BML 2016 Match Reports
23/10/2016: Red Lions 4 - 2 JFC
Sunday evening marked the beginning of a brand new BML season. A new-look team took to the field under the floodlights of Bailing Bridge, under the new management of myself and Max. Though our aim was to give opportunities and much-needed game time to players that hadn't figured in our OTPL team, we couldn't have wished for a better start.
The pattern of the first half was set as the Lions pushed forward in search of an opening goal from kick off. Within two minutes, they had found it, as Thomas Costa swept past a helpless JFC goalkeeper after neat build up play. Sweet combination play and slick passing created a number of chances to further the lead, until Costa added a second before half-time.
Having dominated the opening half, changes were made and more players were pushed forward in a bid to score more and kill the game in the second period. The move paid dividends shortly after the break, as further goals were added by Enoc Hercules and right winger Andres Paredes, whose majestic turn and strike from just inside the box, was his first ever Lions goal. Hereafter the Lions were guilty of complacency and a degree of recklessness as players surged forward. After spurning several glorious chances, such profligacy was punished when a long ball and a late challenge in the box allowed JFC a route back into the game. It was an opportunity that they almost took as a magnificent second followed shortly after.
Despite a nervy last 10 minutes, as JFC desperately pushed forward in search of what would have been a remarkable comeback, the Lions were able to hold out, to start their season off with a welcome three points. Though such performances may be bad for the health of nervous coaches, Sunday suggested that the Red Lions may well be capable of providing a great deal of entertainment in games to come. Watch this space!
30/10/2016: Red Lions 4 - 6 Capital Splendor
Whilst the OTPL team edged towards the title, the BML squad labored to a disappointing defeat to a surprisingly ruthless Capital Splendor side, on Sunday evening.
Despite starting slowly, the Lions missed a host of early chances and were made to pay as Capital Splendor took the lead amid substantial controversy. Although appearing two yards offside, the linesman adjudged the Splendor striker to be onside, as he clipped the ball past a helpless Max Feng in the Lions goal. More defensive misjudgment and confusion followed, to allow Capital Splendor to double their advantage. A shell-shocked Lions team took until the stroke of half time to muster up any sort of response, as Thomas Costa won and dispatched a penalty to haul them back into the game.
After a brief reflection upon a disappointing opening stanza, the Lions started the second half brightly, in search of an important equalizer. More profligacy in front of goal followed and as they pushed further forward, they were repeatedly punished on the counter attack by a quick and clinical Splendor strike force. A superb Andres Paredes header brought the Lions back to within two goals but at 4-2, the task was made even tougher, as a poor, late tackle on Enoc Hercules, resulted in a brief fracas between almost all players on the field (and some off it!). In the aftermath, Lions' 'keeper, Max Feng was red carded for his reaction, whilst Capital Splendor inextricably escaped with yellow cards for two of their players.
Prompted into action, Rob Iwanicki donned the gloves as Andres Paredes was sacrificed. The goal seemed to spur the team into a greater sense of urgency but the numerical disadvantage meant that Splendor soon made it 5-2. With twenty minutes to go, player/coach Jiffy replaced Dominik Steiger and within 5 minutes he had sent Thomas Costa clean through on goal to make it 5-3. Another goal followed shortly after, after excellent work on the right by Hugo had allowed Jiffy to control before firing past the goalkeeper at his near post. With just one goal in the game, the momentum had shifted completely, as the Lions desperately looked for an unlikely equalizer.
That equalizer looked to have arrived after one of a series of crosses was swung into the box and headed towards the goal by Matty Hall, under the close attention of a Capital Splendor defender. After looping off his head, the outstretched arm of the defender appeared to clearly deflect the ball to safety. Strong appeals were disbelievingly waved away as any potential come back drifted away. There was time for another Splendor goal on the counter attack as a breathless and dramatic game ultimately resulted in a heart-breaking anticlimax.
A poor first half, wastefulness in front of goal and controversial refereeing decisions had cost the Lions a deserved point at least, yet it must be said that a much-improved Capital Splendor side deserve credit for their ruthlessness. It just goes to show that even in the BML any team can beat another over 90 minutes.
The league returns in three weeks time, as the Lions meet winless Taipei Titans and Capital Splendor take on JFC. The Lions will be seeking redemption!
20/11/2016: Red Lions 10 - 0 FC Taipei Titans
After the disappointing defeat to Capital Splendor three weeks ago, the Red Lions enjoyed a far less dramatic game against the Titans at Bailing Bridge, on Sunday morning. The Titans, who had failed to register a single point in their opening two games, started the game with just eight players. Although tough on those eight players, the numerical mismatch rendered the game as a non contest.
Starting positively, the Lions dominated possession and territory, moving the ball around effectively and utilizing the space afforded by their significant numerical advantage. The first goal arrived after just five minutes as a cross into the box caused havoc in the Titans defence and a returning Freddy Helander finished with aplomb. Freddy would go on to claim a first half hat trick and goals from Thomas Costa, Yang, Pete Groom and an embarrassing own goal gave the Lions a healthy eight goal advantage before the break.
The highlight of the half was undoubtedly a rare goal for marauding full back, Pete Groom. Channeling his inner Paul Gascoigne he advanced to edge of the box, flicked the ball over the advancing defender and volleyed (with his shin!) into the far corner.
Half time saw Max make two changes. These changes and rising temperatures meant that the pace of the game dropped considerably in the second half. It was a half dominated by the Lions, played almost solely in the Titans' half as they began to tire. Two more goals were added by Yang. The first came after great work by Rob Iwanicki on the left wing, who beat his man and sent over a perfect centre for Yang to nod in at the far post.
Despite the numerical advantage, the Lions were pleased with their professional approach and in how they used the space and controlled the game. Far more difficult challenges lie ahead but with another three points in the bag and plenty of goals scored, confidence is restored.
