The Kiteflyers opened their 2022 account under the stewardship of new captain Dan Casey with a solid 3-2 win over Holland under the sun in Lurin.
A brace from Jose de la Puente added to Hans Frick's early first-half goal to seal an important first win against a tough Holland side, proving tricky opponents at times but nothing the Kiteflyers couldn't keep on top of.
The game started well under Kiteflyer control with some organised and clean passing around at the back and solid possession play. After a few early chances, a great team move starting from the keeper brings the ball out wide to Whelan who plays the ball first time to Frick who rounds the Dutch keeper and tucks it in the back of the net - 1-0 to the Flyers.
However, failing to capitalise on the early pressure some good opportunities were spurned and a hospital ball from Griffin at the back falls favourably for the Dutch striker who finishes magnificently and takes it to halftime all square.
Looking for the miraculous straight from the second half kick-off the Dutch team throw a hail-mary shot at goal, going over all the players and even wrongfooting Hardie in goal who leaves it thinking the ball is heading wide. Fortune was smiling on the Flyers today, however, as the ball pings off the post to keep it all square. The Kiteflyers follow up however with some dominating pressure, Monroe playing in Castillo down the wing who break the offside trap to unselfishly square the ball to de la Puente who buries it in an empty net. 2-1.
However, the Dutch team weren't finished yet. From out of nowhere the left-winger breaks, cuts inside and piledrives in an absolute screamer from the left wing into the top bin to bring the game level once again.
Clearly feeling the pressure the Kiteflyers have a rocky patch including a loose ball from Captain Casey allowing the Dutch to come back but the post plays the role of saviour again. Confusion ensues as the referee gives a corner and during the argument amongst players a quick corner comes in and a solid shot from the left rings off the crossbar to make it three times saved by the woodwork - it's still all to play for in Lurin.
Kiteflyers, in true fashion, never back down. Taking the game by the scruff of the net and fighting back Conway makes a potentially game-saving tackle on the edge of the box. Playing the ball out to Whelan the break is on - to Castillo and then Frick who plays in de la Puente again. Faking the keeper he drops a shoulder, rounds him and pops it into the back of the net. Just a few minutes to play and it's 3-2, game over. Or so one would think.
Late drama at the end results in a yellow card for Casey and a last-gasp free-kick for Holland. With the last kick of the game a beautiful shot curls in as all watch on aghast - keeper is left rooted to the spot but, for the fourth and final time, the woodwork comes to the rescue. The whistle blows and the Kiteflyers start 2022 with a well-earned win.
Man of the Match: Shane Monroe (1) Play of the Match: Will's cross in for Hans (1st goal) Twat of the Match: Dan Casey (1), missing an easy header letting the opposition in Freestyle Award: Ross, watching a shot from the halfway line hit the post
