RCS Brainois A

On an unusually sunny Sunday, FC Irlande Ladies III facies RCS Brainois.

Brainois starts the match and does it well. After five minutes from the kick-off, Brainois scores the opening goal thanks to a superb long-range shot. FCI tries to make some pressing on the opponent who is able to elude it and finds the second goal thanks to a through ball that cuts FCI’s defence out and puts the Brainois’ striker alone in front of Marina. At 34’, Brainois scores the third goal of the match. During the first half, FCI arrives without too much difficulty in the Brainois’ defensive mid and penalty area but never finds enough space to shoot and does not create relevant goal-scoring opportunities. The first half ends with the result of 0-3.

FCI starts the second half trying to put more determination in its game and more pressure on the opponent but not so successfully. At 55’, from a corner kick the fourth goal of Brainois arrives, and at 78’, miscommunication in FCI’s defence leads to the fifth and final goal of Brainois. Alicia, with the umpteenth providential run of the season, stops a ball on the line avoiding a heavier result. As in the first half, FCI manages to find a bit of space in attack but does not take advantage of it. The match finishes 0-5.

A difficult match against a team that was ready to put up a fight on the pitch. While this season does not have much more to say for us, we should take the rest of the matches as an opportunity to grow and be a bit braver.

Player of the match: Beaty

On a frosty Saturday night, FCI Ladies III travelled to Braine-l’Alleud to play against one of the top teams in the league. We knew it was never going to be an easy match, especially given our small squad, but nevertheless, our 12 winter soldiers were determined to show their best game.

R.C.S Branois start the match strong and create danger with their skilful attackers. The strongest of them is able to dribble through FCI’s midfield and defence to score the first goal for the hosts. Despite this cold shower, FCI keeps calm and builds its own game and keeps the opposition away from other dangerous occasions. The first half is very even and FCI finds some good combinations in attacking too, especially on the right wing with Beaty and Lola.  No more goals are scored so the first half ends on 1-0.

In the second half, FCI is bringing even more danger in the attacking zone while some important saves by Marina are keeping FCI in the game and giving us the much-needed confidence for our defensive phase. Even in corners, FCI is managing to clear the situation quickly, notably with Maz clearing one with a header. However, towards the 70^’ R.C.S. Branois manages to score their second goal of the evening. FCI is now facing a steep uphill climb but, despite having only one sub, the team is pushing even harder towards the end. The pressure is mounting for the Branois who are now scrambling to clear the danger from their goal area, especially after the impressively long throw-ins by Karissa.  A freekick from Sandra creates a big commotion by the goal but FCI does not manage to kick the ball in and in one of the last actions Julia, Lola and Clemence are bringing the ball up but end up too close to the goalkeeper. The match ends 2-0.

While we lost, the match showed again that we can create danger against the top teams and keep the game even. The goals are still not there but if we keep on playing like this (and training in attacking phases), they will eventually come. Everyone gave their 150% on the pitch and outside of it (huge thanks to Antoine and Angela for braving the cold to be there) and we had fun playing together which shows: when even the opposition coach wants to compliment the team and say, “your ranking does not reflect your level”, we are definitely going to the right direction.

At the end of the cold and eventful evening, we also got some gingerbreads and “best sandwiches yet” before heading home. And as it was heard on our bench right after the match, “there’s always le match retour”.

Player of the Match: Beaty