LSCM 2 - 4 Asterix Reds (SSLKL Premier Division)

On a day when rain and thunder were a constant threat, the only
thunder that eventuated was the thunder from the boots of the Asterix
Reds strikers. A Terry Harris hatrick and a strike by Anil Padmanabhan
were enough to give us a well earned 3 points.

We took an early lead by scoring in the first minute of the game.
The Liverpool players seemed to be still warming up while a foray
down the wing resulted in a cross onto the head of Terry Harris who
made no mistake powering the ball past the keeper and into the net.
We continued to dominate the game it wasn't long before we were two
goals up. We won the ball in midfield and a cross-field pass
released Anil in space behind their left back. The shout of 'Hit it'
was clearly heard and hit it he did, firing a low hard drive that was
too hot for the keeper to handle.

Liverpool then began a good spell of about 10 minutes when they held
possession in our half. But all they could fashion were some shots
from distance that didn't trouble Bala in goal. After about 25
minutes, we got our third. Bunmi Sodiya picked up the ball centrally
and began a mazy, jinking run at the heart of the Liverpool defence.
As he was about to unleash a left foot shot, he was brought down by
the last defender inside the box and ref didn't hesitate to award the
spot kick. Terry Harris stepped up and coolly slotted home for a 3-0
lead. We remained on top for the rest of the first half and came in
at half time with a comfortable 3 goal cushion.

We started well in the second half but it was Liverpool who were to
score first. In a rare foray into our half, their striker hit a
great volley into the corner to make it 3-1. We talked at half-time
about remaining calm if we were to concede and we did that.
Liverpool, feeling they had a sniff of a result, came back at us but
we weathered the storm with some committed defending and kept the
ball when we got it back. We continued to create chances at the
other end and after about 55 minutes restored our 3 goal lead after
Terry Harris netted for his hat trick. We then gave away a soft
penalty which made the score 4-2. Liverpool again had a spell where
they had a go at us, but our back four - led by Ghani Malik - was
rock solid. Bala also made a great stop from a long range curling
effort. We continued to create some good chances to score but 4
goals was enough for us to take the points.

Today was a very good performance. We were committed in our tackles,
played the game at a high tempo throughout and used the ball well
when we had it. All 13 players had very good games.  It was very good to see Dave Agar and Anil Padmanabhan return after long spells out and acquit themselves very well.  Young Davey Jones played a full game in centre midfield, showing us the vigour and exuberance of youth that he keeps talking about.  And I would point to the spine of our team as the factor which won us this game. At the back, Ghani Malik was rock solid, winning everything that came to him - on the floor and in the air - and ensuring we kept a high defensive line to maintain our shape as a unit. Bunmi Sodiya dominated the middle of the park, winning us possession and using it well. His energy levels were immense and it was great to see a central midfielder frequently getting into the opponent's box, creating chances for himself and others. And up front, Terry Harris was too much to handle for their esteemed defenders. Clearly, scoring three goals was an invaluable contribution, but it was Terry's all round contribution which helped us to win. Terry won all the long balls in the air which allowed us to get up the field and play our football at their end of the field. And he was immense in keeping possession whilst holding off the physical challenge of their two big centre backs. Great stuff lads.

This win puts us into fourth place in the league just three points
behind the leaders, Mancis, who we play next Sunday. With just six
league games to play we've put ourselves in a great position to
challenge for the league.

We should go into the next game full of confidence; we've had a great
run of form since Christmas. In 2008, in league, cup and
friendlies, we've played a total of 12 games, winning 10, drawing 1
and losing only 1. We've scored an impressive 43 goals in the
process. Most important, we've won all of our 5 games in March and
scored 21 goals. I asked for 5 wins out of 5 in March and the team
has delivered. Winning is a habit and I'm delighted with the way
we're playing. Our tempo yesterday was high, we showed great energy
and commitment and knocked the ball about well. Let's keep our focus
and consistency in the coming weeks. If we keep churning out wins,
we'll be top of the league by the end of the April.

