Match Reports
11th April, 2010
Universal 3 Upfront 4
(HT 2-1)
In spite of their league position - only recently back in fourth - Upfront have never been underestimated. The last team to win against Universal was indeed: Upfront.
Raphael fielded a 442: Ibby in goal; Kieran, Justin, Asari, Adam from right to left in defence; Smart, Curtis, Maka and McGall as flat four in midfield; Davie and Raphael formed the striker partnership. Ryan and Imran waited in reserve but would not tapped for this match.
Upfront kicked off, and put up most of the pressure for the first 10 minutes. From a series of corners and other attacks they would break through until a break down of communication between Ibby and his defence - the ball was sliced away from him while coming out and the Upfront striker was there first to pounce. 0-1.
The next ten minutes of play was Universal’s dominance: produced shots from Adam and Davie. Against Upfront’s counter-attacking drive, Ibby perfectly timed his tackle outside the 18yard box. The combined effort would pay dividends, Maka intercepted a throw in Upfront’s half, and with an assist he put it away to draw level: 1-1.
Play opened up for the final 10 minutes, but with a chip against Ibby over the cross bar and Raphael’s narrow finish going wide, the scores stayed fixed. Until the one of the last plays in the first half, Upfront could not stop the drive through midfield and Davie’s final finish. 2-1, the half-time score.
The second half started pretty much like the first, with Upfront taking the lead. With a counter attacking move up the wing. Upfront’s game was predictable: after their keeper held he would kick out onto space behind the Universal defence and hope one of the strikers would get to it first. With the pace Justin and Adam in defence such a tactic would not pay any more dividends. It was only from a free kick 15minutes into the 2nd half that Upfront gained the lead. 2-3.
But now Raphael was leading his team by example - he broke through defence and in spite of being fouled in the 18yard box - he still managed to roll the ball into the net. Raphael picked up the ball and carried it to the centre circle. However, rather than allowing the goal, the referee - surrounded by many of Upfront’s angry players - called for a penalty to be taken. Raphael picked up the ball from the centre circle, put it down on the spot, waited for the whistle, converted the penalty and - again - ran into the net to pick up the ball and carry it back to the centre circle. 3-3 with 15minutes remaining.
But, while everyone in Universal was focussed on retaking the lead, they had to form a wall in against an Upfront’s second free kick - a late runner was missed and the kick was taken short to an unmarked man who put it in. Upfront taking the lead again with now only 10 minutes of the match remaining.
After a substitution, Upfront’s strategy changed tack. Instead of mounting futile attacks against Universal’s defence, they used the pace to gain and hold possession to good effect. One goal attempt by Davie did hit the back of the net but it was disallowed. The game finished 3-4 in Upfront’s favour.
Universal have fought back from two-goal down before, but this time would not be enough get the result. This is the first time Universal have been beaten in the league this season and - just like they did last season - Upfront may have forced the league title to be decided on the very last match.
4th April,
Universal 10 v Pronations 3
(HT 6-2)
At first there were fears that Pronations might have to concede a 5-0 defeat but eventually, they managed to field a full team. Raphael fielded a 4-4-2 - Ibby was not available so Andy took his place in the net. Adam, Sunil, Justin and Asari formed the defence; Kieran, Curtis, Djimmi and Smart as flat four mi
dfield; with Maka as deep attacker and Oday up front. Imran, Ryan waited in reserve. Pronations kicked off.
Universal attempted lots of passing and possession but they were constantly under pressure. As soon as a gap did open Oday laid it off for Maka to finish in the 6th minute. An
d soon after that, Oday and Kieran linked up to grant a Maka another shot but he missed the chance.
Then Pronations enjoyed a 15minute spell with most of the attack, first with a couple of set pieces which were cleaned up. Then, from open play: Pronation’s players had four good shots held by Andy and two blocked by the defence. Andy was holding up well, but, in the 20th minute when he thought a Pronations winger was going to cross, the player’s contact went awry and the ball went behind Andy and into the net at the near post. 1-1.
