DBFC 45s 3-2 Godfathers Capo dei capi

Wednesday 19 October at Wong Chuk Hang K.O 6.30p.m.

Team: Newley/ Ben, Pedro, Morse, Steve/ Adam, Simon, O’B, Kieran McK/ Stephane/ Greg. Initial subs: Ricky, Nigel, Kieran C.

Scorers: Stephane, Ricky and Kieran McK

Our final game of the 2021-22 season against a team that has beaten us in our previous 2 encounters, both in last minute drama. This game was to prove no exception except that this time we came out on top. We knew what to expect against Gods, big strong physical lads making good use of their 40-45 contingent with Jonny White of Tropics leading the line We started with a slightly unusual set up so that we could play with Kieran M, Stephane and Greg in offensive positions, with Kieran operating wide left. We knew that this might leave us a bit short in central midfield with Simon and O’B having to cover more ground than usual. Gods started quickly as in our previous games and clearly have a strategy aimed at gaining an advantage before bringing on their older subs. They were getting a lot of first ball but we were authors of our own misfortune for their first goal – a throw in from deep in our half by Steve put Newley under too much pressure and his clearance was intercepted by Jonny White who drove the ball back past Newley. We settled down again and pushed forward well but our final ball was missing and we did not create clear chances. However Stephane got us back into the game with a finish from close range past ex DB keeper Gianluca who was otherwise controlling his penalty area with confidence. We made one change with Ricky coming on for Adam and went into HT at 1-1. Kieran C who was a late arrival then came on at LB for Steve. Again Gods came out strongly in the 2nd half and before we settled went 2-1 up, a low cross from RW being swept home by Jonny White. To our credit we got back into the game and looked stronger than Gods, with their repeated substitutions causing them to lose momentum. Stephane came closest to scoring as he hit the cross bar with a measured left foot curler from just inside the area. Newley kept us in it with a superb tip over the bar after Jonny White hit one from outside the area. And finally an equalizer, Ricky with not the cleanest of shots from outside the area but looping one over Gianluca’s head. We looked to be heading for a 2-2 draw but in the last minute Greg ended an evening of tireless running by chipping the ball from the RW bye-line to the far post and Kieran M without breaking his stride passed the ball home on the half volley for a composed finish. Despite there not being much at stake we were elated and Godfathers gutted. A solid end to the season which saw us win our final 3 league games and overtake KCC on goal difference to finish 3rd in our mini-league table of 6 teams.
The early kick off time allowed many to join for a quick celebratory beer at the Pier Bar before the ferry home.