FC Irlande - Matchday 8

Forestois 2 – 2 FC Irlande

If you’d given us this result with ten minutes to go we would have been very disappointed, but when the final whistle blew we were, for the most part, relieved that yet another dominant performance had brought at least some reward. We bossed this game, but almost threw it away in the dying moments. Only a late, late equaliser spared us from immense heartache.

We had a very strong line-up, with Yann, David and Charles providing the skill and metal in midfield, and our three big guns at the back (though not Adrian, who managed to get his ID card nicked while at Club You).

As early as the second minute we had them under the cosh. From a corner Fred had two shots blocked on the line. We looked strong, and our early promise bore fruit when I was fouled on the edge of the box and Axel, who had been bragging vociferously before the match about his ability from such positions, stroked home one of the jammiest free kicks you’ll ever see. To say he scuffed it is a generous description, but under the wall it went, off a defender’s foot and into the corner.

They were a strong side, but not particularly dangerous, except for their captain at one moment shortly after that goal. He held off a few challenges 30 yards from goal and let fly. It was a great effort that flew past Chris before he could move. 1-1.

In the second half we kept playing our patient football and really started causing them problems with the introduction of Alvaro, who might have started the match had he not forgotten his ID at home. Que boludo! He whipped in a great cross from the left, but Axel’s header was straight at the keeper. Shortly after this chance I had a couple of one on ones, but was let down both times by poor final touches. David had a great shot spectacularly saved by their keeper, and then hit the post with a looping effort.

A draw would have been immensely frustrating, but with just a few minutes left it looked like we were going to go home with nothing. I failed to control a pass near their box, and for one of the only times in the mach they managed to put together a decent move. Through on goal their striker hit a shot that Fred could only half block. The ball looped up and over Chris and into the net. 2-1.

With time running out we got a free kick on the edge of the box. Alvaro hit it straight into the wall, but collected the rebound and floated a cross in with his right foot. I got a faint touch on it and planted it in the far corner. We were out of jail.

FC Irlande: Chris, Fred, Christian, Alec, Yann, David, Benoit (James), Iwan (Alvaro), Charles, Ross, Axel (Kieran)

Goals: Axel, Ross

Man of the match David – Distributed well, broke up the play and was unlucky not to score.