This week we hosted Astaka; newbies to the premiership, they came to EP hoping to make it 'Big in Sri Kembangan'. However, another much improved performance from the Asterix Reds nipped these dreams in the bud. A polished team display saw us score a magnificent 7 goals and keep a clean sheet to register our first league win of the 2007/2008 season.
We started the first half at a tempo as high as a school of salmon trying to escape the spears of a band of Samurai fisherman. We made great decisions with the ball and communicated as well a we have done. We dominated Astaka from the off; however despite playing nearly all of the first 20 minutes in their half we weren't able to convert the chances that came our way. That changed after 25 minutes when Terry Harris sliced through the Astaka defence with the precision of a sushi chef preparing a plate of fresh nigiri. A neat finish gave us the first goal we were looking for. Shortly after some good play in the centre and down the left it was 2-0 after an Astaka defender committed hari-kari and put into his own net. Further breathing room was obtained when Stu Cavens turned neatly in the box and California rolled in a third just moments before half time.
With a Mount Fuji to climb in the second half, we expected to Astaka to fold like a cheap Harujuku hooker who's just been punched in the stomach by a guy with warts on his face. However, this was not to be as Astaka came out with all guns blazing. in contrast, we started the second half with all the energy of a salary man who has just checked out of the local love hotel after a marathon session with a team of gesiha. Some Kamikaze-like defending presented Astaka with several chances to score. Fortunately they were about us much use in front of goal as a blind man playing pachinko and didn't finish the several good chances they created. We got ourselves back in gear after about 15 minutes of the second half and Adam Scott took the defence to the sword to make it 4-0. Ian Quirk bagged a cheeky one with the outside of his right boot. After a run down the right with the speed and purpose of a Shinkansen bullet train, Tom Sarginson made it 6. And Adam Scott completed the scoring to make it a magnificent 7. Domo-arigato. 3 points to the Asterix Reds.
Phew! I'll buy a beer for the first person to identify all the Japanese innuendoes in the above paragraphs.
Today's performance was very good indeed. Watching from the side of the park, I've seen us improve consistently over the last four games. It was good to see us maintain our patience after having so much pressure and not scoring after the first 20. Also good was our finishing. But best of all, we're playing as a cohesive unit, we maintain our shape well, we make good decisions on the ball and have the confidence in each other to play the ball to feet. I also want to thank Anil and Dave for coming down today. Even though both didn't play they made the not inconsiderable effort to come on down and cheer the boys on. Special kudos goes to Dave who also brought the beers and oranges. Great clubmanship!
Next week we play Liverpool Supporters Club. This will be a much more testing affair. Liverpool have had a great start to the season and come into our game with a 100% record. They beat Astaka 2-0 last week despite having two players sent off. And this weekend, they pummeled the Vikings 5-1. They are a very good footballing side who keep possession very well and are very well organised in defence. It's all set to be a very good and competitive game. We'll be aiming to beat them and will need to be at our best in order to do so.
I'll send out the evites for the game and for training on Thursday. As we discussed after the match today, please make an extra effort to attend training on Thursday. As always, priority for selection goes with those who regularly attend training.
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