Astaka 0 - 1 Asterix Reds (SSLKL Premier Division)

This was a game for which we were given an extra incentive to win.
Only a few weeks back, Astaka demanded that the league deduct 3 points
from our total because we showed up to the wrong pitch for the fixture
with them. Not very nice behaviour, some might say. And before the
match, we weren't looking favourites to reclaim our 3 points. We only
had ten for the warm-up and it wasn't until Shashi showed up (having
declared himself unavailable through injury only one hour earlier)
that we were able to get a bare XI to start the match. It was match
in which we were on top for most of the time, although Astaka did have
a good 20 minute spell before half time. We created a lot of chances
second half and it was fitting that Adam Scott was to get the winner.
This was Adam's 11th goal of the season making him top scorer in the
Premier division. But credit goes to the eleven lads that put a hard
afternoon's graft in today. Many of those on the field haven't been
regular starters for the Asterix Reds this season but nonetheless
everyone came through with aplomb demonstrating the depth we have in
our squad. A fitting end to the season.

With both teams having nothing but pride to play for, the game started
in a relaxed manner. In the first 20 minutes our movement and passing
was good and enabled us to create some decent chances. To his credit,
the Astaka keeper dealt with them all very comfortably. As the half
wore on, Astaka began to get the upper hand in the middle of the park
and secured the lion's share of possession. Whilst they never created
a clear cut chance they were asking questions of our defence which
dealt well with the pressure. In turn, we had very few chances in the
20 minutes prior to half time. The half ended scoreless, but we knew
we needed to up our game in the second half to secure the 3 points.

With no subs to call on, we relieved Bala of the 'keeper's gloves and
put him to work on the right flank. He made an immediate impact
providing us with a much needed outlet from defence and a cutting edge
up front. This extra attacking dimension helped us get behind the
defence more often and balls from the right helped us to create some
of our best openings. And it was a ball from the right - after about
20 minutes - which provided the decisive goal. A ball from the
'keeper found Mages at right back. He released Bala down the line who
in turn found Bumni. Some neat interchange between Terry and Bunmi
resulted in a ball into the 'corridor of uncertainty' with which Adam
made no mistake burying the ball into the corner. 1-0 it was.

We continued to create chances and held firm at the back. Astaka
didn't force a save in second half which is a credit to our back four
who were duly supported by the midfield who retained the shape very
well. Our strikers and midfielders will perhaps be a tad disappointed
not to have grabbed a few more goals for themselves, but the fact is
that one goal was enough to get us the 3 points. And at the end of
the day, that's what matters.

It's worth mentioning a few people who put in some very creditable
performances today. At the back, Mark Jones put in a very solid
performance, winning everything that came his way and showing a
willingness to get forward at every opportunity. Ragu was resolute in
defence and frequently a catalyst for turning defence into attack.
Mages was rock solid a right back, winning all his tackles and picking
the percentage ball to feet every time. Dave Jones was very
comfortable in the centre of midfield, distributing the ball
flawlessly throughout the game and going close with a long range
effort in the first half. Bunmi was his usual energetic self, always
a problem for the opponent and with a little luck could have had a
goal or two to his name. Shashi deserves special mention. Despite
being injured, he strapped the boots on and put in a very valuable
performance at right midfield. Clearly, he was struggling and could
have opted not to play. But the fact he did play - and play well at
that - gave us eleven men and might have been the decisive reason we
got a win. On the other flank, Bala did a sterling job, always
wanting the ball and using well every time. Again, his second half
performance on the right was a key reason we were able to win. Up
front Terry Harris won everything came his way, played others into the
game and unlucky not to get a goal or two for himslef. And Adam was
always a problem for the defenders, burying the one chance that
matters to give us the 3 points and getting himself the accolade of
Premier Division top scorer for the 2007 / 2008 season.

And that's it for the 2007 / 2008 season. We finished in third
position with 26 points, 4 points behind the winners. The six points
we had deducted puts back down into fourth. I'll write a longer
message with some concluding thoughts for the season, but for now,
suffice to say, we've done well this year and grown as a squad. We
all know that a couple of below par performances in a few key games
cost us a chance of glory. But let's put that behind us, consolidate
what we've learnt this season and push for a league and cup double in
2008 / 2009. Asterix Reds boleh!