DBFC 4 – 1 HKFC

KGV

13th March 2023

Kick-off 21:00

Squad: Bradders, Nik, Tita (Captain), Riggers, Nin, Anago, San, Jonatan, Ka Wing, Crommy, Pius, Tong, Magic Mike, Wai Man and Guy Jnr

Scorer: Ka Wing, Crommy 2, Nik

After controlling the recent games against lower half teams without converting the dominance in possession into goals and convincing wins, DBFC were now entering the crucial phase of the league season with effectively six cup finals to play. Other results had favoured DBFC with Spartans and HKFC both losing a match in recent weeks.

Manager Gazza was AWOL enjoying a mid-season break in deepest Thailand, allegedly to play some golf, entrusting lieutenants Crommy and Tita for the matchday organization and motivation. Despite the ever-lengthening absentee list, DBFC were able to pull together a healthy-looking squad in terms of numbers and quality for the must win fixture with HKFC. Bradders made a return to goal after a prolonged spell out with a dislocated finger.

The opening stages were very cagey as expected with HKFC looking to press high and turnover possession, one such occasion resulting in the HKFC left winger blasting over from a tight angle. DBFC were now growing into the game and the HKFC keeper made a couple of very good saves from DBFC shots from the edge of the box. Midway through the first half, HKFC launched a long cross-field pass to the left where Nin was faced by two attackers for the high ball. The dropping ball falling to the HKFC striker who launched a splendid volley into the top corner from the edge of the box, 1-0 to HKFC.

With the lead HKFC were more content to sit back and DBFC began to dictate play switching the play between the flanks. DBFC were in the ascendancy and playing well. However, the half time whistle went and DBFC came in 1-0 down feeling a little sorry for themselves after having the better of the possession but not being able to create enough decisive chances. After Captain Tita rallied the troops with an inspirational pep talk in the half time huddle, DBFC set out about turning the tide.

Seizing the initiative from the whistle, DBFC were upping the pace with HKFC struggling to repel the attacks. Tita and Riggers were marshalling the backline well, supported by Nik and Nin / Anago at full back. Tong was having joy down the flanks and Magic Mike was holding up play well bringing runners into the game from midfield. Finally, DBFC had reward for their efforts with the ball bundled into the bottom corner by Ka Wing from close-in. It was all DBFC now and pressure on the HKFC backline forced a mistake inside the box, Crommy was on hand to dispatch the loose ball into the empty net, 2 goals in quick succession and DBFC were ahead!

As HKFC were forced to push forward chasing the game, DBFC were able to break well through San and Jonatan, one of the counter attacks resulting in the HKFC midfielder receiving a second yellow card for a deliberate pull back on the halfway line. The match was now very stretched with HKFC lifting their efforts to compensate for being a man down, and the game becoming end to end. A shot on the turn from DBFC was cleared off the goal line. At the other end, a deep cross was met with a strong header by the HKFC striker extending Bradders into an airborne save.

Back to the other end and DBFC won a free kick centrally about 25 yards out. With Tong acting as decoy on the right, Crommy fired in a swerving dipping free kick over the wall and beyond the HKFC keeper into the roof of the net, 3-1 to DBFC! A corner on the left was then met by the incoming Nik who applied a fine header to bury the ball inside the near post.

After the 4th goal, the match was in the bag and DBFC were able to relax, the match finishing in the way that most matches do at KGV, with the floodlights being turned off at 10:30pm sharp before the referee’s whistle! The referee still crazily allowed an HKFC free kick in the semi darkness and fortunately DBFC were able to scramble it away. Great second half performance by DBFC and a well-deserved victory. Thanks to HKFC for a competitive and enjoyable fixture.

MOM: Many heroes for DBFC on the night, but Crommy edges it for his all-action player manger role, bagging a crucial brace.

Reporter: Bradders