The first half saw some good passing and movement from Ubin. The Dutch defense held out well, fending off a number of good Ubin build ups from the back line through the midfield and across into the box. The Dutch goal was threatened on several occasions, but the majority of opportunities struck on target failed to find sufficient direction beyond the firmly placed figure of the keeper.

Getting that first goal, something that always been a challenge for Ubin, would be crucial in this game. However as the first half unfolded, Ubin seemed to be putting a result at risk by playing to the pace of the Dutch. With the newest member of the Ubin fan club in attendance, nothing but a win would be acceptable.

While at times reluctant to pull the trigger in place of demonstrating some fancy footwork, Arthur positioned himself for what was a certain scoring opportunity, only to have his legs chopped out from under him by a clumsy and malicious side-swiping from a long-legged opponent inside the box. “Play-on” said the referee to the surprise of all players, all spectators and the linesmen alike.

With half time looming and 0-0 on the scoreboard, Ubin set frustrations aside and lifted efforts to ensure we didn’t go into the break goalless. A well worked ball crossed in from the right flank was brilliantly brought down by David who turned inside his man to put away a great opener. Only minutes remained until half time which was welcomed with a sigh of relief. 

After an accurate half-time assessment of the state of affairs from Gregg and stern warning about the lack of control of the game’s pace, Ubin entered the second half fired up to build up our goal account early and switched to a 4-3-3 formation to reflect a revived attacking appetite. Following an early attack by Ubin down the left flank, a strong throw-in from Joel found the back of Mike’s head, which in turn found the far top corner of the goal... again to the surprise of all players and all spectators alike. 2-0 Ubin with confidence building.

With the Dutch visibly tired on the back of their defensive efforts in the first half, Ubin dominated play through the second term. A number of free kicks were awarded within striking range as a result of tired and sloppy challenges. Stian converted one of these with an assist from the keeper who was unable to absorb the shot on this occasion.  3-0 Ubin.

The Dutch, not content to hang their heads, pushed forward in a couple of passages of play.  While Ubin’s back line held strong, defending corners against a lineup with nothing under 6’2 is never an easy task.  The Dutch took advantage of a lapse in Ubin’s concentration and pulled back a goal after scrappy clearance attempts. On a separate well worked attack from the Dutch, Amin was called on to make a fantastic save, tipping over a well struck shot. Perhaps a wake-up call that Ubin needed.

After signs of electrical storm activity across the backdrop of the second half, a 5 minute lightning break was eventually called by the officials, allowing the players a short drinks break to the view of the storm fading off in the distance.  Not to be distracted, Ubin picked up where they left off and continued pressing forward. The Dutch also picked up where they left off, giving away several more free-kicks around the top of the box. Jamie came close to converting one of these, with a shot deflecting out off the upright. Gregg’s attempt unfortunately did not, with the shot deflected out off the side of his boot (obviously still being worn-in).

The final stretch of the match had a number of good attacking moments with Ubin working on our one-two skills and focusing on using the width of the pitch as much as possible. A number of good chances presented  themselves, with David picking up a hat-trick by taking advantage of two of these, meeting the ball on the back post from well directed crosses from Jamie and Sebastian pushing forward.