FC Irlande Men 2

On a sunny and smoggy day with Brussels air quality at an all time low, the seconds had a chance to salvage some pride after securing safety in the previous game.

From the get go the boys were on it, keeping the ball, taking their time, and picking their passes. Early highlights included Papi marauding up the pitch fearlessly, breaking the lines from defence. Matteo also picking the right passes finding Neil and the midfield.

The opposition were organised at the back, but not posing a threat or taking control of the ball. FC Irlande strung together some beautiful passing plays, sometimes through benji and garret on the right side and some times Ryan and Ewan on the left. Picking out lolo’s feet and distributing the ball through Nick and lore. The fist half ended all square, but only because max kept out a good number of shots from counter attack breakaways.

The second half came and we started strong again, Andreas coming in for Nick, and George eventually for jaret. We had a coupla shots on target, from lolo and Andreas who made an instant impact.

Tension was building as it remained 0-0 in to the final quarter. Although we lost the ball countless times in dangerous positions during the game, it was unfortunately Mr Self, playing in his own backyard, newly wed wife watching from the sideline, who decided to “go walkabout” as we say down under, drifting inside from left back, and kindly setting up the opposition attackers. You cannot fault the generosity. Unfortunately they stole and away and slotted home, max flailing helplessly.

The boys finishing strong, with energy going forward in the last 10 mins, including Jimmy gassing himself out after 2 sprints back from injury.

The game ended 1-0 but we can hold our heads high. Good play all round, strong in possession. Time to eat meat, drink piss and go again next week.

MOTM: Papi and Max 🙏🏼

Today, the Boys in Green were receiving Scheut at home. They had the chance to get the help from Alex, Fabi and Costi !

The first 15 minutes of the game felt like 35, because the ref was distributing yellow cards to Scheut’s players who couldn’t stop speaking to him and contesting his decisions. The Boys in green used the width to cross the ball, as Scheut air game is not that great. Unfortunately, it’s Scheut who scored the first goal from a deflected ball right before half time. 0-1.

But the Seconds came back on the pitch with a great mentality. And this mentality had positive consequences. After a Lolo’s cross, Costi heads it against the post before it comes back on Neil’s feet, who kicked it perfectly with his left foot to the second post. Keeper didn’t move, 1-1 !!!

And then, some minute later, another screamer, this time from Lorenzo, but the ball touches the bar and goes out. For some people, the ball was in, but not for the ref. At that moment, Lorenzo took it personally, and decided to attempt the same shot some actions later, but even more beautiful than the previous one. Again, the ball touched the bar, but this time, went fully in. No debate. 2-1, amazing screamer !!!

The cherry on the cake came from a great counter, with Fabi giving it calmly to Costi, who put it in one touch in the back of the net. 3-1 !!

Scheut managed to score a last
goal, bringing it back to 3-2. But it was not enough. FT 3-2.

First win of the Seconds in 2026. Great game boys, we can be proud of ourselves !

MOTM : Costi

Bittersweet at Rue du Sucre as the 2nds blew a commanding half-time lead to share the spoils with fellow bottom feeders Vetuso. Liquid football in the first half put the 2nds two goals to the good. Ewan bagged the first after tenacious work from Benj on the left, which might just kickstart a late flurry of goal contributions to come from the young Irishman this season.
Lolo was on hand to tuck away the second after more fine approach play, this time down the right, with young helper Theo involved. 2 nil half time and cruising.
Then the 2nd half started and it was 2-2 out of nowhere, a couple of avoidable goals from a free kick and a breakaway from our own corner pegged us back and a proper contest broke out. Several golden opportunities to scoop the W were spurned by our brave boys, and so a point apiece it proved to be. Another important point towards mathematical safety. MOTM Ewan

On a cold Saturday morning that resembled an Alaska expedition the Irish boys set out to fight in windy and cold conditions against the Brits.

Game started with the Brits being in possession exchanging passes and setting the pace of the game . Their backs were going up and down on the sides and they were going for long crosses with the intention to break out lines and head to our area.

The Greens were defending solidly throughout the first half. Some attacks from the Brits that came up from mistakes or crosses from the sides were successfully prevented from our defence.
Highlight was the save of Ahmet on a one on one of their strikers preventing the Brits scoring.

On the offensive part we were trying to create chances and put pressure on them with long balls which they managed to annihilate with success.
We could not keep the ball for enough and that made us chase it instead.
Our debutant striker Max (aka Peter Crouch) was giving fights in the front and even managed to hit the crossbar in a cross from the side of their area.

