Asterix Reds 2 - 1 Liverpool Supporters Club Malaysia (SSLKL Cup Quarter Final)

Two first half goals from Bunmi Sodiya and Adam Scott helped Asterix
Reds to a comfortable victory over Liverpool Supporters Club. The win
puts in the last four of the competition with our semi-final opponents
coming from the match between BMFC and Keppong Chinese later today.

All the talk before the match was making sure we were mentally up for
this game. We knew if we wanted the win enough, we have the
footballing ability and quality in our side to get the result. We
started well, winning many of the 50/50's and playing much of the game
in the opponents half. We came close to scoring on a couple of
occasions but it was Liverpool who were to get the ball in the net
first. After about 20 minutes, the ref awarded and indirect free-kick
right on the edge of our box. The Liverpool player lifted the free-
kick over the wall and into our net...for a goal kick! Thanks very
much. We responded perfectly. Some good play gave Shashi space and
time on the right wing. His perfectly weighted slide-rule pass was
met first time by Bunmi who lifted the ball over the advancing 'keeper
and into the net. And we got our 2 goal cushion just before half-
time. The 'keeper saved well from a Bunmi Sodiya header and Adam
Scott did his customary poaching by collecting the loose ball and
slotting it into the corner from six yards out. 2-0 it was at the
break.

The second-half was well contested. Both teams had chances to score
but it was Liverpool who got a goal back with about 20 minutes to go.
But we held firm and looked the more likely team to score the next
goal. We defended resolutely and came home comfortable 2-1 winners.

This wasn't our prettiest display - the bumpy pitch at Uniten
prevented much culture - but we did dig deep, play with a lot of fight
and commitment. Ultimately, it was our desire to get the win which
was the decisive factor. There were great performances all-round. Up-
front John MacGachie was always a handful, his ability to win the
ball, hold it or flick it on, frequently got the Liverpool defence on
the back foot. Adam Scott was tireless up front and did some
fantastic work in winning the ball, retaining possession and
fashioning opportunities for himself and others. He deserved more
than his one goal for his skill and efforts. In the middle of the
park, Ian Quirk was like a terrier snapping at the heels of the
Liverpool opponents and pick-pocketing possession with the skill of
Oliver Twist. Bunmi Sodiya was always a threat in the centre, doing a
great job at turning mediocre ball into quality possession and keeping
us at their end of the park. At the back, Ghani Malik was 100%
committed in the centre of defence and let nothing past him all
afternoon; Ragu was outstanding in tucking in when the defence was
moved across the park and providing solid cover by winning absolutely
everything that came his way. In goal, Sugu was as brave as ever, coming off his line on several occasions to make some decisive stops.  I'm sure I've missed some others out,
but rest assured all 16 of us that featured yesterday made significant
contributions in what was a very spirited team performance.

Our next competitive match is the cup semi-final which will be with
BMFC or Keppong Chinese on the weekend of 10/11 May. We'll arrange a
friendly for next weekend; clearly those lads carrying injuries should
take a week off and those in need of match fitness should aim to
play. Your fitness will be important in the final games of the
season. Make sure you keep yourselves in good shape. Asterix for the
Cup!