1. Steven Thomas
2. Michael Joergensen
3. Michael Oestergaard
4. Martin Just
5. Naoki Fukushima
6. Michael Jensen
7. Thomas Elbo Andersen
8. Peter DT Hansen
9. Soren Larsen
10. Thomas Sorensen
11. Rasmus Bach

Subs: Buck, Charni,  Lars Moeller, Marco, Chris

Vikings were keen to prove that we belong at the top this season and was set out to defend our pole position against Casuals. This encounter was a good opportunity to test ourselves against one of the top teams. 

We started with our usual attacking minded formation and always looked dangerous going forward. Elbo, Bugis, DT & Cala did well in midfield to close down Casuals, which allowed more attacking freedom to strikers Dyne, Tommie & Rasmus. We had quite a few chances in the opening minutes with shots from both Dyne & Tommie, but the good build-up play lacked quality finishing in the opening minutes. We eventually took the lead from a beautiful Cala corner, which allowed Rasmus to power his header into the net and get the Vikings faithfull cheering on the sideline.

Again, great to see the support shown to our team on and off the pitch. The opener was well deserved as our defense had coped well with the pacey Casuals strikers. Unfortunately that didnt last for long, as Casuals got their equalizer shortly after our goal. The striker took an early shot towards our goal after a nice first-touch and as the ball was just outside Stevens reach, it was 1-1. (maybe he would have saved that, if he was wearing his beloved David James shirt)

We worked hard to keep Casuals away from major chances, but they will always be dangerous going forward. We had some good opportunities ourselves and a remarkable one-two between Tommie & Rasmus was only denied by a streaching Casuals defender. The last 15 minutes of the half was dominated by Casuals and it was unfortunate but yet deserved that they took the lead before the break. The goal came from an incident where we were caught on the back-foot, as Casuals was awarded a throw-in even when Elbo clearly shot the ball out to a Casuals corner kick. This handed Casuals a one-two situation which eventually let to a clear shot from outside the box. The strike was beautiful and Steven was left with no chance. We must be more aware and don't concede due to quick throw-ins and free kicks.

Second half showed a good team effort by Vikings, as our tireless midfielders and in particular Calamari continued to fight for the team. Casuals scored the 3-1 goal, where our keeper didnt managed to hold onto a shot. This was unfortunate, but most players kept figting and we were rewarded when new-boy Charni got his first goal for Vikings. Credit to Charni for putting in a solid performance and he could even have scored the equalizer after some neat footwork. Chris also had a good chance to score another goal coming off the bench, but the shot was sadly straight at the keeper.

Match ended with a Casuals victory and we were a bit disappointed to concede our first defeat of the season. The game showed that we can challenge the top teams and with full squad expected available in the coming weeks, things indeed look promising for our much-loved Vikings.

More Vikings news available at: www.singaporevikingsfc.com

Cheers.
Thomas Sorensen