FC Irlande Men 4

After a chaotic buildup to the match (big thanks to the Neil, Tiago and Lolo), 4ths entered the final match knowing only a win would do to potentially allow us to survive in Div 3D.

On a sunny day in beautiful weather, the game started pretty evenly, with both teams vying for control of the match and not many chances created at either end.

Captain Fabi decided to alter that half way through the half and hit a shot from 30-35m into the top corner. 1-0 Irelande!

With new confidence, shortly after that Tiaho was found in a bit of space. He managed to get a shot off which the GK saved. Thankfully the rebound also fell to Tiago and he smashed the ball into the net for 2-0!
4ths continued searching for goals and, after a bit of luck, Lolo worked his way clear for a 1-on-1 but it went agonisingly wide. Shortly after, Curtis won a corner and unfortunately a free man headed home so we went in at 2-1 ahead at HT.

if anyone thought we would be nervous coming out after half time they would be wrong. Within minutes Tiago burst clear and was fouled to win a penalty which he duly put away to go 3-1 up. Then 3mins later, Lolo was out clear and managed to lib it over the GK and put us 4-1 up. Tails were up and confidence was high. 5mins later we even score again, from a throw in Lorenzo bullied his way into the box, a low cross was then tapped home by Tiago for the hat trick!

4ths then tried to consolidate their advantage. Tiredness set in a little for FCI 4ths with a penalty given away and an unfortunate goal at the near post right at the death. But we held on resolutely for a big 3points.

Final Score 3-5 to FCI4.

MotM Fabi

Unfortunately the win was ultimately in vain as Syb somehow came from behind to secure the points to send FCI4 down to Division 4 😭

4ths travelled to Kraainem on a lovely sunny afternoon knowing nothing more than a win would do in their fight for survival in Div 3D.

A strong squad was assembled, with an appearance from a 1sts captain helping out in midfield. And despite the pressure, 4ths started confidently, getting the ball down and playing some nice football despite the bad pitch.
We created one or two half chances during the first half but nothing quite fell for them in front of goal. Matteo was also focussed in keeping out a dangerous corner from the opponent.
Half time came and 4ths refocused and started the 2nd half on top again. With the 3 points a necessity, a formation change came and a couple of personnel changes resulting in some increased pressure on the opponents.
With about 15mins left a corner from Fabi was then dummied by Grisa and substitute Costi was on hand to tap in from 3m out. Cue celebrations and a reversion to the back 4. 4ths defended resolutely and during some late attempted pressure but the opponents, James managed to pinch the ball high up the pinch and run through to put the ball past the GK with a couple mins left.

A potentially huge 3 points and hopefully we can pull off this miracle.

Final score 0-2 win
MotM James

4ths were 4 points behind for safety with 3 games to go.
We are still 4 points behind with 2 games to go.
Its becoming very difficult but still possible and we will try and fight until the end.
We missed a big opportunity today against 10 young kids only looking for the 0-0.
We had the ball all the game, they just defended (well) and we couldnt just put it in. Matteo had nothing to do, not a single save.
Tiago and Artem had a couple of good opportunities especially in the 2nd half when Grisha came in and brought his speed upfront. We were missing the last touch, the last good shot, the last good decision.
Frustrating game ending with the 0-0 Picardie wanted to be mathematically safe.
2 games to go, 6 points mandatory.

Another weekend for the fourth playing against Midi AS, a top 3 team of our division.

Saturday started like a nightmare with 2 last minute drop-outs.

The first part of the game was in the same nightmare vibe: we were not in the best shape and Midi was pushing hard and made us retreat. Playing that deep in our pitch created a couple opportunities for Midi to score.
After 15/20m we started to push them back and playing higher on the pitch. Finally we managed to get more possession with the ball and created more combinations. We created a couple of chances but we missed. That was the end of the first part of the game. 0-0.

On the second half we continued working hard on the possession and created opportunities but unfortunately we conceded a free kick 20mtrs from our goal. Direct free-kick, 1-0 to Midi.

