With Elan Evere having won almost every game since the start of the season, Vets2 knew they faced the toughest test of the season yet.
Having returned to winning ways in recent weeks, Vets2 came to Evere knowing that they would have to be at the top of their game to get something from this match. The opposition lost their first game of the season, but had won every subsequent match apart from their draw with league leaders Mireille Wemmel. Our scouting intelligence revealed that they are a team of South Americans that run a lot and play tiki-taka style. With a prior commitment meaning the game was on the "grass" pitch, rather than their usual astroturf pitch, the pre-match talk was about whether they would be up for it on such a wet, muddy pitch. Who needs Stoke in November, when ABSSA provides sufficient tests of character for fair-weather footballers all around Brussels every week of the season?
With several absentees - especially in central midfield - Vets2 welcomed Paul Shiels for his first appearance of the season, playing alongside Roger in the middle at the back, with Benoit and Munish at full back. Nigel, Nando and Brian Lewis filled the central midfield with Nic and Mikey wide, and Leo keeping them busy up front.
The first few minutes saw both sides struggling to come to terms with the surface. But gradually it was Vets2 that got the upper hand. On occasions playing 5 across the midfield enabled RBBFC to string passes together, and put the opposition under immediate pressure if possession was given away.
Ten minutes in, this pressure produced a result, although it stemmed from a clanger from the Evere keeper. A poor kick from their keeper towards their left back went straight to Nic about 25 metres out. He took one touch control, and then played the ball square to the onrushing Fernando who buried the ball 1st time into the corner from the edge of the box. 1-0.
This certainly settled the nerves. The South Americans tried to step up the pace, but Shielsy and Benoit had the measure of their dangermen, helped on occasions by Mike, and Nigel was doing well to reduce the threat from midfield. Indeed Harun's main occupation in the first half was going to fetch a number of shots from behind the goal - in no particular hurry.
But Vets2 were not done. While the first goal came from their mistake, the second one was a great move straight from the training ground. Nando played a 1-2 with Nigel on the edge of the box. He then played a lovely defence-splitting ball to put Nick through on goal. His first touch took the ball round the keeper, but Leo got to the ball first and he finished left footed - off the post. 2-0.
At half-time, there was a strong feeling that the game was by no means over. Important not to concede an early goal in the second half.
Two minutes into the second half, the ref gave a penalty to them. It's true that the ball hit Benoit's arm, but it was shot very hard from close distance and the arm was not far from his side. But the ref was not going to change his mind. They never do! Knowing that he could give his team a massive step in keeping the game alive, the Evere midfielder stepped forward with confidence and struck a firm penalty more or less down the middle. He had not reckoned with Harun, though. Although moving one way, our Turkish maestro managed to stick out a strong left arm and block the shot - with the rebound cleared for a corner. Still 2-0.
Although Evere continued to push, they clearly did not have the belief. Indeed, vets2 were the more likely team to score with Nic and Leo in particular causing great danger on the counter. With injuries to wee Brian, Mikey and Roger, the introduction of Adnane, Chris and Big Brian gave us fresh legs.
With 20 minutes to go, Vets2 finally managed to get the third. Nando put Nic away down the right. He then played it back to Nando, who advanced into the box and squared as the keeper came to him, leaving Adnane to slot the ball first time into an empty net. 3-0.
At this stage the game seemed to be over. But then vets2 naivety let Evere back into the game. From a vets 2 corner (!), Evere found themselves counter-attacking 3 on 3. They used the ball well and gave Harun no chance. 3-1.
They suddenly sensed the game was not over. With Johann now shoring up the midfield, Vets2 put out the remaining fires with not too much difficulty. Nic and Leo picked up yellows in addition to Harun's earlier card. In the end though, the result was fully deserved. An excellent performance by all.
Man of the match voting saw recognition of Shielsy's excellent performance holding things together at the back; also for Nic with his two assists and constant threat, and Nando for his goal and his inspiration for the other 2 goals. But the most votes went to Harun - for that excellent penalty save that stopped them from coming back into the game so early in the second half.
Team: 4-2-3-1
Harun; Munish, Roger (Brian Morris), Paul, Benoit; Nigel (Johann), Fernando; Nic, Brian Lewis (Adnane), Mike (Chris Ffinch); Leo.