But 5 minutes later, Kieran and Oday combined for their own shots with were blocked. But Djimmi forced his way in and laid another finish for Maka. 2-1. Then Smart started a drive on the left wing and set himself up for a cross - but instead took the shot and the keeper could not hold it. 3-1. Then while Pronations dithered in midfield, Djimmi pounced and launched a new attack. He put the ball wide for Smart to cross and Maka to knock in to complete a hat-trick in the 32nd minute.
Djimmi worked up another chance for Oday to put away which was tackled. But what happened shortly after that was bizarre: Smart crossed into Pronation’s 18yard box and Maka headed it in on target, then a defender put his hand up as if to turn it over the cross bar - an offence which would have caused a penalty and a red card - but still the ball went in and it was forgiven. 5-1. (I have award Maka the goal in the scorer’s list which makes it a “flawless hat-trick”.)
In the last two minutes of the first half it was a goal either side - first another drive started by Djimmi and quick exchange of possession between Oday and Curtis resulted in a blazing finish by Curtis. Then Pronations earned a goal back in the last minute - probably deserved for all the work they did earlier in the first half even if it was from a loose clean up in Universal’s defence. Half time score 6-2.
Universal kicked off the second half but Pronations, again, earned a glut of chances from two free kicks behind the 18yard line and a corner, but Universal’s defence managed to scramble it free. In the counter attack, Curtis did all the hard work to beat a series of Pronations mid-fielders and defenders, but his work was squandered when the finish by Smart went over the cross bar.
In the 10th minute Raphael brought on Imran for Asari, pulling Kieran back into defence and putting Imran into right midfield. Imran’s first play was incisive - he chased down a loose ball from Oday which was running towards touch and he kept it in, turned it into a cross for Oday to head in. 7-2. Near the 20th minute, a free kick by Curtis was carefully chipped over Pronation’s defence and headed in by Adam. 8-2.
Raphael put Ryan on for Smart and it was Ryan’s turn to create a chance - he held the ball near touch on the right hand side and was totally unchallenged so he took his time to position the ball, choose his target and curl a long ball towards the far post for Adam to tap in with his right. 9-2.
In spite of the lead, Raphael was not satisfied with Oday’s positional play so he ordered Oday back into full-back and Sunil to go forward as striker for the last 5 minutes of the game. This move might have been visionary or reckless: Oday was involved in a tussle for which the referee awarded a penalty. It was converted 9-3. However, at the other end of the park, a set up by Adam and a cross by Ryan was bundled in by Sunil! 10-3 was the final score.
28th March, 2010
Universal 9 Pollokshields 0
(HT 5-0)
Not expecting to be tested for any weaknesses Raphael fielded his usual flat 4-4-2. Ibby in goal; Adam, Justin, Sunil and Shuggy from right to left in defence; Kieran, Djimmi, Curtis and Smart in midfield; Raphael and Oday up front. Ryan, Asari and Eddy waited in reserve.
Universal kicked off (for the one and only time in this match), and the flowing passing game seemed much easier than the previous week. It quickly paid dividends, Adam’s drive was thwarted at the defensive line, but Curtis picked up the ball and threaded a pass through for Oday to pick up, turn and finish. 1-0 with 3 minutes gone.
Pollokshields were awarded a free kick in their own half, it was intercepted by Smart who drove in and crossed for Raphael’s shot which was blocked for a corner. Smart took the corner and Universal held possession with all but one Pollokshields player behind the 18yard line, it was impossible to get a break through. Later Smart beat his mark and crossed into Kieran’s path but he could not get a good contact on the ball.
For a spell, things tried to work in Pollokshields favour, they managed a sustained spell of possession around Universal’s 18yard box but Universal held it’s nerve. On a counter break, Kieran was brought down in the 18yard box but was immediately booked for diving. And a Pollokshields free kick was awarded 20yards from goal, it was chipped over the wall and went just an inch over the cross bar - this was the closest that any Pollokshields scoring attempt would get.
