TEAM:

G: Kris (beautiful + clean sheet)

D: Ben, Nils and Dex (try to win a header with us)

M: James, Hodgy, Adrian, Rich and Jean (try to win a tackle with us)

A: Tommy and Dries (124 goals in 147 games played)

S: Ready to make an impact: Luka, Daniel and Micky

I arrive late to the game. The Friday night was intense. The bad news is that someone had a probably more intense friday than mine. "Where is Lukich?" .. "He just left to fetch his ID, should be back for the second half..." kvragu picka...! It's a big game, we know we need his magic Prosinecky skills today...

The lack of music in the changing room allows to feel the concentration growing. Memories go back to last year, to that pyrotechnical 4-3 loss, to Maarten's wonder-goal (once is enough), to their strong striker...to Kris's injury during the warm up...to Gavin... (we love you man, although we prefer you as a defense terrorizing striker)

Since I'm lost in the memories I forget to listen to the team talk (surely inspiring), but the line up is one of the most solid ever in the history of the club...so I guess the strategy is to get the ball back soon and be quick to move it forward.

The game starts with pace and Ambiance has a couple of good forward runs. At the second minute Adrian comes near the bench... "what time is it?" ... "whaat?" ...he says he needs to catch a flight... "hey man if you're tired already you can tell... I'd fully get it...".

From the Chinese new year Steve asks for live updates, we decide to try a live Whatsapp feed from the bench (experiment to be re-assessed). Between one feed and another we find the time to watch the game. We play better but lack the last pass, the last cross, the last sneaky touch.

After a corner the ball reaches Hodgy just out of the box. In moments like these the courage to shoot can make the difference. And if you have scored 129 goals for RBBFC sure you're not shying away. Our man shoots the ball between at least 14 legs. It's not the most powerful shot (they say it bounced at least 8 times) but it's right on the bottom corner...Boom! 1-0 to the good guys!

Someone goes "well done Hodge! ...what's the time?"... "Adrian, man, give us a break..."

The first half ends with RBBFC nearly doubling the score with Tommy Dries and Richie..."hard lines boys, it will come"

After a half time speech that I imagine very inspiring too, our heroes start the second half giving the impression of dominating on every ball. Chances start coming every 2 minutes, but still lack of a final something...

Luka, Daniel and Micky come up to shake up the game...but their start is not the best. Encouraged from the stands "Allez Auderghem!!!" Ambiance manage to break through. An apparently innocent ball lands in our box. Nils barely caresses the air around their number 12 and the pressure created by this movement generates an increased force of gravity that pushes the striker down for what the referee considers a clear penalty. Nils takes it well: "Whaaat? why???? oh you *bag, pk, cheater...I hope you miss!..."..

But he doesn't (not for a lack of trying..they say his shot bounced 9 times, beating the daily record) 1-1

Richie shouts "Come on boys! Let's not give up! there is still time!" ... "why? what time is it?" ..."Adri, I hope you'll catch your flight"

The good thing is that we never give up, we feel the injustice and the pain, and then we shake it off.

Luka dances on the ball, Daniel flies on the wing and we put high pressure everywhere. After a series of corners, a ball reaches the box, Dex touches it with a header, Micky controls it and makes it to 2-1. The joy is mitigated. Dex is down bleeding. "you alright man?" .. "we scored?...nice!... look John, my head is hurting, can I play upfront?" #dream #danca #dancer #striker

It's almost finished, we need to keep the ball (Luka you're in charge). We need to win these last tackles! Someone sweeps it long (Massimo style), Micky runs faster than Steve and of all their defenders and beats the goalie for the 3-1. #bravo says Dex.

The final whistle closes the first battle of the year. Beers flow, Adrian catches his flight and Dex spends 6h in the hospital #worthit.

Top of the league, 10 wins in a row, last draw was with Portugal...and guess who's up next?

MOM (today he scored twice) and Reporter: Micky Vadora