Half time. The second part started with some individual mistakes which put pressure early in the defence. Corner kick from the left side which after a wrong estimation from Neil on the first post ball bounced on Ahmet’s body and it was in. 0-1 for Brits.

Sun came up on the sky and Greens tried to show some willingness to turn things around.
Some subs and some changes in the formation initiated the attacking plan.
Greens managed to create some chances and put pressure to the Brits.
Free kick around 25 meters from the goal kick was executed by Lolo in a cheeky attempt and ball hit the vertical left post.
Some more chances and an attack from the right which after a cross and some wrong deflections from the opponents resulting in Dario putting a header in an empty goal but it was saved on the line by the defender.

Final few minutes with extra players on top and everyone (including Ahmet) getting in their area for a free kick . Ball shot out and their striker scored a very easy goal with no one defending provoking the Greens by scoring with his head laying down.

Final whistle.
FT: 0-2
MOTM: Papi

It was a sunny day and, for the first 15 minutes, football made sense. The boys in green dominated, moved the ball well, and created chances. Ryan sliced a dangerous cross from the right through the box, and Matt’s header missed the target by a small margin. Promising start. Too promising, maybe.

Then came their moment. The sun beams have gone, clouds have came, literally. A through ball down our left slipped past the defense, their winger went one-on-one with the keeper, stayed ice-cold, finesse finish, 1-0. Efficient. Painful.

Right after that, les gars completely lost rhythm in the build-up. It felt like a silent agreement that Pharma were better.

And then… yes. According to our other keeper, it was an incredible pass from our keeper to a Pharma player. Scramble just in front of the box, direct shot, 2-0. Football cruelty at its finest. By the end of the first half, it really looked like one of those days for FCI.

Luckily, halftime arrived like a therapist with a whistle. Positive mindset, reality check, identity restored. The second half was a full 180.

Boys in green came out flying. Possession, confidence, control. Pharma couldn’t breathe. The early goal arrived right on time: BB7 whipped in a beauty from the right, Lolo ghosted to the back post and finished first time into the far corner. 2-1. Game on.

From there, it was all FCI. Shots from distance, crosses raining in, free kicks from both sides, and even a bicycle kick attempt by Erling Matteo Riceputi, because why not. Pharma were hanging on.

Then the equalizer. Right-side free kick from Lolo, smashed into the wall. The rebound popped up, dropped into the box, and Matt B rose like destiny itself. Header to the right corner. Omg. 2-2.

The final stretch was pure pressure. FCI pushed hard, Pharma survived on long balls. The defense and goalie cleaned up everything before danger could form. Special mention to Villu, the Estonian hammer, executing a perfectly timed offside trap, trusting the Abssa ref with full conviction, three minutes before full time. A masterpiece of faith.

Final whistle. 2-2.
Les gars didn’t win a point. They lost two after a dominant second half.

MOTM: Matt B

January, dry or wet, challenges are part of the new year’s first month and the Greens were ready to face them against Union JP. Irlande started very confidently the match against Union with more ball possession, putting more pressure on the opposite side.

However, the last pass and precision was missing in order to score a goal. Opportunities came mostly from the midfield, in particular Lore had some good shots on targets but both teams neutralised themselves. Union was reinforcing its defense wall whilst betting on counterattacks, but our defense and Victor resisted into the second half with a 0-0.

Irlande started to play quicker and better in the second half. The Greens continued to push with strong ball possession and pressure towards the midfield. Opportunities for Papi and Joa via assists by Georgie and Benji could have lead to goals but Irlande unfortunately did not manage to penetrate the opponent lines.

The Greens tried up to the last minute but the game ended with a 0-0. Clean sheet for our defense, more work to do for our offensive.

On a beautiful day in Wavre, the boys in green took to the field for the first time post-winter break in optimistic mood. The optimism bordered on buoyancy when we took note that Franginos’ star striker, ‘the white Drogba’ as he had been dubbed following his destruction of our defence at Fortress Nossegem, was absent.

However that optimism was short-lived as the home team struck early with a rebounded corner falling to their right back about 25 yards from goal, who struck a banana shot fortuitously over Max and under the bar. 1-0, against the run of play.

With words of encouragement still ringing in their ears from the restart that we can still get back into this, disaster struck as Franginos’ striker pounced on an error in the back to take a shot from outside the box, with the same effect of finding the underside of the crossbar. 2-0.

