Written by this week’s Turkey moment owner, Luke McDonnell.

Location: Thu Duc University
Time: Later than originally scheduled
Weather: H.A.F.
Opponent: The Vietnam Guild of Divers and Actors

A significantly reduced Raiders team (thanks to Vo and Lannister) set off for Thu Duc on a sweltering Saturday afternoon. Although having played at Thu Duc two weeks prior, one taxi still managed to get lost and to make it worse, the bus was delayed leaving D1 thanks to Henri’s tardiness. He offered no excuse but some say he was busy adjusting his man-bob.

We set up in the same formation as last week, hoping to ensure Pat’s 100% undefeated streak of 2, yes 2, games. We started fantastically well and our newly returned captain got us our first goal. A well taken corner from Craig to the far post eluded the outstretched scalp of a defender and Daniel was on hand to bash the ball in off the top of his gleaming blonde head.

The lead, unfortunately did not last. A sneaky through ball to a CLEARLY offside striker led to a 1 on 1. Kevin bravely charged out of his area, stopped dead and the Vietnamese striker jumped into him and fell over in the area whilst doing his best to let all of Thu Duc and the surrounding districts know that he had been fouled. 1-1.

Words of encouragement floated over from our bench and we got right back to it. Miquel rolled back the years and produced a ‘Xavi-esque’ through ball to the marauding Yoshida, who took a couple of touches before unleashing a left-foot rocket. Although it was palmed away, our human wrecking ball, Rich, was on hand to bundle the ball in after intelligently charging into the box. 2-1.

The half ended 2-2 and I blame the heat for this, but I honestly can’t remember how we conceded the second goal. And yes, I was playing in defence. Or was I…?

2ND HALF:

.. a resounding YES is the answer to that question. As proven by the fact I am writing this match report. Without wanting to go into too much detail, I received a fucking terrible back pass from someone in midfield, probably Craig. I managed to control the ball but looked up to see two strikers bearing down on me.

Literally shitting myself and without wanting to just kick the ball out (I didn’t have the energy to do that) I attempted to dribble my way out of trouble. 2-3.

My mistake had a truly visible effect on the morale of the team. For someone usually so calm and collected at the back, my error had cosigned us to defeat. They took advantage of this and proceeded to score two more ( OFFSIDE ) goals before the ref decided to actually give us a decision and blew the final whistle.

Notable performances from our new CB, Khang, who played fantastically well and was nominated as our MOTM. Quite how, after conceding 5 goals, I’m not sure but well played Khang and welcome to the Raiders! Rich must also get a mention for bullying their defence for a full 90 minutes, grabbing a goal and is now jetting off for Manila. Rich, all the best and we know we will see you SOON!

TEAM IN FULL:

Kevin (GK)

Luke Khang Peter

Henri Daniel (c) Craig Yoshida

Tan

Rich Roman

SUB:
Miquel

Man of the Match: Khang: Solid as a rock

Turkey Moment: Luke: Dribbling level = 3/10

 

Coach Pat’s verdict

Positives:

• Passing in the first 20 minutes of each half
• Khang – won a lot of key tackles and did all the little things to deter their attack
• Second goal! Ball from Miquel to Yoshida who tested the keeper and Rich followed up with a good finish

Negatives:

• Again too much shouting at the referee
• Overall fitness
• Coming off the pitch for a drink of water and the other team scores.

The last two are more about numbers at the game, we need at least 3 subs to be effective right now.