We faced our oldest rival on Sunday; the team we have played more often than any other.  In the words of the returning wanker of the year “Every time, I am playing ze Shane and bringing ze beer”.

There were several weary heads on the bus to the pitch as several players were showing signs of enjoying Francois’ return to Taiwan a bit more than necessary (though it was those who didn’t make it to the match who looked as though they saw the worst of the night).

We started the game brightly though and managed to get on top of the game and control most of the ball.  However, our final touch let us down and we weren’t getting enough pressure in the final third of the pitch.  20 minutes in though, Mike O’Gorman once again scored our opening goal (his third opener for us in as many games) with a fine follow up from our first shot of the game.  1 – 0 to the good and it looked like our control of the game would see us through to the second half.  But the Shane had other ideas and they struck a late equalizer right on the stroke of halftime.

The second half saw us fall behind 1 – 2 with another quick goal following a bit of confusion at the back demonstrating a real need for more effective communication (and sleep for some people!)

But our returning star Francois decided to earn himself some free lunches from the Chairman by hitting a powerful free kick that singed the fingers of the keeper before finding the back of the net.  Back to evens and all the beers to play for.  As the match wore on our midfield, led by Mike and Roberto, grabbed the game more and more by the throat and pushed for the winner.  But as in the first half we couldn’t seem to find the final ball that would allow us to score.  We kept the pressure on though and were continually looking for the opening that would give us sight of the goal. 

Finally, in the last minute of the game the opening came as some excellent midfield work got the ball to Aiden who played a perfect pass through the defense to put Bryan through on goal to finish from a tight angle.  3 – 2 the lead but the game was not done.  Alberto was felled in the box and stepped up to finish the penalty expertly and give us a 4 – 2 victory.   

The scoreline may have flattered our finishing on the day but it certainly didn’t flatter the effort and determination.

Man of the match: Roberto, who finally managed to finish a game and it was well worth the wait.  Honorable mention to Mike O’Gorman for an exceptional second half in which he dominated the midfield.