Asterix Reds FC 0 - 5 African Select XI (Friendly)

I have often been accused of bias in my match reports; making
statements about Asterix dominating opponents in all aspects of the
game (which I honestly feel we do) in most matches. There's no chance
of that happening in this match report. Playing a team of African
exiles we were royally humped in this encounter.

To be fair, the African's did have an edge on us. I believe that just
about all of them have played in the Malaysian league or other pro
leagues in Asia and the Middle East. Several of them have represented
Nigeria at youth and under-21 level. In short, they were bigger,
fitter, faster, stronger and more talented than us. Apart from that,
the game was ours to lose. Half time saw us 3-0 down after the
African tsumani launched wave after wave of attacks on our goal. We
set ourselves to task in the second half and battled hard. We shared
possession and created a few chances of our own, which their 'keeper
(another pro...) did well to save. The African's added two the total.

We can walk away with some pride. We were up against opponents who
are playing at few levels above us. We were also far from full
strength with a few of our better players absent. Several of our
players put in some good performances. Most noteworthy was Mark
Williams. Making his debut at right wing back he was always full of
energy, demanding possession, using it well and doing a great job in
fulfilling his defensive duties too. A great debut and we look
forward to more sterling performances during the season.

We've agreed to play them again in a few weeks time, when we've
hopefully got a full squad available, are fitter and better
organised. We should expect to compete and make a better game of it.

We need to work on our fitness. We have a chance to compete for the
league this year. Last season, we were just four points off the
leaders having dropped points when we shouldn't have. We can't always
control what happens on the pitch, but we can control how we prepare.
Our fitness is a big part of that. And, if we're going to be
competitive this season, we need to get fitter. Andy is organising a
session for us this week. Make sure you get yourself along.

Asterix Reds FC 1 - 0 Kepong (Friendly)

Despite being a little ring rusty, having a bare XI (which later
became a bare X) and struggling in some wet and difficult conditions,
we picked up a victory in our first game of the season. An early goal
by debutant, Stevie Whitson proved to be decisive.

We created a few chances from the start and it wasn't long before
Stevie found himself one-on-one with the 'keeper. He pushed the ball
past the 'keeper and finished neatly from a tight angle to score.
Despite the conditions and our rustiness, we played some nice football
at times and created a few good chances. Once or twice the movement
and passing was very easy on the eye. The linesman and a lack of
composure in front of goal prevented us from adding to our lead. At
the other end, Kepong got clean through on the 'keeper midway through
the half but wasted their chance by pushing it wide. They later
forced a save from close range but that was it. On balance of play
and chances, going in a goal to the good was probably fair.

Kepong came at us in the second half and put our defence under
pressure at times. Our back four held firm, limiting them to one half
chance which was easily saved. Dave Agar impressed in the centre of
defence in his first game for a while. Andy Johnston put in a
tireless effort which also helped to keep their attacks at bay. We
didn't have any luck breaking the offside trap at the other end and
didn't add to our total. We played the last 15 minutes with 10 men
after Bunmi and later Steve went off with injuries. But still held
firm. 1-0 was how it finished.

Lots to work on as we continue the pre-season, but a win is win.