Smart overpowered his mark and made all the time and space to plant a cross into the feet of Raphael - but Raphael’s touch knocked the ball wildly over the cross bar. Smart beat his marker again and this time shot towards the near post - the keeper did well to smother and hold the shot. Oday’s drive up the right culminated in a shot by Kieran which was parried wide - from that corner Adam’s header was held. In response Pollokshields cross found the right target to header it into Ibby’s goal but the ball just bounced out wide.
For two minutes Universal pounded Pollokshields defence with Curtis, Raphael, Smart, and Kieran all being denied by blocks until Oday finished it off at the near post. 2-0 with 25minutes gone. In the 33rd minute Smart was now tormenting his marker on the right corner of Pollokshields defence - the defender just could not stop Smart from dispossessing him from a routine clear-up and crossing back in for Raphael to finish - on target this time. 3-0
Raphael and Oday linked up in the 36th minute to grant Smart a shooting chance which was blocked. But some quick passing around the 18yard box baffled the keeper who was suddenly left ahead of the ball with Smart calmly dribbling it into the net without a single defender within yards to challenge him. 4-0.
After Pollokshields squandered another chance, winning a 50:50 ball from Justin - which is very rare - and breaking through with ball at the feet, still rolled it wide as if they lost the nerve. Promptly this was followed by an Oday run which trapped the keeper ahead of the ball so Oday could roll it into an empty goal. 5-0 was the score by half-time.
The half-time talk didn’t seem to be necessary, Universal was in a more comfortable position than this time last week against InterThistle, the same strategy would serve for the second half.
When Universal’s defence was picked in possession, Pollokshields mounted a 2-v-2 attack on Universal’s goal but it amounted to nothing more than an rebounding counter attack which ended when Oday chipped over.
Shortly after Pollokshields kicked off, Smart picked his defender again and shot, to be parried wide by the keeper. From the rebound off the corner, Curtis attempted a shot which went over. But in the second attack, Raphael’s pass beat the defence and freed Kieran to try to beat the keeper, he drove the ball right under the keeper’s hands as he attempted to cover it - 6-0 and Kieran’s first goal for Universal.
Sunil attempted a shot from range after a Universal free kick rebounded, Pollokshield’s keeper just managed to hold it as the ball tried to spin out of his control. Djimmi forced a corner with was taken by Raphael - the ball was perfectly placed for Sunil, who wasn’t challenged - to header the ball into the net. 7-0 after 10 minutes of the second half. Raphael took this opportunity to come off - for Ryan - and bring Asari on for Kieran.
Smart would enjoy one last touch before being substituted: a brilliant play and good pass for Ryan to drive in his first goal for Universal. Eddy came on for Smart with Universal 8-0 up and 15minutes lapsed.
In the 20th minute Pollokshields crossed into Universal’s 18yard box and Ibby came forward committed to intercepting the striker. The ball beat them both through the collision, it was crossed in front of Universal’s goal but Sunil cleared it out. Pollokshields earned another couple of dangerous-looking crosses but none of their strikers could make space for themselves against the good marking by Justin, Sunil and Shuggy. Curtis cleaned up and drove, matched Oday’s run with a good pass and certainly would have broken the defence if Oday hadn’t been beaten by the best tackle in this match.
A 25th minute through pass freed Eddy to attempt a shot but his finish was wide. Smart was substituted back on for Oday. A long and powerful shot by Adam was tipped over the keeper’s fingers. But when Shuggy threaded a pass through for Adam to finish - Adam seemed to snatch the ball too quickly - however a defender diving in to cover him knocked the ball in. Adam would be credited with this goal. 9-0.
One last push by Pollokshields won them a free kick - it was perfectly placed for a striker to header but - as every finish by Pollokshields has been in this game - it was off target.
There was over 10 minutes of the second half to play, but an argument broke out in front of Pollokshield’s defence that prevented any further action from taking place. Two Pollokshields players were red-carded, as was Asari, and two Yellow cards were shown: to Raphael and Adam. The free kick was awarded Universal’s way but could not be completed before the referee called the game to an end.
