Latini vs SCC games have always been a tough fought competition...this time was no different. Although SCC were the better team and deserved the win the final result is slightly flattering. SCC had to work hard to get this win under their belt.

We decided to play a slightly more defensive formation to try to contain SCC's strong attack and attacking midfield players. For the first 20minutes it worked perfectly, SCC were struggling to create any openings. We defended as a unit and were able to minimise space and put the SCC players under pressure as soon as they moved into our half. Unfortunately this tactic meant that we defended rather deep and our attacking play seemed to lack the cutting edge. Although there were half chances it seemed we were missing that final pass, shot and also support from oncoming midfield players to cause any real threat to the SCC goal. So when we did start to push up the pitch we left gaps in midfield and SCC will hurt you if you give them space.

SCC play at their best when they can isolate defenders and have their midfield players running the channels. Unfortunately this is what happened to us and we saw 3 similar fashioned goals conceded in the last 20 minutes of the half.

Reflecting back now it is clear to see that this was our downfall and there was no real way back for us into this game - 3:0 down at half time. SCC took their chances well but considering the flow of play were lucky to be up with that many goals at half time.

We decided to go out and make sure we win the second half, no matter what the final result would be. The second half turned out to be a more open game both sides keen to get goals on their scoresheet. Unfortunately SCC were first to score. Latini moved their attacking play up a gear and throughout the 2^nd half looked dangerous when moving into the SCC half. We created a number of opportunities, caused the SCC defence difficulties and could have easily had a few more goals. Olivier Michel did excellent when he came on and scored Latini's first goal. After that Latini managed to score a fantastic and typical Latini goal - passing & movement that has been known to expose Cosmo teams. The build up started outside our own box, a nice through ball down the wing from yours truly to Adrien who returned it to myself, going past a defender 20 yards from goal and chipping the ball over the SCC defence for Adrien to finish the move with an lob over the oncoming SCC goalie...a great goal that any professional would have been proud of.

The second half scoreline was 2:2 but unfortunately the game was lost in the last 20minutes of the first half - 5:2. SCC look likely to be this years title contenders, with a very strong and offensive line up, nonetheless all teams can be beaten and we look forward to challenging them in the return leg.

Overall Latini game - we played well as a unit, worked hard for each other, showed great spirit and importantly were aggressive in our challenges and managed to match SCC on most parts of the pitch. Latini players can be proud of a good performance and making SCC work extremely hard to get the win. We still need to improve on keeping our defensive work consistent for 90minutes but if we keep playing in this fashion and with this commitment we will be able to challenge most teams in the league.

Man of the match is a tough one with a number of players fighting and playing well including myself, Benji(must have run 10k), Adrien and Nico (welcome to the team) but man-of-the-match has to go to Gaetan for brilliant defending against probably the toughest attack in the league.

Thanks to SCC for a physical but fair & competitive game, good luck for the season.

Referee and team - overall alright, a bit more consistency would be good, in particular when playing advantage - Gaetan saw a deserved yellow card but he was being pulled, tugged and kicked before he lost the ball in midfield and lunged into a late challenge, a few close offside / onside calls on both sides but overall refs did ok - thanks and good luck for rest of the season.

Latini Players: Training Tue 8pm LFS, game 3pm at SSS vs Brewerks (another tough test)