Line-up: Minne

Goffard, Philpot, Ebregt

Maltsin, Hodgson, Si M’hammed, Jane-Aluja, Mineo

Costa, McGrath

Really strong bench:

Dunn, Godeau, Kellerman, Springob

The writing was on the wall after we gave Coin a spanking during pre-season: this match was going to be a hard-fought battle. Now, the unfortunate reporter stands before you, obliged to take upon himself the difficult task of writing something creative not merely about a painfully lost match, but also one in which there was little meaningful action. After suffering an unlucky goal late in the game, we incurred our second loss of the season (0-1), but we remain top of the league.

Being the first match of the season in rainy, windy, oh dare I say Stokian-like weather, we stepped on the pitch with a team in which our ranks were supplemented by quality players from other teams. The bench was also, as always, a "really strong bench”, as captain Minne’s weekly mantra propagates. These words were more accurate than ever before. This week saw the return of Scotsman Dunn from Israel, as well as of two injured players: free kick specialist Godeau and ‘Rickety cricket’ Springob, who played his 50th match. Overshadowing this, however, was the return of club legend Kellerman, whose holiness blinded all those bearing witness.

The way the match started was prophetic for the entirety of the first half. Coin had settled for a simple – and ultimately effective – tactic of booting the ball to the tall bloke up front, who would subsequently attempt to head it to an upcoming player. Though Coin’s striker stood tall as an oak, Goffard and Philpot won every header. We were collectively less successful, however, in dealing with the second balls, leading to chaotic football. These situations resulted in some precarious moments, though Minne was always on point in dealing with any emerging threats.

Coin’s tactic paid off, as we got bogged down in their style of play, which undermined our ability to assume control of the game. There were sporadic moments where Si M’hammed and Hodgson were able to get our normal passing game going, though the following through balls were largely unable to connect with runs made by Jane-Aluja, Mineo and Maltsin, with the latter allegedly taking out the corner pole (the charges were dropped). If one squinted his eyes and looked closely, one could even witness the ageing gladiator McGrath sprinting at lighting speed behind the opponent’s backline in order to force a breakthrough. Ultimately, the only meaningful chance we created during the first half was largely thanks to the well-playing Costa, who fired a powerful low shot just wide of the far post.

The second half commenced with Kellerman coming on for Costa. Though it saw fewer long balls on both ends of the pitch, it did not lead to a significant increase of chances. McGrath was instrumental in achieving this change of play, having moved down the pitch to determine the pace of the game, whilst Mineo moved forward to make use of his pace. Yet, Coin was putting up stiff resistance and we had to fight tooth and nail for every ball. There were a couple of moments in which Kellerman broke through, but was unable to link up with other players. Then, late in the game, Coin opened up our defence with a through ball, and with incredible luck, a shot rebounded off the post and landed (arguably offside) straight in Coin’s feet: 0-1.

Intent on preventing a loss at home, we amped up the pressure and more substitutes were made. It led to a moment where were playing the ball around their box, where Ebregt was intent on shooting until Dunn’s characteristic calls for the ball became too deafening to ignore, prompting the former to pass it back to him. His William Wallace-type shouts were justified though, as the Scotsman curved the ball magnificently towards the opponent’s top corner, but was dealt with by an incredible save of the goalie and then bounced of the bar. No doubt in my mind that it would have been a contender for goal of the season. In the final minutes of the game, Kellerman nearly reached Coin’s backline before passing it back to the middle of the box, where Jane-Aluja or Springob was taken down from behind. Yet, no penalty was given and we were forced to accept defeat.

Disappointingly, no goals nor points for us this week, and we also saw Godeau leave the pitch injured. Regardless, some things remain unchanged: we are still top of the league, and McGrath is still left chasing goals in his quest to overtake Kellerman and Lamarra. Let’s witness us take home 3 points after next week’s cracker against the Irish.

Your Reporter and not so much MoM: Martijn Ebregt.