We were a bit cautious about this game given the result from our first round meeting with Lions. Brewerkz, for yet another weekend were missing many players and had much difficulty putting out a squad. Some new players making their debut meant that we had just enough cover on the bench 

Game got underway with Brewerkz looking a bit out of sorts in the beginning exchanges. Our final ball was always lacking and that invited pressure on our defence.

Lions playing a 3-5-2 formation always had an extra man in midfield that we somehow failed to deal with when they had possession. We probably had the better of the exchanges in the first half. A couple of individual efforts from Tomas, Yazid and Jacee came close but the Lions keeper had a pair of very safe hands.Lions did have their moments too. But finally, a through ball from Stuart found Yazid free behind the Lions defence and he calmly slotted in for 1-0.

Lions then had a chance to equalise when the referee awarded a penalty. Naturally we disagreed with the decision and the resulting yellow card but we did not argue much and decided to just get on with it. We prepared to follow up from the spot kick and Nicolas did very well to save and to preserve our lead.
 
More chances came and went. Then... a good attack from the left. The ball was squared back and half cleared by the defender. Sensing the opportunity to double my goal tally, I pounced as the ball broke free just inside the box. There was plenty of time to have a cup of tea take a few touches and find my spot, but like any 'good' player I chose to hit it first time. The ball thundered past everyone in the box and flew straight into the net-the one that surrounds the hammer throw pit that is! So much for doubling my goal tally. Half time 1-0 

After the restart we played a much more composed and patient game. We had lots of passing around the field and we created some decent chances. Some of our movement and play was very good to watch. Then, a foul outside the penalty box gives us a free kick.

Up steps Ganesh. From the free kick, he put the ball in probably the only place the very 'long' (looks almost 2m) Lions goal keeper could not get to. It smashed against the right hand post just under the top corner then cannoned off the opposite post before bouncing just in front of the goal line. Everyone stood rooted admiring the power and accuracy of the kick which the referee judged did not go in. Yazid was the only one to react and he stepped up to head it in from close range for 2-0. Five seconds after the ball had gone in, there were still some players standing opened mouthed and rooted to the spot. It was a good free kick.

Somewhere along the way, Lions had another decent chance. I played a lovely through ball in for their striker to get in past our defence. WTH right? The Lions top scorer 1-1 with Nicolas and the Nicky does well to save with his legs. Just like my shot, the through ball was something to forget fast. However I was desperate for my goal and made some forays toward the opponent’s penalty box again. On one such occasion, I managed to go past 2 players and put in a left footed shot- on target this time- which the keeper saved well. The ball looped up over him and Kenny did well to follow up for our third goal. 

Overall a decent performance from the Brewerkz considering we missed a number of regulars. Jacee playing upfront did well in his first game. I believe he will only get better. We should be pleased with the character and desire of the team to battle and win this game. 

The fact that none of our players reacted to the underhanded tactics from some of  the opponents was an encouraging sign for a Brewerkz team that for some reason or other seems to be holding up the discipline table. 

Ike did well to keep his cool when he was punched in the face, and watched as the offender got away with only a yellow card. And again later when he was elbowed in the face and this time the offender got away with just a talking to.

To be fair, the referee had a good game apart from the fact that we disagreed with the decisions made on the abovementioned incidents. 

As for the man of the match, there were a handful of players who deserved to be mentioned. Stuart again asked to play left back did a great job of keeping the Lions main threat under control. Composed with the ball and neat and simple in defence, nothing got past him and he swept up whatever went past the other defenders.  

Ganesh playing out of position in the fist half had a very good game in the middle. Probably the first time I have ever seen him tackle!  A brilliant free kick although he was a bit unlucky the Referee did not give it. Yazid, who goes about his business quietly but gets us those very important goals when we need them. Ike had his best game in a long time and Julien was stable as ever at the back. Young Phil made some vital tackles to keep us ahead.

On this day, i could say the whole team deserved a mention in some way or other but the MOTM has to go to Nicolas who saved a penalty in the first half and in the second half saved from the 1-1 which looked like a certain goal. After the disappointment at the Rangers game he has done well to bounce back, put in a great performance and redeem himself.