But having established a foothold in the game, the Greens fought back valiantly, and a luscious ball over the top from right to left by Lorenzo to Lolo put him in goal, and he made no mistake, lobbing the goalie. 2-1. Frenetic.

From there the Greens had the better of the first half, without creating a clear cut chance. But as the first half was drawing to a close a quick counter down their righthand side caught the Greens napping at the back, as some good wing play and an early cross picked out a second attacker who found himself one-on-one with max, and struck it just ferociously enough that it beat him, despite stinging his palm. 3-1 half time. Down, but not quite out.

Sensing that the next goal would sway the outcome, the Greens started the 2nd period much more on the front foot. And with 10 mins of the 2nd half gone, Greens introduced Benji in a substitution that would prove to be inspired: his first touch of the game to chest down a Jouke centre, before volleying sublimely beyond their keeper. 3-2: game on.

The second half continued to play predominantly with the Greens on the front foot, although chances were at a premium, with Lolo going close from crosses on 2 separate occasions. But as the end of the game drew nearer, Joao found some space in the box and was felled at the moment he was setting himself to pull the trigger. Penalty! Our first of the season, maybe? (edit : nope) And what great timing for it to arrive. Joao made no mistake in dispatching it to complete the comeback. 3-3, and time enough still to go on and win it?

With time fizzling away, it was not the Greens but the Franginos who came closest to breaking the deadlock: a header in a melee from a corner leading to some brilliant defensive work by Benji off the line to cement his man of the match cameo from the bench.

With time fast running out, Lorenzo reacted badly to a flailing elbow, misdirecting a whispered insult a little too closely to the ref to earn himself an early bath.

3-3 it was to stay. Not a perfect start to 2026, but nonetheless a valiant fight back that proved the spirit of this group. Plenty of cause for optimism as we play out the rest of the season.

When I first saw people sending long messages before/after the game, I thought what the hell is going on here, what are these crazy people doing, or as we say in italy: “MA CHE CAZZO” 🤌
But here I am, guys, it’s my turn, and what a game I have the honor of reporting today.

After a week of hard training, the boys delivered the most unexpected performance of the year.
Nick’s pre-match speech sets a clear direction; King Leonidas can only take notes.
After a period of absence, it’s the day of Joao’s great return, his motivations are clear: a sandwich at the bar before the game, energy that will make the difference, all as planned.

First half, defense as solid as rocks, Vic saves our asses a couple of times, midfield protecting like mum does with her baby boys, Jouke running x3 people, attack as annoying as ticks.

Heart-breaking second half.

Minute 50: high pressure, total confusion, Matteo Baresi finds the ball and puts it in. 1-0 and Violin played like the most classic Mozart concert.

Minute 55: Unlucky ass-tap-in. 1-1.

Minute 60: Handball penalty for opponents. “Shit, here we go again” vibes. The referees whistle, Neil from the outside through in a banana skin, ball to the star. we remain 1-1

Minute 65: Pablo-Yamal fights, wins the duel, gives 10 meters to the opponent, enters the area, goal under the top corner. 2-1.

Minute 70: Ewan-Kante recovers the ball, in for Joao, who marvels, with a delicious touch, beats the keeper. 3-1

Minute 72: Final whistle. Lolo hugs the referee. Legend says that after the match they went out to dinner together… real love.

This is what happens when we help each other, suffer, get back up, and punish the opponent.

It’s a pleasure to be part of this team, can’t wait to restart.

Man of the match: Pablito

On rainy Saturday afternoon, FCI traveled to The Middle of Fucking Nowhere to pay against Braine-Terminus.
FCI started by playing literally and figuratively uphill, and after an injury for the opponents, we went down by a goal on an admittedly beautiful header. Following this, play resumed at 1000% speed by both teams, all gas no brakes skrrtt. From a pinball run off play, the ball fell to an opposing player who meat-sticked it forward, where their winger was able to get to the ball and fire it into the back of the net, 2-0 bad guys.
2nd half started and FCI into the swing of things, possessing and becoming dangerous. A huge opportunity for Andreas Tarp was ultimately smothered by the opposing keeper, and not many more chances were had. I’m the end we changed to a 3-5-2, but it wasn’t enough to bring the game back. Final score 2-0 to Brain-Terminus.
A special shout-out to MOTM Gabalicious @Gabriel Jacqmin⁩, who played good last official match for the Big Green Hammers and is going to galavant in the land of hobbits and strict health codes. Love you buddy 😘

