Team:

GK: Jean Minne

Defense: Andy Dunn (Ben Thom), Chris Huber, Martijn Ebregt (Dex Bernardo)

Midfield: Antti Maltsin, Tarik SiM'hammed (Richard McGeehan), Hodgy, Luka Novak, Maarten Billiet

Attack: Paul Somers, Dani Donner

We came together on a cold but beautiful sun-infested Saturday afternoon to bring home the three points promised to newest RBBFC supporter Alma (congratulations to Mue and Nils).

Following a hard-fought match against fellow high flyers LXG, we did not disappoint her: 0-3.

Before delving into the details of the match itself, it warrants mention that there was ‘trickery’ afoot. Elections are rarely free and fair, and this one for the MoM proved no different. Having scored a hat-trick, there is no doubt that Paul deserved the title.

Yet we all know that departing early is a guarantee for being passed over. Besides Paul, there were still multiple players who deserved the title more than I did (notable mention being capitano Jean, who was elected co-MoM).

What this election appears to demonstrate, is that my career as a keen student of political violence, dictatorships and electoral contest is paying off; through combination of bribery, coercion, and manipulation, I was able to ensure my undeserved victory.

Immediately after kick-off, it was clear that this match would not be a walkover. For a good half hour the match took on a hectic character with RBBFC failing to get the ball rolling and establishing a steady passing game. The ball could mostly be found somewhere mid-air and Luka, Hodgy and Tarik, our RAF, were forced to fight the battle of Britain anew. When we did manage to get the ball on the ground, mistimed passes and miscommunications were rife. There were two instances where we managed to threaten our opponents. As always, they came from our left flank, with classic Antti runs being followed up by consistent crosses. The first landed right on Maarten’s head who was only just unable to force the ball downwards, whilst the other was taken on the boot by means of an acrobatic volley by Luka. Both attempts flew over the bar.

There were also some precarious on the other end of the pitch, however. In one moment, LXG landed a shot on the crossbar which, flying into the air, appeared to drop back down into the goal, only to be cleared by Andy after a swift response. Another moment saw Martijn’s mistake allow LXG forward to head towards goal and test Jean, who responded with a solid parry. Unluckily, the ball landed back into the forward’s feet, who laid it off to the penalty area, resulting in a near-free shot on goal.

In nine times out of ten, this would’ve been a goal, and the LXG forward probably assumed that to be the case. But as the saying goes: don’t count your chickens before they hatch. That’s because we have the Chris the Huber dam, and as a dam he lay. Throwing himself heroically in front of the ball, the shot was blocked and we were finally able to clear the ball. Then, seemingly out of nowhere, the ball bounced back to Andy following a battle in the air. He booted it forward in once over the opponent’s defence, and Paul managed to get to it. The goalie was left with no other choice than come out of his goal, but no avail. Paul had already made up his mind and lobbed the ball brilliantly to make it 1-0 just before half time.

The second half progressed with more stability than the one preceding it, ultimately reflected by the final result.

Fresh substitutions, sheer determination, a strong collective effort and Jean’s assertiveness towards incoming crosses enabled us to hold LXG at bay, whilst expanding our lead. There were even sporadic moments of magic to be witnessed. The ball firmly at his feet, Chris bamboozled his opponent and played it on to Andy, who took inspiration and proceeded to show off his own skill set, after which he moved the ball to Maarten. Putting on display his horse power, Maarten embarked on a run, cut inside and gave a well-timed through ball to Paul. Despite being confronted with a tough angle, Paul went on to do what a Paul does, and that’s scoring goals: 2-0. Beyond being a clinical finisher, we also know that Paul preaches solidarity on Saturdays. And that’s precisely why he decided not to score the 3-0 when he got the chance, preferring instead to boot the ball over. What he didn’t consider though, is how fanatical Dani is. In turn, Dani decided to aim and volley the ball onto Paul’s head just to convey his displeasure.

Duly noted and it won’t happen again. And it didn’t. In the final minutes of the game, I believe it was some good football (memory is a fickle thing) that led to Antti/Hodg/Rich (?) providing Paul with a beautiful through ball. One on one he went, circumvented the goalie, and completed his hat-trick.

In all, tough game but a well-deserved win and another clean sheet.

Your reporter, MoM and worst at throw-ins: Martijn Ebregt