Tauro FC 1

The thirds made the very short trip to Schaerbeek to face Tauro FC, who started the day 1 point above them in the table. The card-happy ref picked up from where he left off in previous games we’ve had with him this season, booking 3 Tauro players within the first 10 minutes! A warning to both teams that there would be some dubious and unpredictable decisions ahead. Both teams started the game tentatively but we soon begun to maintain good periods of possession and slowly started to create chances. The first of which was a nicely played ball over the Tauro defence by Wilf, Shane took the chance early on the half volley but the shot was directed at the backtracking keeper who gratefully claimed the effort. Moments later Wilf persevered to chase down a ball in behind the Tauro defence, pulling it back to an oncoming Shane who placed his effort in the far corner, grabbing his 20th goal of the season.

The game was stopped for a few minutes mid way through the first half as Haakon delivered a “people’s elbow” to the ref who went down in a lot of pain. The break in play affected the rhythm of the play and Tauro began to look dangerous, asserting themselves in the game and creating some better opportunities. One attack down our left hand side was played into the centre and the Tauro attacker finished well from outside the box with a well placed effort. 1-1.

Tauro began the second half with more intensity and pressure and the game looked like it was very much under their control but the defence and Guus did well to keep them out. 10 minutes into the second half, Scott won back the ball well in his own box but the contact on the attacker encouraged him to hit the ground in the hopes of getting a penalty. The clearance from Scott created a 2 v 1 attack for us but the ref did not want to wait, stopping the game to award the Tauro attacker his 2nd yellow card of the day for what he judged to be simulation.

As the game developed, we could not take advantage of the extra man and lacked the creativity, intensity and energy to create enough chances to go ahead. Ultimately, this resulted in us getting what we arguably deserved as Tauro took the lead from a corner. They made several substitutions, which gave them enough energy and quality to hold on in the last 10/15 minutes after taking the lead. One final chance at the end, played over the Tauro defence to Shane, whose touch was too heavy and gathered by the goalkeeper.

Overall, it very much felt like an end of season performance. We were flat and couldn’t find that spark to ignite the desire, creativity and know-how required to win such a game. The dressing room was a sombre atmosphere and although we were not good enough today, the sentiments expressed were that with such a large squad, it’s disheartening to arrive at a very winnable game with 11/12 players, which is how it’s been for the previous 4 or 5 games. The post match beers in the sun helped to raise spirits and we look ahead to next week to pursue 3 points to end our season on a high. FT 1-2, MOTM Scott!

After watching Mike Tyson’s pitiful attempt at reigniting his career last night, Noel decided to try and ignite the dressing room pre-game by regaling us with some of his favourite quotes:

“Everyone has a plan ’till they get punched in the mouth.”

“When I fight someone, I want to break his will. I want to take his manhood. I want to rip out his heart and show it to him.”

The room, confused and slightly alarmed, dismissed this quickly and focused instead on Wilf’s pre-game tactical masterclass.

An even first half saw little of note, except one excellent save from Noel (clearly inspired by his own words) and a barrage of FC Irlande corners turned away. 0-0 HT.

The second half saw the 3rds grit shine through. After applying increasing pressure for 10-15 minutes, the 3rds struck first. Captain Matt Sull, channeling his liberal rage at last week’s US election results, sent the ball flying into the back of the net, after a Massimo assist.

Tauro got one back through a well worked goal. At 1-1, the 3rds did their best to lose the game, giving Tauro ample chances and only being saved by a combination of incompetence and Noel threatening to bite one of their players ears off.

And then, the moment of magic. Shane dribbling past his man, beating a second time for good measure. Piet, looking like a prime Barclay’s Damien Duff, gave a little feint and bent the ball into the top corner. Chaos. In the dying minutes, the 3rds managed to rack up 4 yellows but thankfully held on. 6 undefeated. We move forward.

MOTM Piet