After a thrilling and heatbreaking debut match, Turkish Delight were raring to go in the second fixture of the domestic season chasing that elusive first win. Upon arrival spirits were high and there was an air of confidence in the dressing room as the players readied. New January transfer window signing Owain Barratt showed no signs of pre-match nerves leading up to his first competitive debut and despite the language barrier immersed himself in the glorious banter on offer.
As the players walked out onto the pitch there was a tangible change of dynamics. A cloud of fear fell upon the Turkish Delight players as there eyes fell upon no less than 20 boyish lads firing a ball into the goal. Asbo athletic certainly brought squad depth to a whole new level, or so it seemed, as it soon became apparent that they had brought a crowd of no less than 12 to cheer them on. Immediately this put Turkish Delight on the back foot, playing on a foreign pitch in front of a hostile crowd. UEFA will later investigate allegations of racist and sectarian chanting from the home crowd.
The game kicked off and it didn't take long for Asbo athletic to stamp their authority on the game with a drilled longshot following a string of fantastic saves from stand in keeper Fraser Harker. The match progressed and Turkish Delight found themself 4-0 down and the game appeared out of reach but a tidy finish from debutant Owain Barratt after a shot from Tom Newbigging gave Turkish Delight a slice of hope. However this hope was soon crushed, mixed with tobacco and smoked by the home fans as Asbo athletic easily popped goals in left right and centre.
The two teams were obviously leagues apart and the scoreline grew exponentially like Joshua's scarf collection. Owain Barratt continued to prove his worth on debut managing to slot two more close range finishes to give him a debut hat-trick and dismissing critics claims that he was overweight and lost match sharpness. Another impressive performance was delivered by Turkish Delights overseas player Alejandro Avalos Mar who was a rock between the sticks, combining bravery and athleticism to cool the potent attack of abso athletic. A tidy defence splitting pass from Owain Barratt allowed Tom Newbigging to guide the ball past Asbo athletics impressive keeper. Tom Newbigging grabbed his second when a clever trick shot from Connor Tomlin allowed him to volley home with his weak foot.
Alastair Fenwick, currently on loan from Mordor, was really working hard for the team and putting in some important tackles and blocks. He even managed his first shot for the club which was disgustingly close to finding the back of the net.
Turkish Delight wrapped up the game with arguably the goal of the match after a clever reverse ball from last weeks Man of the Match Joshua Notley allowed Tom Newbigging to poke home passed the outstretched keeper leaving the final score at 18-6.
Overall this match was somewhat of a learning curve for Turkish Delight. Despite the negatives, there were plenty of positives for the team to take into their next match and I fancy them to kick the season off with a win.
