The Fozzers FC 6 - 8 Bumfica
Your Goalscorers: J Gask-Clarke x 2 R Gask-Clarke x 2 C Thomas x 1 J Howe x 1
This is a hard one to write. From the off Bumfica were clearly the favourites, with a plethora of talent on display and a bag load of pace. The Fozzers did themselves proud against a strong team and although they couldn't overcome the new team to the league, they had a right good go of it.
Starting from the back, Holloway had an a fairly average game, making a few decent saves and improved distribution, but did a miss a couple that you would feel he should get to. Audible shouts from the crowd clearly got to his head.
Thomas had an outstanding game. His three way defensive work with Hughes and Anoszczenko was solid and against a weaker team would of probably kept the goals down significantly. Attacking wise he scored a cracking solo goal, running past two men and slotting home. He was awarded man of the match and was handed his own Fozzers shirt as a sign he has been fully taken in to the first team.
Hughes also had a really good game. His defensive work was generally good and his positioning at times was excellent. His touch lacked a bit at times but this was towards the end of the game as the lads started to lose their legs. He had a great opportunity to volley home but unfortunately didn't take his chance.
Anosczcenko was much in the same boat as Hughes. Stellar defensive work with some good spouts of attacking play. He probably should of got a couple himself but unfortunately could not find the back of the net. Unfortunately Anoszczenko will be out of action for a number of weeks with educational support.
The Gask-Clarke brothers both had good games and Reece in particular showed a marked improvement on last weeks poor showing. Scoring what is arguably the goal of the season so far, he struggled with fitness in the second half but around the signs are pointing in the right direction. Jamal also added a brace too his tally, and a well kept temperament led to him being awarded Referees Player of the Game. This young prodigy is becoming an important part of this aging team and if he can keep himself off international duty, he'll go far.
This game marked the return of Howe to the number 9 position and excitement was rife from all but fellow talisman Gremayoko. Preferred by out of favour manager Scallon to the teams top scorer, he missed a couple of good chances. Scoring one decent goal, he'll be disappointed he couldn't make more of a mark on proceedings on his return to the side.
Speaking of Gremayoko, the plucky centre forward replaced Howe early on and failed to make much of an impact at all. No goals Gremayoko they'll be calling him... A training ground bust up with Scallon has had teammates calling for him to be removed, and it appears the striker might be going of his own accord, as he left his boots at the pitch at full time, a classic sign his playing days might be over.
Choudhury added a bit of something different off the bench and had a decent game. He made a number of good challenges when dropping back and also could of had a couple in front of goal. Looking like he could make a decent super sub in the future, choudhury is certainly one to keep your eye on.
Scallon have himself a brief run out and the less said of it the better as he did little of note. Interestingly he chose to wear different shorts, a decision that didn't pay off. It is the dressing room drama that is surrounding him at the moment, and with this loss there will be growing pressure on him to get the W's back for The Fozzers.
We go again , UTF.
MOM - Cain Thomas
Attendance - 1
Next Fixture - TBC