Pollokshields have yet to present a strong defence against Universal’s attacking play, and this time was no different. Although, the scoreline does no justice for the number of shots that their defensive effort managed to block. It was also a boon in confidence for new players in the squad: Kieran and Ryan, to left their mark on the result.
21st March, 2010
Universal 3 Inter Thistle 1
(HT 2-0)
InterThistle have enjoyed a run of wins that has placed them fourth on the league table so they must have been something right and consistently. However, encountering Universal should put them in their place. Raphael fielded a 4-3-3: Ibby in goal; Sunil, Amadou, Justin, and Asari form the back four in defence; Garfield, Maka and Djimmi in midfield; Jean-Yves, Oday and Eddy form the attack. Imran, Ryan, Kieran waited in reserve and Raphael allowed himself to sit this one out. InterThistle kicked off the first half which was 10 minutes late owing to an overrun by a previous youth match on the same pitch.
For most of the first half Jean-Yves and Oday appeared to be commanding in InterThistle, enjoying most of the action and making a glut of chances. Shots from range by Garfield and Sunil were stopped, and a nice set-up by Eddy was cancelled out. Two sweet crosses by Oday along the goal-line were missed by Eddy. Oday tricked two defenders to make an opening and beat the keeper only for his finish to go just wide. Jean-Yves cross found Oday in position but his header could only make a glancing contact.
It was Sunil who opened the scoring after 30minutes with another one of his trade-mark free kicks, from 20 yards positioned, perfectly over the wall and 10ft away from the keeper who could only watch in dismay as the ball hit the net.
A minute later, and even though three strikers had bee assigned, it was a link-up by Maka and Sunil that brought InterThistle’s defence scrambling to crowd out another chance. Some cool passing from the back four put Oday in position to chip the keeper - but the keeper just managed to tip it over with a leaping save. Another shot by Jean-Yves was held. Then in the 35th minute Oday got his break and managed to turn the ball around the keeper to score his 24th goal this season. 2-0.
In the last minutes of the first half, Ibby was tested by a very long free kick taken from near the half way line, he had to parry it wide for a corner, shortly after that he held a shot that wasn’t really challenging him and the referee hailed the end of the first half.
Though Universal kicked off the second half, it was InterThistle who were off the blocks first but they only managed to test Ibby once. Then they got punished on the other end: when two defenders closed Jean-Yves down he beat them both and lined-up a powerful shot. 3-0 with 10 minutes of the second half gone.
InterThistle won a free kick right on the 18yard line, it went over the 6-man wall and over the cross bar. Twice, Maka was denied after being released to take on InterThistle’s keeper, each time the keeper managed to do just enough to delay him by closing him down and “looking large” , thus allowing his defenders to crowd the box and cover the goal line. With 15 minutes remaining Eddy was substituted for Imran and 5 minutes later Garfield was substituted for Kieran.
Maka was denied for a third time against this keeper. Then substitute Kieran found himself in a battle with defenders, trying to get a cross past them - he came down in the 18yard box as the ball was cleared for a corner raising an appeal for a penalty which was not awarded. A free kick was awarded by the side of the 18yard box which Sunil took direct and low around the wall, this time the keeper spotted it and held.
Now in Universal’s defence, Amadou was challenged in possession - like many times in the game in which he had no difficulty in holding the ball and releasing his pass, but this time InterThistle’s substitute was so persistent he eventually won the ball and laid it off for a striker, Ibby was chipped as he charged out to close him down and it went in. Before Raphael could bring on his last substitute Ryan the referee called time and the game ended 3-1.
In this game Universal was expecting to be tested much harder, it seemed as if InterThistle ran out of stamina and could not string their game together. The trend in this game was the same as the last - in which Universal won 7-0 - but the goals did not happen. Though Universal got all three points, the scoreline did not accurately reflect the difference in quality and fitness between these two sides.
