FC Irlande Men 1

The Firsts faced newly promoted Colo Colo United at Nossegem. The opening minutes were a bit messy as we struggled to find our shape, but a strong 15-minute spell in the first half saw us playing top-class football. With some excellent team play, every forward managed to get on the scoresheet (Rachid, Tiago, and Ciaran).

The second half was more challenging, and we found it difficult to regain control. Ricard made his feelings very clear about not wanting anybody to pass the ball around in his box, but we still managed to concede a goal, that was actually scored by one of our own players. The match ended in a 3–1 victory.
MOTM: Rachid

On a cold day in the sun, the Firsts took on top-of-the-league FC Portugal. James got us off to a bright start by winning the toss, forcing the Portuguese to play into the sun. A clear tactical plan was laid out for how to press, with the forwards putting in an extra shift.

The plan paid off early. We took a 0–1 lead thanks to a brilliant header from Tiago inside their six-yard box, beating two defenders to the ball. Our press continued to cause trouble, and we recovered possession several times deep on their half. Later on Tiago struck again with a composed finish into the far corner to make it 0–2.

The second half brought more of the same. Rachid curled in a superb free kick to extend the lead to 0–3. Portugal pulled one back from the penalty spot, leading to a few squeaky bum moments for Kev Flynn on the sideline. But substitute Vincent quickly restored the confidence, making it 1–4 and sealing the match.

A great all-round team performance from the Firsts!

MOTM: Tiago

The Firsts hosted bottom-of-the-league Besace. Lined up in an experimental formation dreamed up by the gaffers, Arjan in midfield and Erik at right-back, we started brightly and nicked an early goal. We stayed in control for the rest of the half, adding two more before the break.
In the second half we eased off slightly but still pushed on to reach six goals. Unfortunately, the clean sheet slipped away when Besace scored from a corner after some poor organisation at the back.
Final score: 6-1
MOTM: Ciaran

FC Irlande played Hermes in Watermaal-Bosvoorde. Hermes beat us on effort today. They got an early goal from a corner. Sat back and fought hard. We did not manage to create a lot of chances, they went up 2-0 with 15 min to go. We scored with 5 minutes left with a well taken shot from Rachid. We then gave away a corner which they scored on, crushing any hope of a point for us.

Irlande claimed a well-deserved 3–1 victory after a strong all-around performance. The first half saw some great passing combinations and attacking play, though the opening goal came with a bit of luck. A handball in the box gave us a penalty, which Ciaran confidently tucked away for 1–0 at halftime.

In the second half, Arjan delivered a perfect cross that Nair managed to bundle in with his belly to make it 2–0. Braine Storming responded with an excellent free kick after Irlande gave away several unnecessary fouls around the box, cutting the lead to 2–1. But Ciaran struck again late on to secure the 3–1 win and all three points for Irlande.

The 1sts played Wong today at home, nice cool weather and we started really well, dominated the ball, creating small chances. Wong relied on counterattacks, long ball and we knew we can win if we keep the ball. We got our chance from a corner kick from Rachid, headed back nicely by Arjan for Daan to sweep it in. 1-0 We got a goal disallowed for offside, Arjan coming very close but couldn’t kill the game. The game took a twist when we conceded a harsh penalty, but Ricky stepped up his game to Savee it.. the Ref shockingly asked for a retake of the pen and Ricky fucking saved it again. Absolute Savage !! The game ended with good chances for Vincent, Ciaran, James but we ended with the score 1-0 FT. Great 3 points in the bag, ready to face the Brits next week !!

MOTM – Who else but Ricky

The Firsts faced Choule in a must-win game to kick-start their season, and with their strike force finally back in action, the difference was immediate. Arjan and Rach returned to add firepower, and it paid off right away.

Just 10 minutes in, Arjan laid the ball off to Rach, who finished neatly from outside the box. Five minutes later, Rach slipped it through to Ciaran, who cut in from the right and buried it — 2-0. Another 10 minutes on, Erik found Ciaran down the right, and once again he cut inside to smash it home with his right foot. Total domination: 3-0.

The second half was more of the same. Choule never had a chance. Fifteen minutes in, Ciaran and Arjan combined with a slick one-two before Ciaran was brought down in the box. He missed the resulting penalty and the chance for a hat-trick, but Erik pounced on the rebound to make it 4-0.

With five minutes to go, Arjan whipped in a corner straight onto Remy’s head to seal it at 5-0. Game over.

The First Team are back