A tough result for the boys in green today. It started nice with the sun showing his face during the warm-up (on a november morning in Belgium!!), but what followed in the first half was less heart warming. A dominant opponent and some sloppy football led to little possession and even less chances for us. An attack right through the heart of the midfield and defense lead to a deserved 0-1 at half time.
In the second half we showed another face, better football, more aggression and even some good attacks. Matteo, right back today, kept on causing danger with his crosses but we just couldn’t convert them. Then their number 9 stepped up and out of nowhere found the top corner, 0-2. We pushed back, a build-up from the back ended up in front of Benji and he found the gap just near the far post 1-2! The following increased pressure unfortunately didn’t cause anything more than a red card for them.
A tough one to take but heads up and back to training to get back stronger next week!
MOTM: Matteo

It was a very cold, but sunny away game for FC Irlande as they took on a young Chenois FC side based out of Waterloo. The effort was there in the first half but overall we felt disorganised with a few chances on target and off target. The youthful Chenois side were getting the best of us has they ended up scoring their first goal. In the second half, we went down another goal from on a 1 on 1 chance from the home team’s striker. However, Irlande fought back relentlessly to get more chances on goal in the final 20 minutes. After a few subs and positional changes, Lolo placed in a beautiful corner kick which was headed in by Andreas. We continued to fight for an equaliser in the last 5 minutes but it was too late.

Final Score: 2-1 loss

An overcast sky in Nossegem, little wind, though a clear day set the seen for FC Irlande’s match against 8th placed Charles-Quint. Coined the 6 point match, the boys in green were eager to put a W in the win column. Mid way through the first half, Ewan tees up a shot, though a resounding ping reverberates through the pitch. Hope is not lost, an attentive Lolo, jumps on the ball and slots it away for a 1-0 lead to the good. The half time whistle sounds. The Irish attack the second half with vigor. Perhaps too much vigor. Ryan targets his victim, at a full sprint, Ryan leaves his feet and two foots the oncoming winger in the chest, if Ryan’s studs to the chest were not enough, Ryan grabs his nuts and points at the attacker writhing in the pain. The official has no choice to give him his second yellow. In classic Ryan fashion, he throws up the double bird to the referee as he exits the pitch. (Perhaps an over dramatization, though a pulling of the arm of the running winger as he attempted to get by did give Ryan his second yellow and a red). Up a goal and down a man, the boys kept fighting. The ball came forward, with a some clever body work by Gab, he was able to hold off the goal keeper, played an excellent ball into the box, where Lolo was able to pick up a brace. Though the best highlight was yet to come. Late into the second half, the Irish were on the attack, Lolo found himself on the wing, plays a cross into the box, the searching ball, is found by Gab. In what could be his final curtain call at home, Gab leaps off the ground, foot over his head, makes contact with the ball. Silence falls, across the pitch as the ball searches for the back of the net. The silence is broken by the ping of the post, denying a potential Puskas bid. The final whistle blows and the FC Irlande take a resounding win. As the great Jameis Winston once said, we eatin dubs!

For anyone following the 2nds WhatsApp, you’ll know that Les Gars were heroically misinformed about the kick-off location. Still, in true 2nds fashion, we rallied — impeccably organised, as if heading out for some impromptu techno at C12 — and made it across town with the full Simpson crew intact.

On the pitch where we usually face ENTENTE, we now found ourselves up against SCHEUT. The match kicked off at full tilt, both sides trading early chances. FCI had the better of them. Their keeper was on fire (and possibly traumatised) after Lolo unleashed a rocket from three metres that nearly sent him into orbit. Justice was served soon after: a penalty, calmly slotted home by Lolo — cool, clinical, inevitable.

HT: 0–1 (and SCHEUT arguing with themselves like a married couple on holiday).

The second half began with SCHEUT throwing on everything forward, while FCI collectively decided defending was a vibe best experienced from a distance. Their big number 9 — built like a fridge and twice as effective in the air — nodded one home, then another at the back post. Before long, a third goal arrived to complete the comeback.

Amid the gloom, there was at least comic relief: Matt Sims made his grand entrance, lasting a glorious ten minutes before receiving a straight red for a “last-man challenge”. Efficient use of minutes, some might say.