Asterix Reds 7 - 0 KL Soccer Coaches XI (Friendly)

On a rain drenched surface, Asterix Reds, played some good football to triumph 7-0 over a team of soccer coaches from KL.  A hat-trick on his debut by big Shaun Sweeney and goals from Tom Sarginson, Anthony H. (pen), Terry Harris and Stuart Cavens sealed the victory.  

This pitch had more water on it than the lakes in lake gardens.  However, it would take more than a pitch that looked more like a swamp to deter the Asterix Reds from playing.  

We started well and within a minute got the scoreboard ticking over: big Shaun Sweeney - with his second touch of the ball in an Asterix Reds shirt - netted from close range.  Not long later, after some determined work down the right, Tom Sarginson got his name on the score sheet.  Tom was to continue to trouble the opponent's defence all game, linking well with the strikers and frequently creating opportunities to score.  To be fair, on another day, we would have scored a few more.  The large puddles in the goal mouth acted like an aquatic Peter Schmichael snaffling anything goalbound that wasn't in the air.  I reckon there were at least 5 or 6 six shots that beat the keeper only to be held up in the water garden that was the opposition goal mouth.  

To their credit, KL Soccer Coaches did create some opportunities of their own, mainly with balls down the middle.  They came closest to scoring after one such ball beat our defence, Anthony - standing in as keeper - came running out only to beaten by the striker.  Andy Johnston put a big sliding tackle in which pushed the striker wide.  He then evaded Anthony's second dive at him.  With the striker clean through on goal, Bunmi made a great goal saving tackle to keep us two in front.  It was some splendid 'all hands on deck' defending and did the job of maintaining our two goal lead admirably.  

We continued to push on and created more chances.  Unfortunately, the monster from the deep that seemed to be living in the opponent's goal mouth kept us from scoring more.  We were awarded a pen late in the half (for the record let it be know that Stuart Cavens is claiming that he won the penalty for yet another assist.  Yawn.).  Anthony - insisting on some reward for playing in goal - ran out of his goal to take it.   He still had to barge big Stu Cavens off the ball, but up he stepped and slotted it into the corner.  The ref blew his whistle for half-time just after and we went in holding a comfortable 3 goal lead.  

In the second-half we played toward the end that was less water logged and our football improved.  Our midfielders and strikers linked up well and frequently got behind the defence.  We scored four more with 2 more from Shaun Sweeney and one a piece from Terry Harris and Stu Cavens.   Our goal was rarely troubled and we kept a moral boosting clean sheet.

Andy Johnston provided the entertainment by completing a swan dive into a large puddle, tripping over an opponent whilst going up for a big header.  It was a dive Greg Louganis would have been proud of and earned a 5.6 for difficulty and 6.0 for artistic expression from the judges in the stands.  

All in all this was a good win.  Despite the conditions, we played some decent football up front and if it wasn't for the monster in the deep that kept stopping our goal bound efforts we would have scored a lot more.  We were committed in defence and kept a well earned clean sheet.  Our spirit on the park was excellent and it was a thoroughly enjoyable run out.  

Next week, we take on Liverpool Supporters Club.  We've done well against teams below us this season but as yet we've not beaten any of the teams above us.  We need to change that against Liverpool on the weekend.  Let's go out there with a lot of desire and belief and get a very important 3 points.  A win would put us right in the thick of the title race.  I asked for 5 wins out of 5 in March.  So far, we've won all 4 of the games we've played and have scored 17 goals and kept two clean sheets in the process.  Let's complete the job by putting Liverpool away on Saturday. 

UK Rovers 2 - 4 Asterix Reds (SSLKL Cup)

For many of us, the letters UK rekindle fond memories of a land we once lived in.  "Cup o' tea, fish 'n' chips, bad food, worse weather, Mary f$%^ing Poppins" to quote cousin Avi.  However, these boys hailed from another land known by the initials UK: Ulu Klang, where teh tarik and nasi lemak are the orders of the day.  At least they played football like Mary f$%^ing Poppins.  

