Team:Mercelis / Hodgson, Mojena, McGrath, Lebbink / Dereoeck, McGeehan, Gieling, Lamarra, Billiet / Kellerman

Sub: Vadora

While a hurricane was making its way towards the Capital of Europe, it was the Brussels British bandwagon that blew into FC Portugal for the latest edition of BDOTW 2013-14. Our immaculate preparations were immediately dealt a blow on arrival at the ground with the discovery that the Portuguese were on a water-saving crusade and consequently toilets and showers were off-limits.

With several players distraught at their inability to carry out an essential element of their pre-match routines, the McGrath coach and captain double act focused attention with some wise words that were no doubt carefully taken in by all squad members. Captain McGrath put an end to the selection agony with some tough decisions, the Brits would start with Kris in nets, Hodge, J5, Nils and Didi at the back. Maarten, Kevin, Richard, Steve and debutant Salvador Geiling across the middle and Thomas ready to pounce up front. A classy looking bench was filled with the experience of Michele and Lolo.

From the first whistle our Lusitanian opponents took hold of possession and were looking comfortable. The Brits knew that this would be a stern test of their 100% start to the season and were working hard to close down the Portuguese passing game. With the possession the Brits were managing to hold on to, they worked their way into the game and were aware that chances would come if they could get Maarten and Salvador attacking down the flanks. Midway through the half Richard finally managed to release Maarten down the right who squared for Tommy but for once the shot went narrowly wide at the near post. Another British attack brought a corner which Nils plucked out of the air at the far stick but was unfortunate to shave the wrong side of the post with his shot.

Just when it looked like RBBFC were getting on top, back came the Portuguese with an attack down our right side. As the cross came in it looked like it would be easily cleared by the defence, unfortunately a freak gust of wind (no doubt) took it past our otherwise well-placed leader and into the path of their centre forward. Despite his best attempts he didn’t quite manage to botch his effort completely and succeeded in bundling the ball past Kris for the first goal of the game. Stung into action the league leaders went back on the attack and when the ball fell to Richard on the edge of the area he could only find the bar with his effort. As the half wore on there was just time for… well for nothing as the ref decided to blow a full five minutes early. The Brits were incensed; the Portuguese didn't seem too fussed; the ref seemed confused. End result – it was half-time.

0-1 down at half-time for the second week running, British were not going to be panicked and resolved to get back in the game. Coach McGrath pointed out that there was a small margin for improvement in our game of about 70% and that we might want to consider passing the ball to each other. Tommy was much more isolated than he had been at Oktoberfest so Steve was pushed forward and the Brits reverted to 4-4-2 for the second half.

The half began with RBBFC playing into the wind and Portugal happy to sit back and play on the counter. Hodgy and Didi had their men in their back pockets, J5 was bossing the centre and Kris was looking for hair perming tips on his phone such was his boredom. With Kev breaking up increasingly rare Portuguese forays forward it was now the Brits dominating possession. Despite plenty of ball RBBFC were struggling to distribute it effectively and get it to their dangermen further forward. Cue the arrival of Mickey who entered the fray up front with Steve dropping back into midfield. Never a team to be put off by temporary periods of the passing yips, British persevered and slowly began to get the ball forward with improved quality. When Rich finally found Salvador out wide, he showed his crossing pedigree with a pinpoint ball that found Steve with the goal at his mercy. Lamarra made no mistake and buried his header celebrating with a sense of emotion that can only be released by scoring a goal. A joy so unique it is priceless, in other words it can't be bought – not even at auction.

RBBFC were pushing for the winner, Thomas had a claim for a penalty turned down, Maarten had a shot turned away, free-kicks came to nothing and for once British would have to settle for a point. 1-1 final score, a point gained or two points dropped? Time will tell. So this is what it feels like to not win a game. It has been a while, April 27th to be precise – the opponents that day? FC Portugal. The last team to actually beat us? LTC. Our opponents next week? LTC. As the wise man says, ‘you’re only as good as your next game’. Bring it on. Now, time to find a toilet that works.

MOM & Reporter: Rich McGeehan