DBFC 3 – 1 FWD
18:00 Kick Off
9 March 2019
HKFA Training Centre Tseung Kwan O
Squad: Ricky (GK), Alex (RB), Kai & Syd (CB), Long Tim (LB), Ade (DM), Danny H and Sean (CM), Enzo (RW), Marco (LW), Kafi (CF).
Subs: Josh, Darius & Bryn.
After coming off a big win against our nearest rivals for the title ( J – Leaguers) the week before, DB entered this weeks game with the mindset that a win would put us within touching distance of the coveted premiership.
DB looked in the mood from the opening whistle and the pouring rain and stiff breeze didn’t look to slow down the quick ball movement and strong passing game. With a rejigged back line, DB looked to play the ball out early and avoid the long ball game that their oponents had opted for, proving pivotal for the opening goal. Some tidy passing around the edge of the 18 yard box and shaky defending from FWD saw Danny H pick up the ball 10 yards out and jig towards the by line. Having skinned their right back, Danny was through on goal (albeit with a tight angle) before a lazy and cynical challenge took his legs out and the referee had no hesitation to point to the penalty spot. Kafi stepped up (with plenty of heckling coming from his old team mates) and belted the ball in to the top right corner of the net with composure and poise that brought about a well deserved 1-0 lead.
The high intensity and hunger for a second goal saw DB create multiple opportunities and Kafi, Enzo and Marco were seeing plenty of the ball in dangerous areas along with our advancing midfield. Kai and Syd continued to martial the play from the backline and lead a high pressing line that left FWD with very limited options upfront. It was this high pressing and quality passing that saw Syd put Danny H through on goal a long way out. Danny carried the ball in to the box and made the most of a 1v1 with the keeper, comfortably slotting through his legs and in to the back of the net – 2:0 to DB and one hand firmly on the trophy.
DB were controlling the play and creating chances down both channels whist Ricky was trying to keep himself warm and dry with a tea and heater down the other end. Ade and Sean were using their big frames and height to stop any sniff of a counter from the FWD attack and Ade drew on his years of experience and class by picking up the ball on the half way line and curling an outside of the boot pass to Marco on the left wing. The ball had too much quality for the FWD defender and it curled around his miss timed interception and just skidded through to an advancing keeper for a seemingly comfortable play. Marco continued his press on to the advancing keeper and forced him in to making a quick decision to clear it, however Marco read his “Alisson-esque” side step and blocked his ball to put him through to an open goal, slotting it in to the side netting from a tight angle- 3:0.
Minutes before the end of the half, Kafi picked the ball up on the left side and sliced through the defence, charging in on the FWD goal for a 1 v 1 to pick up his second. Kafi timed his shot and curled it along the ground around the keeper and the net bulge seemed like a formality, but it never came – missed by millimetres and the boys jogged off for a dominant 3-0 display.
DB came out in the second half with some new faces and fresh legs, looking to put FWD to the sword. With 3 goals on the board, the team looked to continue to press high and everyone was eager to get a taste of the goals and on the score sheet. Whilst the hunger was still there, the final ball and finishing seemed to be missing and it appeared that the boys couldn’t get out of 3rd gear.
A couple of forced changes to some tired legs and minor niggles saw a new look midfield and forward line press in the final 20 minutes for the killer blow. Whilst the opportunities came thick and fast, the final touch and finish was missing allowing the FWD team to try and make use of the loose ball when available. Due to the pressing, our midfield were caught out a few times high up the pitch and some tired FWD players not tracking back found themselves with the ball and outnumbering the DB defenders. Some unlucky deflections and slippery ball movement saw FWD with a chance down the right. As the attack was repelled, the ball shifted quickly to the left and found 2 FWD players unmarked at the back post. A quickly take shot saw Ricky get down low and get a fingertip to it but the ball bounced off the inside post and in to the net. 3:1
Whilst disappointment to not leave with a clean sheet, a dominating display across the park and we move on to next week where a point in the next 4 games will see us clinch the coveted title.
MOM: Danny H for yet another goal and a commanding display.
DOD: Josh for his 4th miss of the season from six yards or Marco for ordering an Aperol spritz in a bar full of tequila and beer…. Then blaming on Syd.
Marco gets it.