14th March, 2010
Universal 5 Unreal Madrid 3
(HT 1-3)
Unreal have entered late into the league competition and have plenty of games in hand - including one more match after this against Universal. However, having lost 5 games so far there is no way they can take the league title. They would, as much as any team would, field their best and work hard for the qudos of being the first to take all three points off Universal. Raphael fielded the 4-4-2: Ibby in goal; Adam, Sunil, Justin, Shuggy from left to right in defence; Jean-Yves, Maka, Smart, and Asari in flat midfield; Raphael and Oday paired up as strikers. Imran, Djimmi, Kieran and Ryan waited in reserve.
In spite of Unreal’s late arrival and their shorter spell of warming up - it was Universal that suffered most in the first half after they kicked off 10 minutes late. Two goals fell in 5 minutes after Ibby smothered the ball but it spun out of his hands and into the feet of an Unreal striker, and the Sunil chested the ball down for a routine clearance from the 18-yard box but it spun over his shoulder and into the feet of an Unreal striker.
Raphael had insisted that the passing should be quick and one-touch but none of the passes were linking up and Unreal was getting too much of the action. Sunil managed to pull a goal back from a free-kick in the 10th minute - the keeper managed to get in the way of the shot but the ball still spun through his clasp. 1-2. Only for Unreal to score again a minute later from a move starting at their kick off - and Ibby’s save was on the button but was wasted by the ball spinning out of his clasp. 1-3.
The remaining 20 minutes were dominated by Universal since Unreal seemed to think they had enough of a lead to try slowing the game down. But there keeper stayed alert and fast - he stopped Raphael’s finish from a brilliant set up crafted by Smart and Adam, he stopped Asari from cleaning up a rebound. And some great play by Raphael to create an opening was wasted by the finish. And after Oday worked hard to thread a cross through Unreal’s tight defence, Raphael suffered the striker’s worst nightmare, and miss from a yard that went over the cross bar. Half time score 1-3.
Half time was an not an opportunity to reflect - every goal and near miss in the first half will plague their victims for a long time, the task at hand was the recovery. And whatever the team talk was for Unreal, Raphael’s would win the match.
Unreal kicked off the second half, perked up and confident of their lead. But in the 8th minute and 10th minute two scrappy goals were scrambled in by sheer force of will, Adam and Oday getting the credit for the shot. Both sides were now level and the momentum was with Universal.
In the 16th minute Oday tore Unreal’s defenders apart and though his shot was stopped by the keeper - Raphael cleaned up to take the lead. 4-3. Now Universal were back on form and Unreal were fully occupied with defending. Oday and Raphael’s combined to draw a shot which was denied. But they linked up again and fed Smart a tap in to extend the lead. 5-3 with 10 minutes to go.
This was the point at which Raphael took himself off and put Djimmi in midfield in put Universal into a defensive posture. The objective to hold possession. And with five minutes left, there was room to put Kieran on for Asari, Ryan on for Smart and Imran on Jean-Yves. Now with 5 fresh players on the field, Unreal’s task was all the more difficult. Unreal got really frustrated by Djimmi who blocked two shots in rapid succession, and Oday who stole possession in the last minute and beat 8 players with a display to cap off a stellar performance.
The first game against Unreal this season certainly rattled our cages when we were down 3-1 at half time, but the second half recovery not only strengthened Universal’s lead in the SUL, it also proved why the - unbeaten - league leaders truly deserve to hold the title.
7th March, 2010
Universal 5 ACIC 0
(HT 2 0)
After drawing with this side during the last meeting Universal had a point to prove. Though I expect ACIC already knew of Universal’s quality since at the last meeting they were 2-0 down by half time against a seven-man squad! This time Universal’s squad was complete and nothing less than a thrashing and a clean sheet will do. Raphael fielded the 4-4-2: Ibby in goal; Adam, Sunil, Justin, Asari from left to right in defence; Jean-Yves, Maka, Curtis, and Garfield flat midfield; Raphael and Oday as strikers. Pierre and Imran waited on the bench.