It was  in fact quite an afternoon of comedy at EP yesterday.  The fun started when our coach refused to do the warm up because he was sunburnt.  He was later spotted on the touchline carrying a rather large umbrella (or should I say parasol?) to protect himself from the sun's rays.  It was like having a female Asian golfer for a coach.  I'll be sure to bring him two gloves, a long sleeved pullover and a welder's mask for our next fixture.

So with our coach sheltering in the stands, Ian Quirk proceeded to do the warm up.  He put the team through their paces with a rather vigorous workout and slowly but surely the team started dropping like flies.  First to go was Dave Jones who pulled a calf muscle tying his boot laces.  Next to drop was Sugu who twisted his ankle picking the ball out of the back of the net during shooting practice.  Luckily a chap who looked like Telly Savallis but claimed to be Ragu volunteered his services between the sticks.  He actually did quite well and we should think about signing him.  I'm not sure what's happened to Ragu though.  I do hope he shows up next week. 

Adam managed to make it on the pitch but he too was soon back on the sidelines, having twisted his ankle while shooting with his left foot.  You'd think he'd know better by now.

If that wasn't enough, Roy made us all laugh by claiming he could play up-front.  "I'm f£$%ing great, I am.  I can play f%^&ing anywhere, me" were his immortal words.  Never one to miss a chance to be entertained I insisted that he give it a try.  And he didn't disappoint us.   After about 10 minutes, he attempted a darting run behind the defence.  But instead of putting himself in the clear, he collided - or should say 'body slammed' -  Kisho at full pelt.  The shout of 'arghhhh' echoed around EP and I can almost still hear it now.  Both players ended up on the floor writhing in apparent agony.  The lads on the side of the pitch were in hysterics.  I had to sit down in a quiet corner for a few minutes for fear my ribs might split.  But our laughter did not end there.  The moment was only bettered when Roy walked off the pitch and uttered the words 'Who the f$%^ was it that ran into me?'   He was later to complain the collision has split his spleen.   

Jonesy then continued the comedy by attempting to skewer himself on the corner flag.  He's just lucky the flag wasn't a foot shorter or he could have ended up ready for a spit roasting.  

Somewhere amongst all of this a game of football was played.  We won 4-2 with goals from Adam, Kisho (2) and Bunmi.  

Four of us made it to the pub after the game.  Roy cemented his reputation as a bit of a ladies man.  For the second week running he walked in to be greeted by a couple of Asian lovelies.  Needless to say, they both cleared off as soon as I arrived.  A few drinks and stories were shared.  Andy and I made a night of it, playing pool 'til two in the morning with his bird and her friend who was about as good at pool as Roy is at centre forward. 

Asterix Reds 3 - 0 Expat Lions (Friendly)

We won comfortably in a friendly game played in good spirits with the 
Expat Lions. A first half strike by Paul Williams, a goal from 
corner by Bunmi Sudiya and a poacher's goal late in the match from 
Adam Scott secured the victory.

It was a game in which we had more chances to score than a billionaire in a 
whore house. However, our wasteful finishing and some good 
goalkeeping kept the score board from ticking over like the one at 
Lords cricket ground. Full credit to the guys who frequently got 
themselves in a position to score. However, we need to keep our 
composure, have confidence in our abilities and convert good chances 
into goals more often. They key thing is confidence and composure; I 
fully believe we have the best set of strikers of any team in our 
league; I'd like our forwards to prove this to the rest of the league 
with some clinical finishing in our next game out.

Other than, we put in a good performance. Our passing and movement 
was very good at times and we created several chances with good 
passing moves from the back. Our midfielders dominated and used the 
time and space afforded to ensure we had most of the possession. We 
were a little too hasty in our desire to get the ball into the box at 
times in the first half and would have done well to be a little more 
patient. We improved in the second half and this resulted in us 
creating a lot of chances.

