Asterix Reds F.C. 3 - 0 BMFC (Expat Cup)

We maintained our 100% record in the pre-season Expat Cup tournament with a comfortable win over BM.  A goal in the first half from Bunmi Sodiya and 2 in the second from Andy Johnston and Adam Scott were enough to secure the win.

We started at a high tempo and created chances from the get-go.  We pinned BM into their own half and put loads of balls into the box but didn't get the goal we were looking for.  And, it wasn't until mid-way through the first half that our breakthrough came.  Bunmi was put clean through by Steve and outstripped the defenders to get one on one with the 'keeper.  He needed a second bite of the cherry but ultimately rolled the ball into the back of the net.  BM sat deep for the rest of the half and although the game was played in their half of the pitch we didn't create any more clear cut chances.  Adam Scott went close with a couple of headers, but 1-0 at half time it was.

We started the second half on top but BM clawed their way back into the game securing themselves more of the ball than in the opening 40 minutes.  We continued to pass and move well but only created half chances.   As the game wore on, space opened up and we scored 2 more to settle it.  1 each from Andy Johnston and Adam Scott.  We played out the game comfortably and recorded our second win and clean sheet in two weeks.  

This was a good performance.  The movement up top, passing and running off the ball by the attacking players was superb.  It was great to see Stevie and Adam linking well as they begin to form an understanding.  The wide players - Ian Quirk and Bunmi - got forward and interchanged passes with the strikers which helped us get behind the defence regularly.  Mark Williams made his customary marauding runs up the right wing and was a constant problem for their defenders.  Andy Johnston put his usual long shift in the middle and was tireless in winning possession.  The back four was solid throughout.  Mark Jones won everything in the air and Bala made won every challenge he made.  Keith Stewart made his debut in goal and didn't have a lot to do, but dealt very comfortably with everything that came his way.  Most important he kept a clean sheet.  Despite some strong performances all round, Bala wins my vote for Man of the Match.  His winning of possession stifled any chances BM had of getting into our box and created a solid platform from which we could attack.  Well done, Bala. 

Overall, we dominated possession but did struggle to create chances when BM sat deep.  We move forward very well at a high tempo but we also need to learn to be able to change our game so that we can play at a slower speed when teams sit deep.  When teams are sitting deep, we need to be a little more patient and pass the ball across the middle and between the midfielders and defenders to encourage their defending players to move up the park.  This will create space for our strikers.  Then we turn up the gas and go a them at full pace.   Something to work on in our next game.  

BM were missing a few players and should be stronger when the league season starts.    Nonetheless, it was an encouraging and comfortable win.  We also have several people to come back in to the team which bodes well for us this season.  

We're now top of the Expat Cup table, having played two, won two, scored 8 and conceded 0.  Let's take that form forward into our next game which is a friendly versus Mancis, the team that has won our league for the past 4 or 5 seasons.  This should be a good test.