ACIC kicked off and for the first five minutes looked more aggressive in attack but their defence proved be their own worst enemy by conceding an OG - direct from a Universal corner! Shortly after that Curtis had to retire owing to injury and Pierre had to came on in his place.
A host of chances was missed: a cross and switch back bounced in front of the goal line but no one pounced, Raphael’s header from Jean-Yves’s cross was too difficult to get on target and he could not get onto the end of Oday’s cross, Oday formed a fast counter attack from an ACIC free kick in Universal’s half, but drove his shot wide. Raphael stole possession from the defender and punished him further by scoring. 2-0.
After Adam’s shot was cleared off the line, another Jean-Yves cross was headed over, another Oday shot wide and Maka’s finish was easily held by the keeper; the score at half time remained 2-0.
As in the first half, ACIC looked more aggressive in attack, but on the first counter they conceded a penalty with a foul on Oday. Oday converted 3-0. Sunil’s free kick was on target but the keeper pulled off the first of many spectacular saves to keep him out. Both Oday’s and Raphael’s driving shots were parried wide. In response ACIC’s best chance of the game was headed off the line by Justin.
Then Adam’s double completed the scoring. The first came from a spell of possession by Oday in which he taunted ACIC’s defence they couldn’t dispossess or foul him - Oday threaded a pass through for Adam to blast in. Then again after Oday’s shot was beaten back out by the keeper Adam picked up the ball, Adam ran around the keeper and finished so well it looked easy. 5-0 the final score.
Full points and a clean sheet were earned but not the thrashing - ACIC’s keeper kept out many more shots than he finally conceded.
14th February, 2010
Report by Kerry
Universal 2 Clydebank 2
(H-T 1 1)
Team:Ibby, Adam, Sunil, Justin, Abou, Jean Yves, Garfield, Makaveli, Djimmi, McGall, Oday
Subs:Imran,Pedro,Raphael
Universal kicked off with an early attack from James McGall down the wing leading to an offside decision against Oday. Universal kept their foot on the accelerator charging forward with Maka battling though the Clydebank defence just outside the box amounting to a powerful shot saved by the keeper. Clydebank came back with a mistake in the box by the defence leading to a goal after 4minutes for the opposition.
Universal hit back quickly with Justin’s ball down the line to Oday leading to a Universal throw in. This led to Adam pacing forward passing to Oday who tapped to Maka for another shot denied by the Clydebank Keeper.Clydebank retaliated quickly getting the ball into Universals box and out for a corner. The corner was put deep into the box leading to a shot quickly cleared over the bar by the Universal defence.
After a foul on Justin in the 12th minute, Universal had a free kick leading to a beautiful one-two with Oday and Jean Yves and another shot on goal and another save by the Clydebank keeper. Again Clydebank reacted quickly charging back up field Universal were ready for them this time cutting short their attack and turning it into another shot at the Clydebank keeper by Oday. The frustration became apparent after several more attempts on goal by Universal from Maka, Adam and McGall were all cleared by the Clydebank keeper Raphael decided it was time for a change. Djimmi came off to make way for Pedro. As time went on more chances came and went for Universal shots by Oday, Jean Yves and even Sunil stepped up all to be denied by the Clydebank keeper. Clydebank had a freekick in the 34th minute just outside the 18 yard box which was straight into the hands of Ibby.
The second half opened up as the first half ended with Clydebank pushing for a second goal making the Universal defence work hard to make sure this didn’t happen. Justin headed the ball out of danger when it looked like Clydebank had finally broken through and Universal retaliated by charging down left wing resulting in a shot from Oday just wide of goal.It was a foul on Oday in the 46 minute that resulted in a freekick bringing Sunil upfield to take. The keeper had no chance as the ball flew in the top right corner making it Universal 1 Clydebank 1. Clydebank tried to make a comeback with a shot put over the bar but Universal battled on determined to win the game. Universal kept pressing and shots by McGall and Jean Yves were again denied. The bench was on their feet when a cross by Oday reached the head of Adam deflected off the keeper and went out to the feet of Jean Yves leading to another shot cleared on the line by the keeper. Universal kept pushing for their second goal. A cross from Maka found the head of Oday who wasn’t missing when the ball fired into the net for goal number 2 for Universal in the 60th minute.
