Match Review: International Lions FC vs Gaelic Lions FC

• GK Tiago Da Cruz
• GK Hector Courqueux
• DF Jonathan Macaud
• DF Charif Taieb
• DF Nordine Talhi
• DF Oussama Labib
• DF Raphael Froberger
• MD Hugo D'Inca
• ST Ashwin Kalaichelvan
• ST Ulysse Postel-Vinay

• MD Ismail Bardach
• ST Robert Eziakor

Battle of the Lions

Int'l Lions gathered for a battle of the lions on this Friday evening with an early 7pm kick off, ready to bounce back from a very poor and disappointing game VS OGS last week. The mindset was clear and we were ready to fight with all our lions' heart to win the midfield battle against a Gaelic Lions teams that we knew was coming with lots of confidence! The game started well with both team battling through the midfield. An early corner allowed Gaelics to open the score. What followed was a series of long free kick for both teams (one hitting the bar for Int'l Lions), but no clear chances on either side (except maybe a left foot shot by Grey Hair Old Andy Dyne). Second half didn't offer much more. Int'l Lions kept pushing but were poor in the last third. In the last 15min or so, with Int'l Lions trying to play up the pitch, Gaelics took the chance on a counter to score a second goal and close the game. A good battle, with two solid and disciplined teams. Once again, Int'l Lions was short upfront to make a difference. Coming back next week against the Spanish, sorry, the japanese team. Wishing all the best to Gaelics who had a tremendous start and showed great quality from start to finish and quality players across the squad!

• Shailer Thomas GK
• Tom O'Donnell DF
• Nick Veale DF
• Hans Van Den Hoogen DF
• Chris Fox DF
• Adam Smith MD
• Andy Dyne MD
• Dom Marwood MD
• Charlie Traynor MD
• Daiki Ishino ST
• Xavier Sproule ST

• Wilfried Lapierre DF
• Jamie White MD
• Tasman Wrigley ST
• Oscar Lee ST

Pride Park, Derby

Try as I may, I couldn't completely squeeze the joy and life out of the team after a few weeks away and bundles of goals in my absence. An early and late goal wrapped up the points to seal a win in spite of my presence. Well drilled team performance from Gaelic (with no discernable organisational input from me, mind you) against what looks like a well drilled team by an actual, proper coach. Our first competitive game against International and they played some clear patterns and a collectively-understood structure which meant throughout they kept the Lions share of the ball (haha...as a long serving father, genuinely pleased with that one). First goal came after five minutes following two great presses from the team, leading to a corner not handled and Charlie on hand to slot in. Free kicks traded for a while, one bouncing on cross bar from International and they had a moment of panic from a cross that on another day... And where has Dyno been hiding that left foot? Two tasty efforts, one thirty yard volley and another from the edge. Both inches away. Xavier looked dangerous on a couple of breaks and we missed a couple of free headers. 1-0 half time. Comfortable enough second half but needed that second. Jamie on as sub forced a great save and rebound led to a penalty. Up stepped Charlie. Another great save! Story of the Cosmo league...players tiring, pushing up higher with 10 mins to go. Balls slipped through, one on one. 2-0. Thank you, Ouss and International for a very competitive game. Can only see you guys getting better. Great contribution from the entire Gaelic squad.