1. Steven Thomas
2. Michael Oestergaard
3. Buck Seng
4. Lasse Kroeyer
5. Thomas Elbo Andersen
6. Thomas Sorensen
7. Daniel Lund
8. Naoki Fukushima
9. Kim Oestergaard
10. Kenni Goldenbeck
11. Rene Frandsen

Subs:
12. Jesper Sorensen
13. Stefan Mikic
14. Eivind Lund

This weekend we were up against Nippon on their home turf, Japanese ass. We were grateful to be given a 5pm kick-off, as the warm weather at 3pm would have been very difficult to handle.

This was never going to be an easy game, as 10-12 regular players were missing due to injuries and overseas “Rape & Pillage”.  We were even missing our supporters Dyne Larsen & Morton on the sidelines. On the positive side there were a few new faces in the squad, seeing Kenni Goldenbeck make his comeback for Vikings after 2 years absence.

We needed some time to settle down in our new line-up, as Nippon started the match quite well. Their work rate is always high and they didn’t give us much time on the ball. Both teams created some decent chances, but we were certainly lacking the final touch. Nippon didn’t really look dangerous, but they deservedly punished our casual attitude with two goals on counter-attacks.

We still created chances in front of goal, even though our passing game was far from perfect. Kim & Kenni both came close, but we failed to convert. Somehow we were still confident that we could win this match, as the chances were definitely there for the taking.
The turning point came 5min before the break. Kim broke free and found Kenni inside the box. The comeback striker made no mistake from close range, 1-2. This goal lifted our game and Tommie scored the 1^st half equalizer in stoppage time. Daniel made a nice cross and Tommie’s head flicked the ball on to score at the back post. 2-2 at half-time. Vikings were suddenly awake & alive!!

Our success in recent weeks is very much due to the aggressiveness & passion in our game. This aspect was lacking in the first half and we agreed to give it our all from the first whistle in the second. We did just that and controlled the match, creating several good chances. The aggressiveness was there, but our passing play was still not up to its best. The match started to settle down midway through the half and Nippon actually had some decent counter-attacks. We swapped a few guys around the pitch to create more firepower in attack and that gave us the edge. Kim found Tommie with a through pass (via a Nippon player) inside the box. The Nippon keeper and last defender both approached Tommie, which left onrushing Daniel-san with acres of space at the back post.  Daniel received the ball and scored the winner in the “almost” empty net.

Amazing comeback in a difficult match, which saw many new faces in the starting line-up.  Thomas “Helicopter” Elbo was awarded MOM for a great performance as holding midfielder. All circumstances considered, this was a really good win.

Thanks to Nippon for a competitive match played in good spirit

Ref Rating: 7

Cheers, Thomas Sorensen