4ths then pushed and fougth harder. We had a couple of chances mainly coming from Tiago and Artem but none was on target.

Finally in the last minute we managed to put the ball in the small box and by mistake of the defence the ball ended just in front of Tiago for an easy tap-in. Not the best goal but a fucking important one.

1-1. A point that keeps us alive and fighting for the relegation.

MotM: Alex

4ths traveled to Wezembeek to face old rivals Mymol in a must-win relegation battle. Starting fully focussed, we took the lead after two minutes by a tap in from Alberto. Despite the early lead, we allowed Mymol to control the game. Neither team was able to create dangerous situations in the first half.
In the second half, Mymol became increasingly dangerous, butwe were able to defend our tight lead until 15 minutes before the end when they were able to find a free man on the second post and equalise.
Desperation kicked in and both teams went for the winning goal im the remaining minutes. Matteo came in clutch with some amazing saves and it was finally Tiago in the last minute with the much celebrated winning goal for the boys in green.
We stay in the fight to avoid relegation, while Mymol will go down to Division 4.
MotM: Matteo

4ths hosted Ettekijs 2 after a disappointing result last week.
Highly motivated we started well, creating good chances through Artem and Alberto. Unfortunately their shots went wide. Ettekijs remained dangerous in counters but only shot once on target during the whole match.
While the second half was more balanced in terms of possession, we pushed for the winning goal in the last 15 minutes. Unfortunately we didn’t manage to capitalise. The game ended 0:0.
MotM: Alex and Artem

4ths travelled to Anderlecht to face of against relegation rivals Syb. The mood prior to the game was one of optimism with everyone knowing the battle that was to come, especially given the pitch conditions.

4ths started with intensity trying to stamp some authority on the fixture. Unfortunately Syb were not willing to submit easily and were effective with their long ball game. This lead to a corner mid way through the first half and a Syb attacker was unfortunately left unmarked and headed home for 1-0.

4ths tried to get going again and created some occasional half chances just before and after the interval. The keeper was able to keep the chances out.
As the game wore on, 4ths threw on some subs but they continued to huff and puff and nothing quite fell for them.
The match finished 1-0. It looks like a tough job but the fight continues for these final 6 games and there is still hope.

On a lovely afternoon for football in Nossegem, 4ths were to come up against top of the league Forestoise EJ. A tough game was expected given the lofty position of the opponents but 4ths came determined to get something out of the day.
Unfortunately after a fast start, after only 3mins the opponent winger managed to break through and was brought down in the box. A penalty and 0-1 and not the start that was wanted for sure.
4ths are showing they are made of sterner stuff these days though and they dug in and didn’t let Forestoise dominate. They were not many chances during the rest of the first half except for a speculative long range free kick that hit the bar. HT 0-0
The 2nd half contained in a similar vain, with football not easy on the muddy pitch. 4ths made some changes and managed to get some more attacking play going but struggled in the final 3rd. Later on in the half, Matteo made a great save to keep it 0-1 which proved to be pivotal.
4ths pushed for the equaliser throughout and through a series of set pieces they managed to finally get the chance they needed with Costi heading in following a Fabi corner.
Some late drama ensued with the opponents trying to win an undeserved penalty with a couple of reds shown to their player and coach. But 4ths held their focus and secured a great point against top of the league. Could be a huge point come the end of the season!
Final score 1-1
MotM Matteo

4ths faced old rivals Patjes after a good performance last week. We didn’t start well, but somehow managed to score on our first attack, after Lorenzo capitalised from a defensive mistake.
While Patjes was the better team, we defended well and didn’t allow many chances.
Aided by very questionable decisions by the referee, Patjes were first given a penalty, amazingly saved by our replacement keeper Ale, but also two free kicks which led to two goals.
Final result 2:1.
Man of the match: Ale

After a false start last weekend, 4ths started 2025 at home with a chance to get a double over Vogelpik. A tough afternoon was expected as the conditions were difficult and the opposition doing well in the league but 4ths entered the contest in high spirits.

