Match Review: Singapore Vikings FC vs Hibernians FC

• DF Matthias Berthelsen
• DF Henrik Synnes
• MD Thomas Domino Andersen
• MD Casper Toennesen
• MD Tjalfe Paulsen
• MD Tomas Dubsky
• ST Ales Melechovsky
• -- Michael Dragsbaek
• -- Magnus Mernild
• -- Michael Thomsen
• -- Mark Van Dalen

• DF Henrik Tiemroth
• MD Magnus Walling Hansen
• -- Mark James Raven
• -- Maahin Bose
• -- Jules Busser

It seems to work for the Danes!

Despite the heavy defeat of Hibs only a fortnight before, Vikings were under no illusions that the league encounter under the Friday night lights at Turf City would be quite so comfortable. As we arrived at the ground we were met by a fully stripped side in green going through a strict warm up regime – it was immediately clear that Hibs had set their sights on putting up a more determined showing this time out. For Vikings, we had the luxury of knowing that we had a full squad of players to choose from and plenty of numbers to take the three points. Hibs had not lost in the league and we knew that we would have to battle hard in the early stages to wrestle control. Indeed, It was Hibs who made the brighter start and a number of half chances came their way – fortunately for us our returning keeper Dragshag was equal to everything that was thrown at him. The pace of the game was frantic during the first half and with both teams fully committed to getting forward a number of gaps appeared in both defences, firstly the pacey Duffin found a way through and then league top scorer Mele - but alas the score remained goalless. Moments before the half time whistle some quality interplay between Domino and Mele saw the Czech striker net his first of the evening to give us the lead. During the break we spoke about the need to stick together and overcome the challenge that Hibs had put down, we were confident that fitness would play a key part and were adamant that we had what it took to gain the victory. During the second period the pace slowed somewhat and both teams seemed intent on getting the ball down and play through the lines. Twenty minutes after the restart some neat work down the right from Tjalfe resulted with the ball finding the feet of Mele who pulled back a pass for Domino and his deflected shot doubled our lead. Hibs did try hard to get back into the game and some good midfield movement from Julio et al did bring about a few half chances but nothing that seriously threatened the score board. Vikings victory was completed when a long ball from Drags saw Mele brought down in the box, he confidently dispatched the penalty giving the keeper no chance. Maahin could have added a fourth late on after veteran MVD decided he should go marauding up the left wing but his squared pass was not converted by the youngster. Thanks to Hibs for an extremely competitive game, on that form they will certainly play a big part in the league this year – thanks too to the officials who managed the game well. The result leaves us nicely poised in the league and we all know that November is a big month for us. If we display the same togetherness as we have done so far and keep good levels of fitness we might be in for our best season in a while. Lad os gøre det! MOM for Hibs goes to Dan Martin who worked tirelessly all night and showed great determination and effort. For us, Dragshag was nominated as our MVP on the night – we’re not sure what or how he does it but it seems to work for the Danes!

• Jamie Barnes DF
• Nick Edwards DF
• Chris Boylen DF
• Joe Poulton DF
• Julio Vasquez MD
• Tiago Coelho MD
• Daniel Martin ST
• Thorin Duffin --
• Shazri Sofi --
• Mark Bufton --
• Colin Gray --

• Chaouki Saybi DF
• Andrew Knott MD
• An-Rui Chiew --
• Luke Liperis --

Vikings End Unbeaten Run

Vikings scored goals at important times in the game to run out 3-0 winners on Friday night and end Hibs’ unbeaten start to the season. The pace was high with both teams contesting every ball fiercely and the first clear chance fell to Thorin. Buffy started the move and when Dan rolled it square, Thorin had a glorious chance but he hit it too close to Dragsbaek. Obviously it was key to keep Mele quiet and Jamie and Shaz were doing an excellent job. Hibs were causing plenty of problems for Vikings once they got through aggressive Vikings pressing in midfield and from Mele and Domino up-front. Hibs had one very questionable off-side given with Thorin in on goal but that was Talbot’s fault for getting in the assistant’s ear. Shaz pulled up injured as he covered a ball over the top and it allowed Mele through on goal, but he blazed way over and Hibs had to make a change. Hibs were just settling when a lovely combination between Domino and Mele carved Hibs open for Mele to score. Good goal that one and seconds later it was HT. Hibs had another injury to deal with in defence and Lippy entered the game for the second half and it remained even and fiercely contested as the referee let a lot go. Hibs got a bit more space as the pace dropped from Vikings and Knotty and An Rui came on to add more energy. A bit of sloppiness cost Hibs when a couple of poor decisions and touches allowed Mele down the line and he cut back for Domino, 15 yards out, and his shot was going into Colin’s hands until a big deflection from Boycey diverted it in. Hibs kept pushing and Tiago and Julio started to dictate and Hibs took more risks. An Rui drilled one wide and then set up Dan with a nice reverse pass but Dragsbaek was out sharply to deflect. Julio struck one well but into the keeper’s body and his run of goals ended. Vikings were using the counter and long balls to get a bull-dozing Mele going and when Nick got caught out chasing back under a high bouncing long ball and a foul was given as Mele went down again in the area and a spot-kick was given and scored. Well done to the powerful Vikings on the win and Hibs need not be disheartened by this defeat as they rued their missed chances and injury problems that disrupted the team. MoM for Vikings was Mele who scored two and created one and lead the press aggressively from the front.