Asterix Reds 7 - 1 Conn F.C. (Friendly)

Asterix Reds began 2008 with a comfortable 7-1 victory over a 
battling Conn F.C. in a friendly played at The Petronas Stadium in 
Bangi.

Before the game we talked about working on our basics; keeping 
possession of the ball; maintaining our shape as a team; and ensuring 
we maintain a positive atmosphere on the pitch. We started well 
enough and were two goals up within ten minutes: Aidil Sulaiman and 
Simon Grimshaw opening their accounts for 2008. We lost our way a 
tad just after that and Conn F.C. made it 2-1 after we failed to 
clear our lines. They then scored another goal which was 
mysteriously disallowed by the linesman; he must have seen something 
no-one else did because it looked pretty good to the rest of us. We 
then steadied ourselves and began communicating better, making better
decisions on the ball and working hard off the ball to get into 
space. A further strike from Aidil and another from young Ryan Boden 
made it 4-1 at half time.

To their credit Conn F.C. came out battling in the second half and at 
times played some attractive football. They never really made much 
progress up the field however, and we played most of the second half 
in Conn's half of the pitch. Strikes from Anil Padmanabhan, Andy 
Johnston and Ian Johnston made it 7-1 at the end.

Overall this was a satisfactory run out after a break for Chirstmas. 
We did OK on all the things we discussed that we'd focus on which is 
all I can ask for after a layoff. Most important was the physical 
workout; we worked our socks off as a team and this will help us be 
match ready for the weekend. It was good to see Steve Wilkinson and 
Simon Grimshaw complete the full 90 minutes; we look forward to their 
continued availability. It was also a pleasure to welcome back three 
former players for this match: Ryan Boden and Ian and Andy Johnson 
all had very good games, got their name of the score sheet and played 
with vigour and intelligence. The only area that we did not do well 
at was our finishing. We created enough chances to comfortably 
double the score line but missed the target much more often than we 
hit it. This is an area for focus in our next game.

On the weekend, we face Wolves in the first of our group matches in 
the cup. We'll be looking to build on the positives from today's 
game and put in an improved performance to get ourselves off to a 
winning start in the Cup. Please also get yourselves along to 
training on Thursday night to work off those Christmas excesses. I 
look forward to seeing you there.