From the first whistle, 4ths were dominant, challenging for and winning every ball, with openings being created with the wide men and Alberto. Mid way through the first half, good play resulted in a corner kick, which Peppe whipped into the near post and Joonas stooped to score a rare headed goal from a corner to go 1-0 up.
4ths continued to play well and push for more goals and their hard work paid off just before halt time. Alberto was released with a nice through ball which he just beat to keeper to, rounded him and knocked into the net. 2-0!
2nd half the opposition came out determined to try and improve but 4ths defended solidly throughout and the one time they got though Matteo was there as always to prevent a goal.
In the dying seconds, 4ths counter attacked down the left, with Draga then laying off the ball to Alberto about 25yards out. Despite shouts of ‘keep the ball’ he knew better and hit a sublime shot over the keeper into the top corner. 3-0 and game over! A great start to the new year and a much needed 3 points 💪🏻

MotM – Alberto

As every weekend now, 4ths had a win or die game against a team we beat a month ago.
We started to game really well and should have scored 2 or 3 in the first 10 minutes by Alberto, but as too often this season we were not killer enough in front of the goal. 0-0 HT.
After some changes we were even more dominant and Matteo had litteraly nothing to do.
We finally got awarded a penalty by a great referring after a clear foul on Artem.
After having missed out last 6 penalties (yes. 6), Artem showed confidence and took it. 1-0.
The opponent then gave up and spent the last 10 mins insulting each other and insulting us.
Artem scored a 2nd penalty with 3 mins to go after a. handball on the box following a corner and good preasure from Fabi.

3 good points that maintain us in the fight for the relegation.
This will make christimas feel better and the beers tonight taste better.

2-0 win. Motm Artem

4ths travelled east to Wezembeek to play against Tricoteueses hoping to build on the win achieved last week to aid their fight against relegation.

A few injuries and sickness (as well as an altered ko time) was not ideal preparation and conditions were a little difficult for pretty football.

4ths started the match a little slowly, struggling with the directness of the opponent and had to rely on a couple of very good stops from stalwart Matteo in goal.
Unfortunately it was actually a set piece (a little wind affected) that undid us, the ball somehow finding its way straight into the net.

At half time, we made some adjustments and can put determined to improve. We showed more control of the game in general and created a couple of chances that maybe should have been put away.

On a counter attack by Tricoteuses, a slight mix up at the back unfortunately resulted in Max bringing down a player in the box, which was put away for 2-0.

4ths quickly pulled things back to a 1 goal gap though, with us also scoring directly from a corner from Fabi and a mistake by the opposition GK.

4ths continued to dominate the ball and push for the equaliser but chances were slim and Tricoteuses were able to hold out for the win.

Final score 2-1
MotM Artem & Fabi

4ths were looking to stop this awful run of we dont even know how many losses in a row.
We were facing today our old « friend » from mymol for a relegation battle.

We didn’t have our best team today but we had 15 warriors who gave it all.
From Matteo having his best season game to Draga pressing every ball, we gave everything.
We took the lead quite early by Artem for his first goal in green heading a free-kick on the 2nd post.
We suffered a bit more in the 2nd half but scored this so important 2nd goal by Grisha who just entered some minutes before.
A big confidence boost! And we leave the bottom place to our opponent.
Beers will taste better tonight.
Motm Alex and Artem

Fourths faced Rhinoceros on a cold away day in Ottignies. After losing to them just a few weeks ago, hopes we’re high to finally get some points again. Fourths dominated the game in the first half, but could not create clear chances. Just minutes before halftime, Rhinos scored with their first chance, a deflected shot which somehow went through.
In a physical half we pushed to equalise, but we were caught on a counter with another defected shot.
Final result 2:0 for the Rhinos.
MotM Joonas
Three very important games remain before the Christmas break to turn the tide and start winning again.

