We chose to play against our old rivals Gaza this week. From as far back as I can remember, we always failed to get a result from them. Until the last game when we got an emphatic win. We had 18 players today and manager wanted to give everyone a good run out to get fit for next week’s crucial decider for league runners-up. Besides that, the idea was to give playing minutes to those not having much game time during league games. And it was evident with the starting eleven today. Great team management from the manager. Before the game started, there were questions asked of the manager. However, they were left unanswered as the manager couldn’t find his tongue.
We started the game super brightly after Gaza took their own sweet time to get to the pitch. Or rather the opponents were still strolling onto the pitch when we scored in the very first minute. A long ball from the left saw the centre defenders gazing into each other’s eyes rather than the ball. So it dropped into the right side of the box and nobody was there. A super hung over Patrick saw the loose ball and turned on his turbo. He actually reached it. He then heard a shout to square it to Pikachu, who finished it with aplomb. At this moment, we all thought it was going to be goals galore today. We created many more chances which we couldn’t finished. Notably from Colin and Pikachu, who could have easily got a hat trick. Gaza had a few chances themselves but our defence stood firm. SK in goal barely touched the ball. Well, we wasted the opportunities and went in at half time only 1-0 up. A surprise as we were well on top.
The second half became the Max show as he ran circles all over the opponents, until they cried foul and demanded him to be subbed out. First, he took the ball from midfield and dribbled down the left. Looking up and hearing Dave screaming, he crossed it low for him to smash it into the net. Next, he got fouled in the box and Colin converted from the box, after the Captain had nicely placed it on the spot for him. Max was beating the hell out of the opponents as they were no fight for his speed, skill and vision. They resorted to late tackles which I felt he dealt with them well. Picking himself up every time without moaning and screaming at the person who fouled him. He got fouled again after 3, I repeat, 3 opponents knocked him down in the box. The captain pitied him and told him to take the penalty which he had no issue finishing it. In between the Max show, we conceded a penalty ourselves as we shot ourselves in the foot with poor play in defence. It was 4-1 by then and desperate pleas by the opponents to get Max off were finally heeded by the manager. Off he comes to a standing ovation and a well deserved rest. Manager decided to do something stupid after that and played himself as last man. I don’t know what he did but he admitted he was at fault for the opponent consolation goal. Or maybe it was the hung over Patrick, who was in goal now, that didn’t know what hit him. Final score 4-2.
We have finally banished the ghosts of Gaza. They have aged significantly and they are probably an example of where Incepcion will be in the future. In the meantime, let’s make the most of what we have presently.
Next week’s league game is crucial and represents the best chance for Incepcion to finish the season in glory. We have done well this season and we deserved something. So team, let’s hope we can stay focused and work hard together for a result. Come support the team even if you are not playing. It helps.
