Union JP 1

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.

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.