Asterix Reds 1 - 1 Mancis (Friendly)

Well done to the squad on another good performance against Mancis on Sunday. We had quite a small squad (13 players) and a few of those carrying injuries. We did more than enough to win the game by a couple of clear goals, but sadly a draw is how it finished.

It's often said that football is a game of two halves. This was definitely not the case today. Mancis made the unusual request to play the game in 3 periods of 30 minutes each. Somewhat bemused, we accepted and so it was.

We started well in the first 'third'. We were a little slow out of the blocks but soon picked up our pace. It wasn't long before we were one nil up. A flowing move from the back up the left put us on the edge of the Mancis box. We moved across the park to the right wing. Roy laid it back for David Jones who hit a great strike into the corner of the net from the edge of the box. 1-0. We restricted Mancis to a few shots from long range and really could have grabbed another. But it was 1-0 at 'third' time. 

We continued to press forward in the second 'third'. However, on a break Mancis were awarded a pen which they scored to level the match at 1-1. Undeterred we continued playing good football and created several very good chances to take the lead and also were denied by the woodwork. We contained Mancis who rarely threatened. We really should have come in to the break at least a goal or two in front but it was not be. 1-1 at 'two-thirds' time. 

The final 'third' was all about true grit from the men in red. Our small squad was running on empty, but nonetheless some supreme determination and teamwork kept us in control. The ref made the headlines for sending off one player from each side for two of the most innocuous offences I've seen (Jonesy made personal history by being booked for a seemingly innocent challenge and then being subsequently sent off in a case of mistaken identity). Both teams tired and chances were at a premium. 1-1 it ended. 

A very good performance lads. We passed the ball and made some quality chances. That last half an hour required you all to dig deep to keep on going. Great teamwork; it was a pleasure to watch. 

That's the last of pre-season friendlies. It was clear during the game yesterday that we're settling nicely as a team and getting used to playing with each other. We kept possession well, used the full width of the park and created several very good chances to score. Keep on working on our game: we have a great opportunity to be up there challenging for the league this season. 

Our first league game is the first Sunday in November versus Vikings at Equine Park. A game we'll be looking to win. Until then, work on your fitness; make sure you attend training for each of the next two Thursday's and be available for selection for the 7-a-side tournament next weekend.