This was a game of two halves and two teams with different footballing strategies.
The Titans playing all the football attempting to assert their dominance by playing through the lines, whilst the Jaffas looked for the long ball on the counter. Ultimately, both worked in equal parts to determine the outcome of the game. There was also a small matter of a red card for the titans to contend with at the stroke of half time.
The titans started brightly controlling possession, but were undone by a long ball from the keeper that was misjudged by the Titans CB. this allowed the Jaffas forward to run through and fire a shot on goal. Somehow, stand in keeper Bejen Patel was able to parry the shot that fell kindly into the path of their winger who tucked away the loose ball. First blood to the Jaffas.
Standard protocol resumed as Titans continued to probe for a response but were unable to do so thanks to their keepers heroics. Frustration was building as headers were cleared off the line and the final ball not quite reaching its target as the score remained 1-0. There were some 'hairy' moments in the titans defence with the long ball easily causing confusion at the back, only for some last ditch saves by Bejen. However, the big talking point will be the melee that occurred just before half time with the opposition no.41 ending up with a cut lip whilst tussling in a head-lock with Titans very own street fighter Stefan Kalaba. The referee had no choice but to brandish a red card; the Titans now had to re-think their game plan.
The Titans returned from the half time team talk with renewed vigour and continued to control the game despite only playing with ten men. However, once again, the long ball caught out a re-structured Titans defence with their no.41 racing clear and finishing smartly to give Jaffas a 2 goal cushion. Despite the set back, the titans continued to fight and the with the opponents tiring, opportunities opened up. Quincey, who was a standout performer throughout was finding himself in good space and was eventually able to turn and strike a smart finish into the bottom corner after an incisive pass from Joaquin. The momentum had turned and with Jaffas reeling, the Titans smelled blood. Finally, the equaliser came with 10 minutes remaining as a long throw from Ben evaded their entire defence and found Quincey at the back post, who made no mistake as he buried the ball past the keeper.
The Titans continued to look for the winner, with shots from Alvaro, Ben, and Liam all finding their keeper who kept the score level till the final whislte. This will be as seen as 2 points lost by the Titans, but considering the circumstances, they'll be glad to at least get a point from this encounter. Tougher tests lie ahead with Ellerslie looking for revenge in the return fixture next week. The team will need to take the same mental resilience into this game if they're to stand a chance at the 3 points.
Final word for Brandon who put in a clinical performance at the base of the midfield and deservedly earnt man of the match.
