I think most of the team were sitting at home early on Saturday afternoon, like me, quietly hoping that the game against Nippon was called off due to the rain. It had been pissing down all day to be fair and usually the slightest bit of rain on the AR-JAS pitch results in an early beer.

Still, the game was not cancelled and this left the manager with a threadbare squad of 12 with 10 mins to go until kick-off, with a couple of players en-route (including our regular keeper Pepe).

Considering our lack of preparation, it was no surprise that we started slow and Nippon started fairly strong. Even so, we were unfortunate to concede when we did due to a dreadful mistake at the back. Our stand in keeper and feminine products specialist Ken attempting to play the ball out from the back, only for it to stop in a small swamp on the edge of the box. The Japanese attacked, who was waiting in the swamp, then put the ball into the empty net with consumate ease. 0-1.

It didn't get much better after that either, as Nippon scored from a quick counter-attack as Rangers were starting to play better and create chances. Dave and Joaquin probably had the best of the chances with both only having the keeper to beat, but it was looking like it wasn't going to be our day. 0-2 half time.

The lads got a bit of a rev-up at half-time, mainly due to lack of composure rather than lack of effort. We needed to put away our chances and the next goal would be vital.

As it happened, it was Rangers who scored next. A hopeful ball to Blacky's chest ended at the feet of Mario on the edge of the box, who stroked it into the top left of the goal and gave the keeper no chance. Game on.

Ken redeemed himself from his first half mishap to pull off one of the saves of the match with a great reaction save after a shot was deflected off the Rangers defence.

Rangers continued to press Nippon for the equaliser, which came soon after from a similar position, with Gura running through the centre of defence and finishing to the left of the keeper.

Rangers continued to dominate, but we could create the sort of chances that we did in the first half. Although one of the best chances fell to Blacky, with him running onto a long ball for a one on one with the keeper. With the swamp just ahead, he elected to shoot early and the keeper saved well by parrying it away to safety.

With 15 minutes to go, Rangers got the breakthrough we deserved when the Nippon keeper misjudged Naughty 17's over-hit free kick and dropped it into Blacky the poacher. 3-2 was how it ended.

Thanks to Nippon for an enjoyable game on a sodden pitch, and thanks to the officials for keeping their cards in their pockets and allowing the game to flow.

Cheers
Blacky