LXG vs RBBFC

Lineup 4-3-3:

G: Jean

D: Tarik (c)-James-Decio-Martijn

M: Luka-Andrew-Richard-

A: Sebastian-Nils-Paul

Autumn has finally arrived to Belgium. "Perfect” weather to play football some say, with 8 degrees celsius and rain throughout.

Not a lot could be said before the match that we already didn’t know. Great opposition, difficult pitch to score points for us past few years and more importantly top of the table clash. Opportunity to show what we’re made off and get an ‘extraordinary gentlemen’ scalp.

Good energy in the air, players looking sharp, something was boiling in the air…

Impactful team talk led by first (or second he said) timer Tarik and the other usual suspects, all very clear in what today’s job is and why it’s important to win this one, what the stake is!

First half started in both teams testing one another and trying to find the right speed in which to control the game. RBBFC relatively shy in moments and trying to connect the dots and calm the ball down. In this trying effort one of the few dangerous throw ins opposition had ended behind the back of the right hand defence where their fastest player rushed down towards Jean and aimed successfully in the bottom right for 1-0 after 15’ in. Thankfully, this goal didn’t result in collapse of our play, quite the opposite, like many times before, we started playing, being smarter with what we do, taking a bit more time to build the attack, look for space and free player versus going direct over their very good back line (header wise). In combination with higher pressing, this resulted in game opening up and us spending more time in their half and making some concrete chances. One of those resulted in a goal after a rebound throw in with Luka crossing in on the first post with Nils scoring yet another header this season. His 100th goal for the club!!! Late bloomer ;) Few more half opportunities happened before and after, but more notably an injury for our side, with Jean in pain (nerve in his back) and Martijn volunteering to go in goal. One more show of great attitude within the team! Spence is on to raise the working rhythm and cover some km’s on the flank.

Half time talk was very positive with everyone aware that this game is there for the taking, if we only put 10% more effort, concentrate and continue pressing and making good decisions, swapping sides and thinking fast on and off the ball. Early on, we were pressing high trying to gain space and make opportunities, one of those ended in a corner which Luka and Paul played fast taking opposition by surprise when Paul crossed into the box for Nils to head it in once again - 101 Dalmatian for him! Time to rest those calves and let Martini in to create some more chances and ball time. Soon after another goal, this time from Paul, don’t really remember how but it’s Paulie, so it must be a tap-in of some sort :) it was a nice action I think with a good finish. After that, we had two more posts, one on Luka’s shot from 25m and one on deflection from Martino. Someone said there was another one at one point, but I blame that on the 4th beer. Last but not least, time has come for Rich to assist with a beautiful cross directly on Dex’ head who scores in his backyard for 4-1. Marvellous game! Unfortunately, 7-8’ before the end we conceded a goal that we should stop in normal circumstances but extreme cold, wet and low fitness played the part and Martijn had to take that one out of the net (no clean sheet for you mate).

First game this season in 4-3-3 formation. For me personally, a reminiscence of 2015 (Hodge/Rich, correct me if I am wrong) when we scored 100+ goals in the season. It took a dozen or so minutes to get the flow right, get the defensive work and rate up, understanding the way we move offensively, but the end result was very pleasure-some, both to watch but more so to play!

Lastly, thanks to as always very good attendance from the old guys, accompanied with some family, girlfriends, booked and injured 1st team players.

La decima dream is one game closer! Let’s keep our head, concentration and passing accuracy high as we move forward to the next game against a team we never beat away, Euro Union. Ixelles is ours for taking if we approach it the same way!

MoM - Luka