FY: 3–1

MOTM: Jouke “Going Dutch” Bosma

The seconds travelled to Brussels British looking to bounce back from recent bad results. The first half saw the British with the majority of possession though they didn’t do much with it. Unfortunately, close to half time they got a goal which was offside but the ref gave it. The first half highlight was the substitution of Jamie who came off after 15 minutes.
Second half fc Irelande played better and had more of the ball. Two goals on the break / error for the British pretty much killed the game. At 3-0 down we played our best football… lesson to learn = play that football from kick off instead of when we are chasing a goal..
Motm Ryan.
Big thanks to Ricky and Tiago for helping ❤️

The greens became the blues today. In a cloudy day above our castle, we started the match without the required intensity. The opposite team was really fit and great with a ball and we couldn’t really hold it enough between our players. Following grate saves from Maxime and Papi they were able to score a goal from a quick counter attack after 1-2 on our right side. The halftime found our team tired and without a clear head. After a good talk at halftime, we went into the second half knowing what we have to do bring ourselves up and score a goal. We were able to keep the ball more, pass between ourselves and make some nice attacks but without any result. One crossbar from Pablo and one from Lolo at the last minute of the game where the closest we got to an Equalizer. Shitty result despite the effort. 0-1 FT
MOTM Papasito

A frustrating day for the boys in green. After the usual sloppy start and what could have been a shit early goal for Union JP out of a corner, FCI went on full control mode: high possession, strong pressing, good circulation. Over and above JP during the whole first half, with a few chances that actually came from the press rather than the build-up. Pablo gave it a try a got kicked hard (welcome to ABSSA amigo), Ewan and Benji also gave it go. Not enough to score, 0-0 HT. Heads down, keeping up the work, but the elements had to help out inoffensive Union: a strong inwards wind pulled a corner straight into our top right hand corner. 1-0, hard to take. But the greens showed great spirit, kept pushing, and were soon rewarded with the 1-1: short corner from Nick to Pablo, great cross in, the keeper throws a punch at a neck instead of the ball, and foxy Jamie is there at the bounce to slot it home. The last 20 minutes were more even, both teams pushing hard, but clearly FCI had the chances to get the win. A great ball from Papi down the right for a 3 vs 1 face-off was mistakenly given offside, with Nick missing the target just to make sure the ref sleeps well tonight. Benji also had two great chances close to the final whistle, with one great save from the Union keeper and one where a low cross may have done us better. Nothing serious for Union thanks to rock solid Matt B and Papi down the back. Cherry on top: outrageous tactical handball on the buzzer by naughty boy Matteo to prevent a JP counter. FT 1-1, deserved better, and lots of positives for next week. MOTM: bankrupt Ewan.

The 2nds were facing Los Franginos today in Nossegem, and the game started with high intensity but mostly from the other side. Struggling to put their foot on the ball, the boys in green quickly conceded a goal from their fast strikers who managed to face Ahmet in a couple of passes. Just few minutes later Lolo equalised with one of his secret long shots from out of the box (some say it was slightly deflected). Without any control of the ball, Ireland mostly counted on counter attacks or uncoordinated high pressure which actually paid off when the keeper under pressure gave the ball straight to Benji who had the perfect shot from 30m to beat him.
That’s when their number 9 show started. Their striker, a guy with the body and presence of Sean Gibson and the technic and speed of Joao. First with a solo raid, unopposed he entered the box and shot to crucify Ahmet, then 2min later he was the quickest for the rebound after a free kick on target.
At half time not much had to be said except to reflect on our overall performance. Only few minutes in the second half, that number 9 cyborg had the perfect curled ball from 18m with his wrong foot, straight in the top bin. That left everybody baffled, making it 2-4. It was only a matter of minutes before they got awarded a debatable penalty to get their 5th goal.
The Ireland team only started to play some sort of football in the last minutes after Victor as striker and Joao as 10 came in. Not enough to score any goal.
And not a lot to remember from this day, except a humbling lesson and the willingness to show some pride next weekend.
MOTM: Benji

Tourinnois forfeited the match

The 2nd team gars suffered their first defeat of the season, at the hands of a typically pesky Entente.
An early shower between the sticks was not part of the game plan and left it all to do for the home side. Maxi came flying off his line as he would a Morzine piste and was a touch unfortunate to bring down the Entente striker bearing down on goal. John played the sacrificial lamb as Karim nobly stepped up to go in net – Max’s parents had seen enough and also decided to call it a day.
A double salvo quickly followed for the visitors amid some pretty suspect marking in the FCI box. The 10 men welcomed the half-time whistle, going in 0-2 down.
With rallying cries ringing in the ears, the lads showed great character and put in a spirited 2nd-half performance.
João was full of tricks and dangerous throughout, fuelling hopes of a comeback with a tidy finish into the bottom corner after being put through by first-teamer Papi (thanks for helping us today 🙏🏻)
But alas, the comeback wasn’t to be. As the lads threw everything and everyone forward in search of an equaliser, Entente broke and rolled the ball into an empty net in the final minute, with the goal fondly dedicted to Hadri by the Entente player.
1-3 final score, but plenty of positives to take away. MotM João (goal a game)

