Goals: Parreira, Thomas, Amu

Cards: Hogan (yellow)

Half-time: 1-1

Venue: ITE Balestier

Report:

A strong second half performance provided all three points for Brewerkz in this clash with the Vikings. Having taken 25 minutes to get into gear, two good goals from Richard Thomas and Micky Amu early in the second half were the key moments. Brewerkz went on to create - and miss - several more openings, but held on for a good win against strong opposition.

A welcome back for Manager Kev McCormick prompted a reversion back to 4-4-2, and a recall to the starting XI for Ike Junior. It was a worthwhile recall as the Nigerian was voted man-of-the-match as he rescued Brewerkz several times in the opening 20 minutes from well conducted fast-breaks by the Danish opposition.

In an even opening half hour, Vikings scored a beauty of a goal from fully 25 yards to take the lead, only for Chris Parreira to power home an equaliser from the same distance. Both teams might have added to their scores. Jamie Swan had the ball whipped off his toes close in, and several efforts from Tomas Miranda, Amu and Parreira fizzed over the bar or wide, while it took Brewerkz a while to come to terms with the skilful Viking forward line. When we did, the game changed.

A half time tactical shuffle, and those two strikes for Thomas and Amu gave Brewerkz breathing space. Amu set up Thomas unselfishly for the first, and then powered home a 25-yard free-kick to take his personal tally for the season to 10. Brewerkz went on to boss the second period, despite being down to 10-men for almost 20 minutes of the half as injuries to Mike Hogan and Junior were assessed.

Chances came and chances went, but the encouraging thing was that we created them. Subs Matt Harding and Matteo Balde might both have scored; Soh Yi Long crossed brilliantly for Amu to head just too high, and Junior had what to be a good goal disallowed.

Defensively, Alex Westacott's ankle problem, then Mike Hogan's injury (see below) gave Stuart Aitken a slot as one of the back three, whilst Fulvio Manini and Lawrence Loy - after early scares - were both in excellent form. In the end, 3-1 was the final tally. A strong performance from a strong Brewerkz squad of XIV. McCormick had selection dilemmas before the game in who to leave out. It's a nice problem to have.

Brewerkz Man-of-the-match: Ike Junior

Fools Gold: Mike Hogan's short, but eventful substitute appearance. Ten minutes, yellow card and hobbling off after the tackle which earned the yellow card was painful.

Training: Tuesday, 9.30 PM start, Turf City Premier Pitch

Kit washing duties: Etienne van den Boegaert

Next Fixture: Sat 11th. October vs. Swiss

Venue: Japanese Association, 4.45pm kick off (venue and start time to be confirmed)

Thanks to:

- The match officials who were very good and sensible.

- Vikings were strong and fair opposition.

- Great touchline support again. Appreciated.