TEAM:

GK : Kris Defense : Jonny/ Nils/ Dex Midfield : Hodge/ Luka/ Richard/ Steve/ Rob Attack : Michele/ Tommy Subs : Didi/ Dries

Another beautiful sunny Saturday and another competitive game lay ahead for RBBFC 1. With last week’s hammering of Brussels LTC still fresh in our minds, the team was in good spirits and ready to take on a will drilled Ambiance Auderghem. As people started to arrive, Dries took the opportunity to wonder round the complex, take in the sights and acquaint himself with his new surroundings.

After Mojena stopped showing off his new trim, the McGrath double act kicked in and reminded us of what lay ahead. McGrath senior had intended not to say much before the game but after seeing the Ambiance Auderghem boys getting psyched with music pumping at full blast, the auto cue was updated. We were eventually treated to some football history and reminded of some random Scottish Spurs player who had won a cup. Despite the rambling on, we were reminded that it was the best day of the week and we would need to show desire and passion to win this one.

The game kicked off and it was clear from the start that the Ambiance boys wanted to be the first team to beat RBBFC 1 in 48 games of asking. Launching direct balls to their tall striker, the game was being played at full pace with pressure being put on our defence. Despite their direct style, some neat passes starting from the back lead to a couple of half chances for RBBFC. The best one falling to Mickey after a shot from Richard was palmed by their keeper on to the bar and the subsequent rebound headed over. With the wind in their backs, Ambiance continued to put pressure on and looked dangerous when challenging for the high balls off set pieces. As the first half came to a close, RBBFC were in the ascendency and you could feel the cracks starting to appear in the Ambiance defence. Robbie tormented them with his pace down the flanks while Mickey and Tommy were starting to find more space behind the defence.

With the score still 0-0 at half time, we were urged to use the our heavy weights as pivots up front to play one two’s and get behind their defence. The second half started in the same way as the first with not much between the two teams. As the game went on and the big pitch was starting to take it toll on both teams, RBBFC were first to break the deadlock. A consistent Jonny5 took time out from winning crunching tackles and majestic headers to break down the right flank. As Michele came inside asking for the ball and pulled his defender out of position, Lamarra spotted the gap left behind him and ran into the space. A good ball from Jonny found him inside the top left hand side of the box and a snapshot across goal beat the keeper to bounce in off the post. Boom! 0-1. RBBFC were galvanised and Ambiance had to start pushing higher up the pitch in search of a goal. On came Didi for Hodge and Dries for Luka as RBBFC looked to cement their lead. Despite our dominance, we could not get the vital second goal. This lead to a plethora of chances for RBBFC, who then spurned each and everyone one and made their keeper look like Manuel Neuer.

With the clock ticking down, a miscommunication between keeper Kris and captain McGrath lead to a back pass being handled. The indirect free kick followed and RBBFC lined up the wall a meter short of the goal line. Ambiance played the pass but then tamely shot wide, the warning signs were there. With only 2 minutes to play, Ambiance kept piling on the pressure and played long balls into the box at every occasion. Finally and at the death, a long angled cross turning away from goal was delivered from the right hand side of the pitch deep into our box. Both Ambiance centre halves were at the second post and the ball found the back of the net after a good header. Nils, Jonny and Kris were helpless after defending valiantly all game.

The ref blew the final whistle and the game finished 1-1. The undefeated record stays in tack but it was a painful goal to concede at the last minute. The 3 points were there for the taking and on any other day we would have sealed the game and taken our chances when 1 nil up. With games coming thick and fast as we look to try and seal an unprecedented back to back first division title, RBBFC will have plenty of chances to make amends. First up next week is the Portuguese who always put up a good fight.

MOM & Reporter: Steve Lamarra