FC Irlande 1-2 RBBFC

Line up:

Jean in goal

James Ben & Dex in defence

Midfield trio with Rich, Robin and the comeback of Luka

Wingers are Tarik & Maarten

Nils & Seb are upfront

Super offensive bench with Paul, Martino & half leg Daniel

Here we are, finally playing a team which is a championship contender. The same team that we obliterated last year at home 4-0 at home, The leprechauns FC Irlande.

After the last week performance, we shown that we were able to pass the ball around. The main objective was to reproduce this beautiful football and be solid defensively. We all know that this is easier said than done.

In the changing room, the legend, the myth, most man of the match winner (with Thomas Kellermann) John Mcgrath told us some stats (from before my year of birth) about the difference of both clubs.

The match has started, both teams do not want to throw themselves away. RBBFC had possession of the ball but our technical accuracy prevented us from getting any goal opportunity. The Irish proceed with counter-attacks and this will allow them to lead the score.

After a triangle move on their left, our Trent Alexander Arnold couldn’t defend on their wingman. He crossed perfectly between the defence and Jean, the striker dived perfectly into space and scored.

1-0 for Fc Irlande

They scored a second one which was cancelled because of an offside.

We had some chances in the penalty box but we still didn’t manage to have a shot. The last 10 minutes of this half were really poor for us. We didn’t found any space or even some creativity with the ball. They were waiting for us in their own half and you could easily see that the goal was a blow to our heads.

At half time the team talk was about keeping it calm but with more passion with and without the ball. We haven’t shot in 35 minutes. Paul comes in for Luka, Seb then drop as a 10.

Straight after the beginning of the second half, RBBFC players were more determinate, stronger, faster and better than the opponent. They tried to park the bus but they couldn’t handle the speed of Nils and Rich. We started to have some shots on target, some good crosses (except one from the captain) and few corners. This is how the Irish concede their first goal. Rich launch it first post and our "Tim Cahill” Nils put it in the back of the net.

1-1

Tarik is subbed for Martino whose was surprisingly ready to come in. John changed the system for a 3-4-3 with Paul Martino & Nils upfront, Seb & Maarten on the wing and Rich & Robin to control the midfield.

They weren’t able to defend on our movement, we kept trying to shoot from long & short distance while pressing very high. Once again on a corner, Rich find Nils and score but Martino fouled their player so the goal is cancelled.

The downside of pressing high and not scoring on our many chances is that they still believe in a hold up. 2 minute before the end of the game their wingman goes all the way up the field to find himself in a 3v3, his striker can't finish thanks to a great defence from James. It's our turn to counter attack. Maarten sends a low cross to Seb who controls and clears the first defender and finishes the action brilliantly.

1-2 with one minute to go

After a last free kick nicely saved by Jean, who jumped on the ball like a squirrel on its nut.

WE MADE IT. RBBFC won this beautiful battle in the last minute.

With one of the worst half I've ever seen technically. We proved that with desire and courage we can overcome mountains. This is why we play football every Saturdays.

The journey is still long but let's continue to show that we are the champions.

TOP OF THE LEAGUE BOYS!!!

Your reporter and Man of the Match Robinho.