It was a rare overcast afternoon at SSS, which was the venue for this top table battle between GAS and Vikings. We were motivated as ever and despite missing 2-3 key players, we were keen on continue our pursuit for top-spot. We still remember the famous 1992 Euro Final, where Denmark beat the Germans to become European Champions. Peter DT even told us he will show up with curly hair like John “Faxe” Jensen.  There’s a great spirit in the Vikings team these days.
 
We came out off the starting blocks at full pace and were aggressive all over the pitch. Several chances were created in the opening minutes with both Chris and Tommie coming close. Naoki and Peter DT did great on the flanks running their lungs out in both defence and offense.  We looked like the team to break the deadlock, as GAS were rare visitors on the last 3rd of our half.  Our passing game was very good and especially DT combined well with our strikers.
 
After 12 minutes we got the lead after a controversial (but correct) decision by the referee. Peter DT played the ball towards Chris, but a GAS player blocked the pass and it went high towards the German penalty box, here another GAS player miss-kicked the ball which allowed Chris to receive it close on goal and he made no mistake to give Vikings the lead. GAS was claiming offside, but the Ref did well to ignore his linesman as the ball clearly came off a GAS player.
 
Shortly after our opening goal Chris had a major chance as Peter found him totally unmarked inside the box, unfortunately the finish turned out to be too casual and the scoreline remained 1-0.We kept pushing on and had a great chance when Tommie was released with a great through ball, he tried to square it low for a Casper tap-in, but it was a terrible pass and the keeper caught it easily. We kept our head high and the work-rate by Cala&Elbo in midfield allowed us to keep pushing forward.

Casper had a good run just outside the box, but was tackled before he could finish. We eventually got our two-goal cushion, as Tommie turned on his defender to give him a clear run on goal. No mistake, as the side-footed finish found the back off the net.  2-0 Vikings. Truly, we had several chances to increase the lead and should have sealed the win already in the first half. GAS only had a few chances from set pieces, but Eu Jin did well when called upon, credit to our defence for keeping the Germans at bay.

After the interval we continue to search for our 3rd goal, which would surely seal the deal. We started brightly and Naoki brilliantly set up a glorious chance for Tommie, but the finish wasn’t up to the same standards as the build-up play.

Only 8 minutes into the second half two players saw straight RED in what was a frustration moment. The German centre-back was chasing shadows the entire first half and obviously decided his only chance was to play physical on Tommie instead of going for the ball. After some 4-5 kicks in the back calf and some pushing it was enough for Tommie, who placed a soft kick on the shin of the German defender after another incident. This was clearly due to frustration and Tommie can only blame himself for being dismissed.  The German player also saw red, as he physical attitude saw his placing two hands in the chest of Tommie. Guess it was mission accomplished by the Germans and a lesson to be learned by Vikings no. 10.

10 against 10 opened up the play on the huge SSS pitch and Vikings took advantage of that. 15 minutes into the second half we sealed the deal with a goal from Peter DT. 3-0 Vikings.

After that it was only a matter of how many goals we would score, but somehow we didn’t finish our chances, as Elbo, Marco and Peter DT had good opportunities. To much frustration for our outstanding back three (Jesper, Rafa, Just), we conceded a goal in the dying seconds for the match to finish 3-1.

More importantly we secured the 3 points and are now top of the table again !!

All the best to our striker Charni, who limped off in pain. It was later concluded that his wrist was fractured and he went through an operation at Gleneagles Hospital on Saturday night. Speedy recovery mate.

More Vikings news at: www.singaporevikingsfc.com