Team: Jean Minne

James Philpot, Christopher Huber, Andy Dunn

Maarten Billiet, Andrew Hodgson, Tarik Si M’Hammed, Luka Novak,

Antti Maltsin

Nils McGrath, Paul Somers

Strong bench: Martin Costa, Daniele Mineo, Robin Borgogno

Big game. Off to wet and windy Nossegem to face top rivals FC Irlande, who, no matter what the table might say, are always a tough opponent and this game was to be no exception.

Not to say that Philpot predicted the first goal, but in the pre-match car journey his fellow passengers were lucky enough to be lectured on how corners are statistically useless way of trying to score goals, an opinion based upon "his own research”(on Twitter). Surprisingly, McGrath and Costa agreed(the first and only time "own research" has been accurate?), but different conclusions were reached on how to use corners most effectively: Costa and McGrath suggested that the alleyoop double header that had brought success back in the 90s when McGeehan and McGrath terrorised the first division was the best plan; Philpot suggested that corner taker Novak should just shoot.

And shoot directly he did –30 seconds after kick-off, Brussels British won a corner and Novak whipped in a dangerous ball and with a faint touch from an Irish defender (not enough to prevent Novak claiming the goal)–the ball hit the far post and went in. A great start to the game for the British, but as the Irish began to take control and work some chances, perhaps the British had scored to early and begun to relax? Following more Twitter research, Philpot confirmed later: "actually, there is no bad time to score a goal –scoring is a good thing”. Possibly, instead of delaying scoring the first goal, Royal Brussels could have just tried playing better.

Instead, they were unstable in possession, unable to circulate the ball well and quite disjointed between the three units, allowing the Irish to drive forward from midfield and create chances with good play from their forwards. A cut back to the edge of the box led to an excellent save from GK Captain Minne, diving/soaring to his right. Unfortunately, the British didn’t heed the warning and a few minutes later the Irish got the equaliser, Gentle Giant Thanos Huber in central defence lining up a tackle but instead connecting with the Irish shin pad. Strangely for an ABSSA game, there were no appeals for the penalty –but Huber was later adamant it was one in the post-match debrief (it was), which is a notable approach to honesty compared to certain (Italian) centre backs who would have you believe that they’ve never committed a foul in their career.

The Irish duly converted the penalty and with score levels, Brussels British had to re-establish themselves in the game, and after some tough love constructive critical appraisal from certain nameless grumpy Croatians, began to gradually move the ball with a little more success. Having been forced into an early change when Billiet aggravated his "first ever injury", Mineo and Maltsin were trying to exploit space on the wings and some nice combination play with Somers and McGrath resulted in half chances but not much else.

More tough love constructive critical appraisal followed at half time, and Borgogno was introduced for Hodgson in central midfield. The messages appeared to have sunk in, with the British showing more composure and building some good passing moves but committed defending from the Irish meant that chances were few and far between, and when the British did make it close to goal, the keeper was in the way. One good save in particular denied Mineo, who was just unable to tuck his finish into the corner after a bouncing ball found its way to him just outside the 6 yard box.

In midfield, Borgogno was having an impressive performance, both with and without the ball. Inspired and fired up, Dunn flew into one tackle too many and took a yellow card. Costa was introduced for McGrath after around 50/55 minutes and powered through challenges on a couple of driving runs, but again committed defending from the Irish managed to snuff out the danger. Inspired and fired up, Dunn flew into one tackle too many and took a yellow card, which of course meant a red card, so the British finished the final couple of minutes down to 10 men.

1-1 was a fair result based on the match, which was played in the right spirit (weird how that happens when Lamarra isn’t around)and was a reminder of why football should always be played on grass (not mud). An excellent third half followed, with Missile fully powered up and an Insta-worthy sunset to guide us home(contact Dunn and McGrath for photos).

Next up Tourinnois, and with only a one-point lead in the Championship, the British can’t afford more slip ups.

MoM and Reporter: James Philpot