Match Review: 1TM Latini FC vs Aioli Monkeys FC

07-Apr-2018 15:00

League // -

1TM Latini FC

W L D W L

2 - 0

Aioli Monkeys FC

Referee - Johannes Stalenburg // Assistans - N/A & N/A

1TM Latini FC

Line-Up

Substitutes

Report

With the rain teaming down at 3PM on Sat, our match against Aioli PM looked somewhat in doubt at kick-off. 8 mins of splashing around Turf City in treacherous conditions was enough for the referee to rightly bring both teams off the pitch, and some time to assess the situation. As the rain began to ease, the biggest concern was the surface water and the time it would take to drain. It’s fair to say there was some confusion as to whether the game would continue, but in fairness to both sides and all officials who were determined to give it every opportunity. It was eventually decided by the officials that the game would continue with reduced halves of 35 mins each way allowing us to complete a full match. So with that, Matt Harding got changed again and joined the rest of us on the pitch for the scrap that was to follow. Given the conditions, it was always going to favour whoever could adjust quicker, with any sort of short passing a recipe for disaster. Both teams seemed to adjust relatively quickly however and there were a few scares at either end. Into the second half and it was 1TM Latini who got the all important opener. Defending a corner, Raver stooped to head clear, and by the time he picked himself up out the puddles, he could see Duplo one on one with the Aioli PM keeper following a through ball from Ruben with his first touch after coming on as sub. Duplo ignored instructions and common sense to keep the ball off the ground, but managed to drill the ball low and hard past the keeper for the crucial opener. Shortly after it was 2-0 as Raver whipped in a near-post in-swinging corner looking for Duplo but which evaded everybody and found its way into the net for a healthy advantage. The reminder of the game saw Aioli PM push hard for a way back into the game, and some delightful lofted passes from Harry almost brought some rewards, but some resolute defending and keeping meant we recorded a rare clean-sheet and held on for a hard fought victory. It clearly wasn’t the game we were all expecting and hoping for, but we managed to dig in and record a crucial 3 points against a direct rival. Plenty of players impressed on the day, and it was nice to see Duplo back on the pitch after a long injury lay-off. Kyle on debut was particularly impressive and picket up MOTM. For Aioli PM, it went to JJ Big thanks to Karan and Min for helping us out this week Kit: - unknown Balls: - Tommy S Next game is against Hotspurs next week in hopefully better conditions.