Saturday was the beginning of our trying HK summer conditions, the other team showed up with a full squad to battle with the likely fatigue….
Fellas showed up with the magnificent 11 and one fat basterd to (yours truly) to take on the Mes.
Fellas going through our customary warm up….running, stretching and short passing….
Bear decided to ‘wake up’ Monster C by stepping on his digits….the second last person you would want to trod on any part of your anatomy….other than fat basterd…
After drawing on the inspiration and spirit from our last game against the league leaders, Howie set the starting lineup…reiterating strong physical presence all over the pitch.
First Half
GK: Mullens
DF: Ketz / Bear / Ikes / Garrow
MF: Kai / Howard / Monster C / Fat Basterd / Doug
AT: Tom
Supporters: Raz, Zidane & family…
Kick-off, Fellas started strong….holding a firm line in the back and across the middle of the pitch. With Tom leading from the front harassing and chasing every ball sent into space or at the feet of the opposition defenders.
Howie, Monster C, Kai & Dougie pressing up on the opposition midfielders, they resorted to firing long balls which were comfortably dealt with by the towering presence of Bear and Ikes.
The pressure was telling as the opposition started to misdirect short and long passes all over the pitch. Fellas boxing the opposition into their right corner.
At one point, after some good footwork from Tom, a daisy-cutter was directed towards the opposition keeper….
Ketz took a slight knock and on came Daryl as right back.
20 minutes into the half, the stifling conditions started to tell. Opposition attacks became more controlled and they cut through the center of the park, leading to a few shots on distance and a few corners. However, in typical Fellas spirit we defended and cleared the lines. Mullenz making his presence felt in the box on every corner.
D-Cheung came on for Fat Basterd and immediately more energy was injected into the team and the passing became more cohesive in the middle of the park.
Unfortunately, we were not able to create any chances. Tom was his hard working self chasing after every loose ball in the opposition third. And Doug & Kai was covering every blade of grass on the sides as we looked to fashion
Fellas came off at HT, straight for some waiting oranges and water…
Second Half
GK: Mullens
DF: Daryl / Bear / Ikes / Ketz / Garrow
MF: Kai / Howard / Monster C / D Cheung / Doug
AT: Tom
Supporters: Raz, Spennie, Bulldog, Zidane & family…
Fellas started the first 10 min of the second half where we left off….more controlled passing between the back and middle lines and standing up the opposition.
However, the humidity and heat was getting the better of us. And our lines weakened, as we lost the middle line and the opposition began to gain much greater possession. However, the Fellas continued to defend in body and spirit…however, we were also committing to some tackles with gusto but often leading to freekicks for the opposition.
Monster C even came up with a Joey Barton like two footed challenge….
As the half wore on, the opposition gained more possession and territory, leading to more corners. That was where the fellas cam undone. The solitary umpa lumpa on the opposition side took up a back post position. Corner floated in from the right, a slight flick in the middle of the 6 yard box resulted in the ball heading straight for the umpa lumpa who powered a header into the Fellas net....one down. Of course the fellas continue to fight for an equalizer, although chances were few and far between. Fellas won a freekick 30 yards out, Howie stepped up and unfortunately blasted over.
All in all, a great performance but a disappointing result. If we keep the same fighting spirit the results will come. Let's take advantage of the Easter break to regroup and reenergize for the remainder of the season!
GO FELLAS!