4ths faced New Inn 3 full of hope to finally reward ourselves for good performance with points.
In a dominant first half, we did not manage to convert our chances.
The second half was more even, without any side getting close to a goal until New Inn managed to score after a corner. Despite our efforts to equalise, the ball just didn’t find the end of the net.
Once again a solid performance, allowing the opposition basically just one shot on goal, but no points for 4ths.
We will continue with important games before the Christmas break

4ths travelled into the deep south this weekend to play against Picardie who were top of the league. We had trained well on a new shape during the week and the mission was to try and take that into the match and get some much needed points.

During the first half, we defended very well as a unit with Matteo in goal mainly a bystander. Both teams only had 1 main chance each but neither could convert, with a good save from Matteo keeping things 0-0 at HT.

The 2nd half started out in much the same manner, with a very even game with FCI getting a little more of the ball.

Unfortunately about 15mins into 2nd half a pass was intercepted by Picardie and a quick pass and shot followed. Matteo nearly got it but the power carried it into the net for 1-0.

4ths continued to push for a goal and had a couple of half chances but about 1ins from the end, a counter attack by Picardie resulted in a 2-0.

The guys did not lose faith and continued to try and play. Their perseverance was rewarded in the last minute with a low cross from Grisa being turned home by Draga.

Final score 2-1

MotM Alberto

We started the game and we were playing well. Taking the ball and having the control of the match.
Then unfortunately there was an action where the attacker from the other team shot and unfortunately hit an FCI arm so that was the first penalty and the first goal.
4ths continued fighting and we were doing well. We got a corner, we tried to do what we practiced but unfortunately we were not well placed in the back and they scored the second goal in a counter attack.
Half time 0-2

A couple of changes were made at half time and we began the second half and we were quite determined, and pressing a lot. But the luck was not on our side today as a long ball from them went through and the GK was a little hesitant. The striker won the ball and the GK ended up fouling him so another penalty. 3-0

Another change of personnel and 4ths were controlling the ball, pressing hard and we got ourselves a penalty.
Unfortunately a hard and central shot from Santi hit the crossbar, it was just not our day.

Final result 0-3.
Motm Benoit

After 4 losses in a row 4ths had a crucial game today against the team right behind. Very important to put a 5 points gap between us and them in this relegation battle.

Sunny weather, good pitch, 20 players available for this game and a lot of the unavailable/injured/not selected guys there to supoort us.

We started strong as we knew that in those kind of game between 2 teams in lack of confidence the first goal is key.

4ths were the best team on the pich from minute one, staying tight, not conceding chances and keeping the ball.
We went 1-0 up when Costi, as always, won his 1vs1 vs the keeper after a through ball from Peppe between the 2 CBs.

Most difficult thing was done and we turned 1-0 up at HT.
Opponent received a red card for kicking Viktor when he was on the ground. After that we somehow stopped playing and just kept the 1-0 instead of killing the game with a 2nd goal.
Opponent had a couple of opportunities at the end on set pieces, but with Christian on goal for his very last match in green, that’s a no danger.

Serious game, very important win. 2nd goal for Costi in 2 games and a deserved motm for Christian.

Fourths faced a strong Ettekijs 2 team today in Watermael-Boitsfort. Despite the recent setbacks, we played well in the first half in a very intense and physical game. Just minutes before half time, we were awarded a penalty after a nice run from Viktor. Unfortunately Karim didn’t use this big chance to take the lead, as the goalkeeper saved his attempt.
A few minutes into the second half, Ettekijs took the lead after a free kick into the box, and doubled it a few minutes later with another header. Fourths did not give up, but couldn’t create dangerous situations and conceded two more goals on the counter.
An overall improved performance, but a lot of work ahead to get out of the relegation zone.

Another tight game for the 4ths today and another 3 points lost at home.
The opponent was more physical than us today, stronger in the duels and better in the air.
We were better technically and showed it in the first half when Karim scored his first season goal after a good pass from Andrea and a quick play from the 4ths.

