After an unconvincing start to the season GAS had the opportunity for a much needed 3 points against a team who they achieved one their biggest wins last season. However, despite the margin of victory last year, no one was taking this game lightly and 3 points was all that was required.
Despite a few new faces, the set up was similar to last season again and with a bare 11 against them GAS started heavily on the front foot, dominating possession and creating all the early chances. It didn’t take long for the first breakthrough and it came about through a freekick on the edge of the box. After the French players switched off, Johann spotted John in acres of space just inside the box and slipped it to him to drive across the box first time. It didn’t quite go to plan; the ball instead flew over the keeper’s head and in off the crossbar for the first goal of the game. Fair play to the lad, he held his hands up admitting it was meant to be a cross, unlike some.
With the first goal under their belt GAS were not expected to push on and close the game off before HT. Despite still dominating play, and now playing against 10 men, there were few clear chances being created and it took until close to the 40-minute mark for the second goal. After winning the ball back on the GAS right side the ball was played to captain Tommy inside the box who was brought down by the French player who had a clear hold of his arm. In true captain’s style he grabbed the ball and took ownership of the ensuing penalty. Up he stepped and rolled it in off the post to close the game out 2-0 at HT.
After a couple of changes to the team at HT, GAS stepped out in the second half knowing that if they grabbed the next goal the game was all but over. However, it was a very disjointed start with the French looking for the first time like breaking through and creating chances against a so far, stubborn GAS defense. As it happened, it was the French who managed to grab the next goal after a lung busting run from their veteran captain who laid it on a plate for forward to make it 2-1, changing the whole dynamics of the game and making what should have been a straightforward 2nd half, a lot more difficult.
After conceding, GAS stepped it up a gear once more and really should have seen the game off through Thomas Pound (not the transvestite one from X-Factor) who somehow managed to steer a header over from quite literally under the crossbar. It’s likely that the transvestite from X-factor would’ve scored that and it would’ve capped off a fine combo from newboys Billy and Murgs.
GAS continued to dominate the half and, in the end, finished the game off in slightly fortuitous fashion as the French GK managed to do what Thomas Pound couldn’t and sent the ball into his own net after a shot from Johann. No doubt the young lad will be claiming that for his first goal at GAS.
Final Score – GAS 3 – 1 Les Gaulois
MOM – Philip Matteoli in his new #10 role