Match Review: 1TM Latini FC vs International Lions FC

• GK Pete O'Brien
• DF Ben Tomlinson
• DF Jonathan Baker
• DF Charlie Stark
• DF Jordan Laing
• MD Jamie Roberts
• MD Samuel Taylor
• MD Joshua Welch
• ST Ben Marshall
• ST Mike Sharples
• ST Jacob Saurin

• DF Taishi Fukuda
• DF Iain Mul
• ST Nick Verill

DOUBLE DELIGHT FOR THE DOC

The Turf City gods were looking favourably upon Saturday’s 3pm fixtures: The skies were gloriously overcast and some occasional drizzle in the air created the perfect playing conditions. With Hibs v Gaulois kicking off at the same time on Pitch 1; some more 11 aside matches being played on Pitch 3 and Pitch 4; some 5-a-side being played along with a kids birthday party on the indoor pitches; some cricket and an international rugby tournament being played on the far side of the ground, there was a massive buzz around Turf City. When you see the vast amount of people that come together to play sports there, it’s going to be such a shame when it’s closed in December and will have such an impact on the Cosmo community. Back to our game and despite losing some key players to more selfish holidays, Tactical Tally had assembled another decent squad as we prepared to face Cosmo new boys, International Lions F.C. As the teams lined up at the start of the match, we saw a number of familiar faces in the Lions team and knew that they had the quality to make it a difficult afternoon. From the first whistle, we were determined to take control of the contest, but with a greasy pitch and International Lions defending well, we were unable to make the most from our good possession. It took a moment of magic to unlock the stubborn Lions defence on 20 minutes. From a free kick that was taken from the right, the ball was cleared as far as Ruby on the edge of the box. Ruby controlled well and lofted a nice pass to Sharples. His touch and turn past the defender was sublime and then he curled a Bergkampesque finish into the top corner. 1-0 1TM settled into a nice rhythm and began to control the game. On 37 minutes, we extended our lead when Racky delivered a great set piece towards the far post that was met by Dr Josh with a powerful header. 2-0 1TM managed to get the ball into the net twice more before half time but both efforts were narrowly flagged offside. The last action of the half came when Racky delivered another dangerous corner that was met in the air by Josh as he collided with the ‘keeper. There were some handbags as both players lay injured and unfortunately the young ‘keeper couldn’t continue. We wish him a speedy recovery. 1TM continued to look a threat at the start of the second half. On 52 minutes, we added an important third after good build up down the right flank saw Sharples pop up on the touch line and delivered a great ball to the far post. Boggy did really well to head back towards goal and Pig Snake had a simple finish on the volley. 3-0 On 57 minutes, Tinks went on a mazy run, evaded several challenges and then played a great ball through to Boggy. The young winger produced an emphatic finish past the substitute ‘keeper as the ball was drilled into the far corner. After hitting the bar a couple of times, we got a fifth on 88 minutes. Our corner was punched clear by the ‘keeper, but only as far as Josh who was waiting just inside the area. He made use of the space he found himself in and smashed the cleanest of volleys high into the goal. It was a great strike to seal the victory and it capped off a fine man of the match performance from Dr Josh. Thanks to International Lions for a good game, to Urs and his team for managing it so well and to the 1TM squad for another great effort. Special thanks goes to Mr Sharples Senior and 1TM GK legend, Des, for supporting. MOM International Lions - Robert MOM 1TM - Josh DOD 1TM - Didge (various reasons)

• Tiago Da Cruz GK
• Oussama Labib DF
• Raphael Froberger DF
• Jonathan Macaud DF
• Ilzan Faris DF
• Amine Cherif MD
• Ismail Bardach MD
• Thibaud Lespayandel MD
• Hugo D'Inca MD
• Anthony Gonzales ST
• Robert Eziakor ST

• Hector Courqueux GK
• Louis Dhonte DF
• Ashwin Kalaichelvan ST

One class above

Int'l Lions gathered on this Saturday knowing that the challenge was high to compete against Latini's champions. The first 25 minutes proved solid with Latini failing to break the Lions midfield and defense in spite of having the possession. Then, Sharples, Jacob and the Latini showed that they were one class above by scoring on 4 free kicks / corners. Nothing much to mention and we move on to the next game VS Hotspurs next week. Mom - Hugo D'inca, once again Mom Opponent - Jacob for being nice and only scoring one