With a string of three straight losses facing Rangers and a German team in fine form, we knew a solid effort was going to be required to get a result on this very hot 3pm kick-off. In what was probably our best pre-game preparation we had 16 lads dressed, warmed up, stretched and pre-game tactics discussed well before kick-off.

The first half from the Rangers perspective was â??bend but don't break', as the Germans moved the ball very well around the well manicured Indian Association pitch and generally applied a fair amount of pressure to the Rangers back four. Alvaro put in a sterling performance with several saves of high quality from both set pieces and open play. At other times it was good tackles by the midfielders and the back line that allowed us to keep a clean sheet at the break. Good work all game by Craig, Chris and Victor at the back.

With a substitute and some smart positional rearranging at half time by Blacky and Danny, it was Rangers who started the second half with more desire and we started to create our own chances. Perhaps the best of which was a beautiful through ball from Cessay to a flying Said who narrowly missed his one on one with the keeper when he poked his shot wide of the mark. Our midfield of Gura, Bastjen, Joaquin and later Ozzy and newcomer Chris fought for every tackle and played well with each other. Passing was quick, timely and unselfish which it was nice to watch.

So it was a bit unfortunate when the Germans caught us on a break to open the scoring against the run of play. A stark reminder of the need to cover when a defender makes a gallop up the pitch and the opposition counter-attacks. Fortunately heads stayed high and we were rewarded with an equalized when Cessay rounded the Germans right fullback with a nifty little juke and fed a pass across the goalmouth to a wide open Joaquin who calmly slammed the ball into the gaping net. One all it ended and after 90 minutes under the scorching sun I think both teams were happy to get off the pitch.

Thanks to the Germans for an excellent match played in generally good spirit.