Unfortunately once more we conceded a goal on a corner and the opponent took the lead quickly after with a fucking lucky missed cross from half pitch going straight on the top corner of Matteo.

Despite a Costi goal disallowed by the ref, we couldn’t equalize.

A lot of us at training this week and at the game on saturday for this must-win to turn things on the good direction 💪

Final score 1-2
Motm Alberto on his first appearance.

Tough afternoon for the 4ths today, facing the league favorite.

After repeating 10 times to start the game tight, solid and focused we were 2-0 down after less than 10 minutes.
We really fougth back to turn 1-2 at HT after a goal from Viktor.
The first 10 minutes of the 2nd half were going to be decisive as Forestois was starting to doubt and be impatient.
Well, same mistake. 1-4 down in 10 minutes.
Rest of the game is insignificant due to the multiple changes we made.
4ths didnt play bad, we had opportunities, kept a positive fighting spirit but our defensive mistakes against a much better team than us scoring a direct free-kick and a direct corner led to this score.
Next weekend is also worth 3 points, let’s go for it! 💪

Motm Lore

After starting our season last saturday with a late 1-0 win, 4ths wanted to get their first home victory this season.
We started the game seriously and remained very strong in defense allowing very few opportunities to Patjes.
We scored twice in the last 10 minutes of the first half. Same goal. We kept the ball in the midfield and found Grisha on a long ball. 2 face to face vs the keeper. 2-0 up at HT.

We missed a couple of clear opportunities to kill the game at the beginning of the 2nd half and allowed Patjes to be back in the game after a cross nicely headed on the goal by their striker.

2-1 up, with 20 to go. 4ths suffered, 4ths defended, 4ths fought but 4ths didn’t break.

2-1 win. Motm Diego.

4ths journeyed south into Walloonia to battle with Vogelpik on a late sunny Saturday afternoon. With a strong squad, hopes of putting the first points on the board for the season were high.

Fourths started strong against the tall Belgians, defending strongly and generally dominating the play. We were maybe a little rushed with some of our forward balls but we carved out some good opportunities, particularly a 1v1 for Viktor that was well saved. Half time arrived and it was still 0-0.

In the 2nd half, we started to show a bit more composure on the ball, subs entered strongly and were able to create 3-4 good opportunities where again the Vogelpik goalie came to their rescue with very good saves.

It stayed 0-0 right into the last minutes of the game and 4ths were putting them under good pressure leading to David having a shot from the edge of the box that hit the bar a couple mins from the end. The follow up fell to Thomas on the edge of the box who went down under some pressure from the defender to win a penalty with 3 mins to go. Viktor stepped up to take it but unfortunately GK to the rescue again.
But we did not give up! We got going again immediately and managed to create an opening in the box which eventually fell to Ivan who slotted home in the last minute of the game! A 1-0 win with good fighting spirit shown throughout! Bring on next week 💪🏻
MotM Ivan/Santi

4th were looking to bounce back after losing the season opener last weekend.

Unfortunately the result was not positive today again despite much more positive things today. We incorporated a few new guys today and with half a team new the 4ths struggled at first to create chances and the opponent took an early lead after a very nice volley.
We fought back and tried to come back but unfortunately got punished in a counter. Viktor gave us hope with his first goal in green and a great Costi almost gave us the equalizer at the last minute.
1-2 final score.
Motm Costi

4ths lost their 1st season game.

We lacked a bit of talent and offensive power today but we were still the better team on the pitch.

Unfortunately our 4-5 clear opportunities didn’t went in and in their very rare chances, the opponent was awarded a penalty. Well reffed by Josh, stupidly defended by the 4ths.
Unfortunately we couldn’t come back into the game depsite 2 one vs one from Shane and Fabi.
That wasnt a bad game, but its 0 point.
Lets start the season next saturday 💪

Motm Karl with a very solid and strong performance.

And a big thanks to Josh for referring us today, and to the 3rds to help us out and bringing quality into our game today!