Line-up:

GK: J. Minne

DF: D. Bernardo, B. Thom, M. Ebregt

MF: A. Maltsin, T. Si M’Hammed, R. Mc Geehan, L. Novak, D. Donner

CF: P. Somers, N. Mc Grath

Subs: A. Hodgson, A. Dunn

After the previous week’s aberration against Choule, RBBFC travelled to FC Portugal determined to make amends in the first of three potentially tricky away fixtures. The usual pre-match banter and questionable music was complemented by an impromptu bazaar with some flashy sunglasses bartered against one large speaker. According to unverified reports, softshells remained unsold. The sunny weather and brand new pitch were a welcome sign and, even if the Portuguese aren’t the caralho-fuelled foes of old, RBBFC knew they were in for a tough test against the technically-gifted Lusitanians. A suitably focused warm-up and team-talk followed, only interrupted when benched V-C Hodgson, asked for the line-up a second time to confirm he wasn’t starting and McGeehan accused Maltsin of dwarfism – Antti immediately vowing never to pass to McGeehan again.

The game got off to a bright start with both teams probing in attack and RBBFC getting their pressing game going. The first big chance fell to the Portuguese after a smart attack down the British right flank. With more than a little help from his defence, Jean Courtois was able to make not one but two great saves low down and Antti cleared the danger. As ever, this alert seemed to jolt RBBFC into action who started to expose the vulnerabilities in the Portuguese defence through Antti and Dani down the wings and Paul and Nils up top. After another sharp attack led to a corner, RBBFC made the most with a their classic back post routine to Nils who headed back across goal for Daniel, expertly positioned to nod in – 1-0 to the good guys mid-way through the first half.

RBBFC sensed an opportunity to get on top now and soon enough the second goal arrived. After a smart exchange on the left, Luka fed Antti who took on his full-back who could only bring him down in the box. Paul expertly stepped up to send the keeper the wrong way with the confidence only possessed by a man who grooms his beard on a daily basis. 2-0 to the whites who remained on top for the rest of the half, thanks to some impressive pressing led by Luka and the forwards. Half-time team talk was simplified by the scoreline and performance, keep going, same again, be wary of the Portuguese reaction.

Second half started well, the defence looking solid, Dex playing where he plays best, on the edge, one tackle away from a yellow, Big Ben Thom ruling the airs in the middle, and Martijn enthralling his private fan club of millennials with some solid defending. Still, RBBFC knew a third goal would kill the game and kept attacking. Some more good pressing saw Luka break clear of the defence only to be cynically brought down on the edge of the area. Luka fancied the following free kick but McGeehan reminded him of his impressive conversion rate of one goal from every 463 direct free kicks taken and (over-)confidently stepped up to take it. To the surprise of everyone, including the Portuguese keeper, Mc Geehan managed to get it over the wall and squeezed it into the corner before the keep could get there.

3-0 and now RBBFC were happy to soak up the desperate Portuguese attacks. Tarik continued his one-man inspection of every inch of the new astro with non-stop pressing of the opposition and the defence stood firm. Andy D came on for Nils to provide some more defensive solidity and Hodge came on up front, sniffing a goal. It almost came as well as Antti weaved his way through with Hodge free on his right. Unfortunately, he first saw McGeehan and, remembering his pre-match vow, decided not to pass to either, narrowly putting a shot wide. There was just time for Jean Mignolet and his impressive defence to see out a few last attacks and claim a well-deserved clean sheet, aided and abetted by some generous Portuguese attempts at finishing.

3-0 the final score time for the injured Mineo to remind everyone RBBFC are top of the league before the post-match celebrations could start and thoughts turned to next week and LTC away.

MOM & reporter: Rich McGeehan