Game 2…picture a sunny day in Belgium (yes, in BELGIUM), in the asshole of the Brabant …
After some tactical locker talking (including Jamie’s, whose translation in English still awaits), some welcome logistical and energy push from Matt S. with his lovely daughter, the boys in green entered the pitch …
Neil, Nick and Lolo decided on a strong line up
Max in goal, the Gen Z Matteo and Andreas in center backs, the Dinosaurs Maréchal Clem and myself on the sides, an “English” center midfield (sorry Ewan) made of Neil, Nick and Ewan, last week’s MOTM Benji on the right and “quelle indignité” Booba on the left (subbing for MAGA Nate who unfortunately got injured during warm up), and finally Lolo 🕰️ up front … Our very own dictator from Ghana Georgie being ready to step up (while awaiting a phone call about the outcome of the putsch he masterminded in Ghana)…also Boomer Gineste came to cheer us up (on his way to Amsterdam), as well as Big Daddy Gabba escaping his mom-to-be supporting duties …
Let it be clear : this was not our greatest performance …we were much more on a reacting mode rather than leading the pitch, with waves of attacks on their end crashing on pour strong defense over and over again ! The lads trying to push the ball up but too often rushing and losing the ball before the opponent’s box….
In any case, the FCI boys kept the energy, the discipline amd the composure …0-0 half time …
The second half being pretty much the same (as Gabba said it:”we have not done 3 passes in a row”….sad but true …)
Anyway, on a counter attack Nick pressured their midfielder and got the ball to Lolo, who pushed it to Ewan who nicely went on the right, and crossed a beauty all the way back to Lolo who headed cooly the ball in the net…1-0 FCI
From then on we faced yet again waves of their attacks crashing on our defense…
We got an opportunity to go for 2-0 with Ewan (who decided that he wanted to keep the suspense on until the end) having a one on one with the keeper who slided the ball away…
The end of the game was intense with Ster’s pushing to score the equalizer (including their fat cunt “idiot du village” number 9 …to no avail…)
End whistle: 1-0 FCI (NB:we scored more than we conceded ergo we won !)
MOTM : Ewan (more than well deserved !)
2nd MOTM : Clem (who showed that boomers don’t get pension checks but still work their ass off )

6 points, clean sheet …chalalala

Nuclear war erupting across Europe, Putin being assassinated, the squatter leaving Nicks house. All of these things were predicted to happen before Ewan scored his first FCI goal. Thankfully for the 2nds looking to challenge for the title this season, the haters have been proven wrong and the curse has been lifted. All rejoice 🙌🙌

Now to the match:
A fast start was needed to set the tone for the season, and it happened. For the other team… Nate gave the questionable ref a decision to make by needlessly shoving their striker. Penalty converted 1-0 Braine Terminus.

It was swings and roundabouts as FCI quickly responded with a Jamie back heel effort deflecting in to bring it back to level. 1-1. FCI kept the pressure on, playing better and doing their best to navigate the referee who wanted to insert himself into the game. Jamie got a yellow card for saying something to the ref which he didn’t understand so he naturally took it as an insult (we’ll come back to this). Benji was put through a gap with a mishit pass from Nate that fell nicely and Benji sloted it to make it 2-1 going into half time.

Early into the second half the magical moment happened. EWAN SCORED. A pass across from Lolo made it (almost) impossible to miss. However, given his track record from last year, the team knows nothing is impossible when it comes to this guy missing open goals. A nation held its breath in anticipation. In it went to make it 3-1 for FCI who began to impose themselves on the match as Braine started to tire and lose shape.

It was great to see Joao back on the pitch and he marked the return with and had a chance to make it 2 but denied Ewan an assist on his special day by hitting the post from inside the 6 yard box.

With the game in the bag in the dying minutes Jamie did the sensible thing that anyone on a yellow card would do, a clumsy challenge to get himself back in the book and make it two yellows. He rightly earned himself a 100% success day with the dick of the day votes.

☘️☘️MOTM Benji in a great start for the boys. Allez FCI 🇮🇪🇮🇪