Saturday 25th August 2018
As is often the case, the quiet seaside resort of Pattaya was the destination for the first preseason game of the season, with Pattaya City providing the opposition on this occasion. Light on numbers for the trip down it was a good opportunity to stretch the legs and get some valuable minutes under the belt before the grueling preseason camp and long season ahead.
It was a fast start from the GAS boys who started on the front foot and began to dictate the game, knocking it around well in midfield and pushing forward at every opportunity. After a couple of near misses the breakthrough finally came from a familiar face in veteran goal getter, Dominic, who slotted it right in the top bin from a short corner for his first strike of the season!
A couple of chances here and there before the break, new GK Maris was forced to make a few excellent stops, but the boys entered half time in front with a reasonably comfortable 1-0 lead.
Back out for the second half and an uncharacteristically sloppy start let the Pattaya boys back in through a long range effort and the scores were back to 1-1.
It was clear by now that there were a few tired legs out there and a number of changes were being made to keep the shape and momentum going and it didn’t take long before GAS were back infront, again through another sumptuous strike from Dominic from distance making the scores 2-1.
GAS were expected to push of from here and really put the game to bed but 3 quick fire, sloppy goals from the hosts completely turned the game around and left GAS shell-shocked as they found themselves 4-2 down heading into the final 10 minutes.
Not wanting to suffer a first defeat in a very long time against this outfit, GAS pushed as many forward as possible in search of goals and got a 3rd through an unusual, if not unlikely, source. After the opposition GK held onto the ball too long, an indirect FK was awarded just inside the box and Dominic managed to grab his hattrick through a low strike and give GAS last minute hope of saving a draw.
However, it wasn’t to be as chances went begging in the final few second and the scores finished 4-3 to Pattaya City in what was a massive wake up call for the returning GAS lads. There will be chances to turn this scoreline around over the season and it’s hoped that with extra reinforcements for the future fixtures, revenge will be sweet.
After the game it was back to the new local for Pattaya City for a fantastic BBQ and beers and on behalf of all associated with GAS we would like to thanks the team and their hosts for their hospitality.
We look forward to meeting you later in the season.
Final score 4-3 Pattaya City – MOM Mr. Stuart in his final game (Good luck in Dubai from all at GAS)