The midfield and defence combined well to keep a clean sheet despite 
us not having a regular keeper. Kudos to Bala and Jonesy for 
volunteering themselves for duty in net. Although, their services 
were rarely called upon; in fact, I can't recall Expat Lions having a 
single shot at goal. Well done to the back four for keeping the back 
door shut and playing a high line to support the midfielders. Let's 
ensure we remain equally miserly in defence for the rest of the 
season. If we do, we have to fancy our chances to win a lot of our 
remaining games and give ourselves a genuine shot at the league title.

Next week we have our final Cup group fixture versus UK Rovers at 
Equine Park. It's clearly a game we're favourites to win but we must 
not go into the match overly confident. I'd like to see us keep 
another clean sheet, be patient when we have the ball and clinical in 
front of goal.

DHFC 2 - 3 Asterix Reds (SSLKL Cup)

Two first half goals by Adam Scott gave us a comfortable lead at half-
time. But two DH goals after the break leveled the match and set up 
up an exciting last 10 minutes. We triumphed when Terry Harris 
netted in the final minutes.

We started the first half looking a little ragged but soon settled to 
play some good football. We made all the early running and took the 
lead after 20 minutes when Adam scored the first of his two goals. 
We were camped in the DH half and knocked the ball across the park 
looking for an opening. A Danny Burkhard slide rule pass put Kisho 
in behind the defender. Kisho's ball across the box perfectly picked 
out Adam who slotted home from close range to complete a move that 
was very easy on the eye. Great goal. And, if the first goal can be 
best described as pretty, the second was equally clinical.

With play on the edge of our box, a ball from the back was played 
upfield to Terry Harris on the halfway line. Terry quickly turned 
and released Shashi at full pelt down the right. Shashi used his 
pace to outstrip the defenders. A great ball across found Adam 
running in at speed and he once again finished neatly to make it 
2-0. We continued to dominate and restricted DH to a couple of tame 
shots from distance that were easily dealt with. We came in at half-
time 2-0 up and in complete control of the match.

As the second half began, we lost our shape and gave the ball away 
too easily. DH quickly got themselves back in the match with a goal 
after 5 minutes of the restart. We then got ourselves back on top 
and had three very good chances to kill the match but failed to 
convert. We were punished when DH leveled with about 8 minutes to 
go. DH then created another good chance and only a very good stop 
from Bala - who stood in admirably for Sugu - kept the scores level. 
However, the points were sealed when Terry Harris scored with a fine 
solo effort.

Terry picked up the ball on the halfway line. With little on he 
turned well to beat the first defender and ran towards DH goal. 
Holding off another challenge, Terry put himself through for a one-on-
one with the keeper. The ball was lifted over the keeper and bounced 
toward the far post. It struck the inside of the post and bounced 
across the goal line. Or was it over the goal line? Who can tell? 
Importantly, the linesman (was he of Russian descent?) believed it 
had crossed the goal line and awarded us a goal. 3-2. We played out 
the final minutes and breathed a big sigh of relief at the final 
whistle.

We played some good football today lads, particularly in the first 
half. Both our goals were very pleasing on the eye. We upped our 
intensity and played with a high tempo. This saw us create as many 
chances as we have in recent matches. The back four also did a good 
job of playing up the field to help us keep our shape. We lost our 
shape a little in the second half and we almost let DH in to steal 
the points in a match we had dominated. However, I'm pleased that we 
kept our confidence and belief to get the win. We're now top of our 
cup group and assured of qualification for the cup knockout stages of the tournament.  A win in our final game (versus UK Rovers) will see us finish top of our group.

Next week, there is no league or cup game and we have a friendly on Sunday evening versus the Expat Lions. Get yourselves along to training on Thursday. And most important, we'll have a leaving party for Stef on Friday night, the details of which will be emailed to you from Stu Cavens this week.