Top of the table 6 pointer, an even 1-1 saw 4ZA maintain their 3 point lead at the top of the table
The scene was set for 4ZA’s most important match, not just of the season, but in their history.
Facing 2nd in the table who were 3 points below us, a veritable 6 pointer was on the cards. Main objective – must not lose match for 4ZA.
Ster’s arrived – all of them on time – ready for the clash of the season on a glorious day at sunny Rosieres – and with a bus full of ultras – they came prepared.
Strong squad assembled we lined up 4-4-2 as follows
Pongky
Youssef Matthias Gavin Aviv
Adil Francois Jeremy Christos
Boni Thomas
Subs: David & Juan Carlos
Helping other teams but there in support: Ioannis, Peter, Tiago and Victor
Additional 4ZA support: Oli, Seb, Selim, Pablo, Flambers (also delegue) and Matthias’ dads - and a lot of additional interest.
Not the usual pre-match team talk due to the debacle of the late arrivals – something a bit too commonplace this season it must be said….nonetheless out we went to do battle.
First half kicked off with Ster’s dominating possession and territory for what was the start of an afternoon of grit, determination and defending. 4ZA never really managed to get hold of the ball or string any kind of passes together – which also contributed to little service for the forward players and therefore very few genuine opportunities.
Ster’s had the better of the first half and after some last ditch defending 4ZA managed to clear the ball off the line for a certain goal. Wipe brow. Nothing much else notable from first half.
2nd half started positively and 4ZA grew into the game. Chances and possession were coming. The state of the pitch is sadly not conducive to the type of football we want to play but we have to get used to it and see it as an advantage that we know that pitch better then our opponents. We’ll have better days on that pitch again, like we did against Bouks.
Not long into the 2nd half another move down the right saw Adil power through a few challenges with another set of his wheeler dealer side tricks and got to the byline, low cross to the awaiting Jeremy who spotted Boni unmarked 3 yards out – ball whipped into Boni’s feet and with one touch to control and the other to tap in we were somehow 1-0 up against the run of play.
Ster’s still posed a threat and midway through the 2ndhalf they countered, a through ball from the left winger to the striker who had slipped in between the central defensive wall of steel, saw the striker get control inside the box – heart in mouth as he was about to strike but O’Connor managed to stretch out a leg to block the shot.
Ster’s made all their changes and it’s fair to say all their pressure and possession was taking it’s toll but it was still generally under control. Memories of Ettekijs were still fresh in the mind. 2 late changes saw O'Connor replaced by David and Thomas replaced by Juan Carlos.
A late free kick struck into the busy loaded box saw the ball bounce, ricochet, and then eventually fall to a free man who struck the loose ball into an empty net. They went wild. Their fans went mental. 3 minutes left and the game ended in a flash. 1-1 final score.
Ster’s certainly the happier of teams for the result. The truth is they needed the win more than us. Now we know their quality and we should assume they are going to pounce as soon as the opportunity arises. So our objective is clear: do not allow that opportunity to present itself – starting next Saturday at home (again) against Watermael for what becomes yet another must win. Lets make it 9 out of 9 from the last 3 games before Christmas. Let’s give everything to the cause.
A reminder that there is nothing more important than the team. The spirit. The 4ZA ethos.
The squad we have is very strong. Great individuals and personalities. When we give our time to be together – we should all value that and enjoy it. We should fight for each other – show togetherness at all times. Show our strength, show our spirit – show what 4ZA is all about.
Your reporter and man of the match – Gavin "got fired” O’Connor
