The team welcomed the league leaders with the clear intention of maintaining their unbeaten run at home and throughout 2026, while also enjoying the confidence of having already achieved their main objectives this season. After a strong second half of the campaign, where the girls have shown they can compete with the best, they approached the match with nothing to lose and plenty to gain

The first half was excellent. The team denied the opponents any chance to play, not allowing a single shot on goal. Their only option was long balls, which the defense dealt with perfectly. There were opportunities from corners and a couple of close-range efforts for our girls, but the finishing touch was missing. The team went into halftime at 0–0 with a very positive feeling.

In the second half, Mouscronnois, knowing they needed a win to secure the title, came out stronger, playing with high intensity and putting the team under pressure. A slightly slow start saw the girls concede shortly after the restart. After that, the team reacted and improved, though they couldn’t regain the same level of control as in the first half.

Despite continuing to push forward through set pieces and attacking moves, another long ball in behind led to the second goal, with the striker finishing a well-placed cross. The team had one final chance, but the opposing goalkeeper made an excellent save. The match ended with the first defeat of 2026.

This result does not overshadow what has been an excellent season and second half of the campaign. The team secured safety earlier than ever before and has already set a record points tally in the league. With two matches remaining, they will look to finish as high as possible.

On Saturday, 28 March, FC Irlande Ladies III faces the top of the league, Lions Leopold Uccle, for the last away match of the season. 

FCI starts the match with the clear instruction of staying compact to close the space to the opponent. Uccle has more control of the game, putting FCI under attacking pressure. Despite Uccle finding some shots, FCI’s composure and focus prevent Uccle from converting the attacking pressure into goals. Around 20 minutes into the game, the episode that can change the game arrives. The referee whistles a penalty for Uccle. Uccle’s striker goes on the penalty spot, shoots and hits the bar with the ball finishing outside. With one match left in the season, no opponent has succeeded in scoring a penalty against FCI. Wondering which spell Ana is using against them. As the match continues, frustration is spreading among Uccle’s lines. In the attacking phase, FCI creates some actions and collects some corners, but not enough to worry Uccle. The first half finishes 0-0.

As the second half starts, it will be expected that the team at the top of the league will put everything on the pitch to win the game. However, FCI continues to prevent them from finding the goal and goes close to scoring, first with Nelly, who anticipates the goalie and defers and touches the ball to direct it into the net. Uccle’s defender arrives just in time to avoid the goal, but the rejected ball ends on Anna’s feet, who, from a difficult angle, almost scores. At 84’, Uccle passes the FCI’s line, launching Uccle’s striker in the penalty area, who doesn’t miss. A cheering crowd and loud music welcome Uccle’s goal, already anticipating what seems a guaranteed victory. But, as always, FCI does not give up, and with nothing to lose, goes forward. At 89’, Uccle’s goalie thinks that it is a good idea to go out of the box with the ball at her feet and perform ineffective dribbling moves. El pressures the goalie and pushes the ball away from her, arriving at Anna’s feet, who this time finds the back of the net. Last few minutes of suffering for FCI that stops the last wave of Uccle’s attack. The match finishes 1-1.

An important point against the first of the league, not for the final ranking, but to show once again the determination and focus of the team, even in difficult moments. This streak of four consecutive unbeaten matches represents a sound base to build on for next season.

“Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori, mate.” – Saul, circa 3pm.

The thirds finished the season with a match against league leaders Maccabi. It was a massacre. Gabri was gunned down by his own hamstring after 2 minutes. Shortly after that Andrea rolled his ankle on a land mine. Maccabi scored a lucky goal. Piet almost scored from outside the box. 1-0 half time. Piet gave us all a motivational team talk at half time. This was his last game for the 3rds after 20 years and we were the best 3rds team he’s played with in all those years. We decided then and there that we had to do it for Piet.

Anyway, we immediately conceded from a looping, deflected shot. 2-0. Then Theo got hit with a cannon to the face and had to go to hospital. Some of his teeth stayed on the pitch. A tooth for every goal. Now playing with 10, we dug deep. We looked to Piet. You could see it in his eyes. There was no way he was losing his final match. Not on his watch. Not with the captain’s armband on. Enough was enough. Then Noel marched forward into No Man’s Land and dislocated his shoulder. Now down to 9, everything was going against us. “The horror… the horror,” Gav muttered as he looked at the battlefield. “Medic, MEDIIIICCCC!” screamed Timo as he desperately tried to push Sylvain’s intestines back in. Shane was found walking in circles near the corner flag. Shellshock. The match finished 2-0.

Despite that the 3rds finished the season in high spirits. We reached our aim of top 4 and had a terrific run in the second half of the season where we won a silly amount of games and played some terrific football. Special thank you to the captains – Saul, Gav and Matt – for all their hard work and for giving up so much of their time over the past year to ensure the season was a success. We all owe them endless beers, or in Matt’s case, manual labour. He’s currently looking for “an actual plasterer and someone who can handle delicate tile work”.

MOTM was Piet. The greatest of servants to the 3rds for the last 20 years. His legendarily long legs will be missed.

Those we hold most dear
never truly leave us,
they live on in the kindness
they showed,
the comfort they shared,
and the love they brought into our lives.
Rest (those legs) in Peace Piet.