into rushing a finish which ended up going wide. Promising signs though!

Although British United kept giving up the ball, when they did stick to their game plan and play it out from the back they played some nice football and looked dangerous when they attacked. Fortunately, when it reached the last line of defence, RBBFC2 could rely on a solid foursome of Andy, Fred, Massi and Ben to keep us out of trouble. Even when Tom (clearly beginning to understand the ‘filter’ role) accidentally played a perfect through ball to the opposition striker, it was no problem for this defence.

Midway through the second half, British United had the ball in their defence. Cue the high pressing from the good guys which resulted in a long ball out of play just inside our half. The throw-in was taken and after a delightful flick-on header, Gary was free running down the right wing. Seeing Will free at the far post, Gary aimed a tempting cross towards him and Will smashed it gloriously into the roof of the net to make it 1-0 to RBBFC2. This goal settled us down nicely and we finished the half in control of the game, looking forward to the second half of the battle.

The half-time team talk was a simple one: continue what you’re doing, keep focused and stay hungry. The second half started and the game followed a similar rhythm to the first half, with high pressing from RBBFC2 and the odd attack from British United. Ultimately, the game remained 1-0 without any significant chances. Time for a change then, to try to freshen things up and kickstart the second half. Tom and Will came off and on came Sylvain and Luca (for his first game for the club!)

As the game went on, both teams played some nice football in parts but tiredness and the quality of the pitch seemed to be taking control of this match. Fouls were increasingly being made and it was turning into a typical British derby. After all, that’s what we expected.

British United seemed to gain energy and enthusiasm towards the last part of the match, with their captain shouting words of encouragement, hoping for something to happen. They won a corner late in the game and played it across the face of goal. The defence tried to clear it, but it ended up in the back of the net: own goal. A typical British derby. And just like that, the game was over. Not the result we expected or perhaps deserved, but one more point nevertheless. Now onto the next one against Cobra Team. And it will be hot and spicy.

Report by MoM: Tom Golightly.