Team:

Jean Minne

Andy Dunn - Chris Huber -James Philpot

Maarten Billiet - Daniele Mineo - Andrew Hodgson - Robin Borgogno -Luka Novak

Nils McGrath - Daniel Donner

Very strong bench:

Decio Bernardo, Richard McGeehan, Spencer Springob and Kris Mercelis - welcome back!

With 8 games left to go and 5 points apart from the second title contender, RBBFC 1st team embarked on a journey to yet another difficult away leg against 2nd best attack of the league (41 goals at the time).

An important day marked by last game (for now, we hope) and departure of our beloved player and friend, Spencer. Also an important game to continue our undefeated and clean sheet streak going back to November 2021.

We started in a standard 3-5-2, with some important players missing (Antti, Paul, Martijn, Tarik, Ben) but with a squad like this one there is always plenty of quality to cover for these instances.

This game as stated in the pre-game talk was all about composure, waiting for our chance and being careful of their offensive play. Latter proved to be correct for part of the first half when Ambiance managed to create some half chances but moreover managed to build their game without much resistance for us. One such play very early on resulted in 1on1 against our very own 'Octopussy' who saves this without much trouble. Soon after and quite a few times during first half by playing fast one-two’s we managed to launch our two flanks who had some good crosses and chances but unfortunately lacking a bit of accuracy. However, great show of what is possible when doing quick transition. One such attack on the left side brought the ball to Nils but with a bit of deflection ended in no man’a land with Maarten and Luka, latter took control of it first and shot from some 20 metres hitting the top left corner where post and bar meet. Thankfully, Daniel’s great nose and follow up deserved him a goal in the net for 0-1. Some 5-10 minutes after, Ambiance scored for 1-1 on a corner with a lovely header stopping Jean’s clean sheet streak after 7 full games.

Half time speech was all about playing faster, being stronger, showing what we are made of and are here to do. Everyone listened and everyone delivered soon after. In the meantime Hodge had an unfortunate hammy issue and was subbed for box-to-box Richard who brought in fresh legs and new ideas. Goal was in the air, soon after it came from sole lovely fast passes in front of the box that resulted in a foul some 25m from the goal. Luka requested the honour of taking it on an internal hunch, good one it proved, low and fast strike into goalie’s bottom corner for 1-2. From this moment opposition opened up a bit more allowing for faster and more dangerous play resulting in two more goals, both like the other two from nice plays with head and tail. First one from a signature direct corner kick goal from Rich with his not so much weaker left foot (one of so many in my RBBFC career). Second and final fourth goal came from a counter attack where someone launched Daniel on far right who went round the keeper to cross the ball on the second post where Luka scored his second goal for a final 1-4 to the good guys.

Still top of the league, lovely match to play and I am sure watch. Just proves what is possible when everyone is on it and want it. Let’s keep the momentum! Crucial few games coming up to keep the lead and further extend it. It is ours for the taking, we just need to be mentally strong, approaching single game at the time with respect for opponents.

Last but not least, great support on sidelines from the old boys that came in great numbers as well as ex and current player support from Tommy and Martijn. Former coming back in September after two seasons away. Does he still have it? No doubt.

Come on you whites!

MoM and Reporter: Luka Novak