Pedro then felt an old injury cropping up and signalled the bench. Raphael came on giving Clydebank one more striker to worry about. As predicted more chances started flowing and McGall crossed to Raphael who took a shot with his first touch in the game but was denied by the keeper and the rebound fell to the feet of Adam who had another shot denied by the Clydebank keeper. Clydebank started fighting back again with another attack in the 72nd minute saved by Ibby but was put out for a corner cleared by the Universal defence. Clydebank kept pushing at goal and eventually scored after 74 minutes. Universal tried to battle back and a final attempt on goal by James McGall resulted in a final save by the Clydebank keeper and that last bit of action spelled the end of the game.
31st January, 2010
Universal 7 Pronations 1
HT 2 1
For this fixture Raphael fielded a flat midfield 4-4-2: Ibby in goal; Shuggy, Sunil, Justin and Adam from right to left in defence; Pedro, Curtis, Faz and Brian in midfield; Raphael and Oday up front. Imran, Djimmi and Chris in reserve.
Universal kicked off and lead most of the attacks from the left. Pronations defended well until the first switch to the right. A double save by Pronation’s keeper kept Pedro and Oday out, but the loose ball spun off a defenders boot and into the net conceding a 9th minute own goal, 1-0.
In the 11th minute, a combination between Curtis, Faz and Shuggy released Oday alone against the keeper. Oday’s ball was almost smothered but he still managed to smuggle it around the keeper and into the net. 2-0. In 21st minute, a quickly taken free kick by Pronations lead to their best chance in the first half, but the attack lost its nerve and Ibby held.
In the 23rd minute a corner by Pronations was headed in (Some compensation for Duran who had conceded the own goal), 2-1. Universal drove hard to extend the lead, a couple of chances went over and two more blocked by Pronation’s keeper, the score remained 2-1 up to half time.
7th minute into the second half, Raphael shot’s was parried wide for corner which Adam volleyed in. 3-1. Minutes later Justin a broke through midfield and outnumbered Pronation’s defence, fed Raphael a chance to shoot which was finish well. 4-1. Universal’s passing game and cool composure held most of the possession and kept Pronations pinned in their half. In the 17th and 20th minutes both Raphael and Adam secured their 10th goal this season.
Raphael brought on the substitutes for the final 15minutes of the game: Djimmi on for Faz, Chris on for Brian and Imran on for Pedro. Pronations fought hard for every ball all the way to the end and could not get a break through. To add to insult Oday beat the keeper in the closing minutes to bring his season’s tally to 20 goals.
24th January, 2010
Universal 5 Ansar 0
Conceded by default because Ansar could not field a team.
13th December, 2009
Universal 3 Hillhead 2
HT 2-1
This game would be, in Raphael’s words: “a real test of our title credentials.” And to compound the challenge of playing against one of the top two sides on the table, both sides have to work through the most difficult conditions: cold, dark and foggy evening with visibility of the ball much less than 100yards.
The team line-up: Ibby in goal with Shuggy, Justin, Sunil and Adam in defence; Pedro, Djimmi, Maka and Brian as flat four midfield; Raphael and Oday up front in attack. Andy, Imran and Eddy waited in reserve.
Universal kicked off but the early chances fell for Hillhead, Ibby had won a race to a through ball but fumbled the slippery ball as he tried to collect and the striker almost got to it. A couple more incisive Hillhead attacks were thwarted by tough defending. A good pass by Raphael released Oday but the final cross intercepted. And a sweet touch and shot by Oday was deflected wide.
It was Hillhead who took the lead after 15 minutes. From a free kick lobbed high towards the far post, one of three Hillhead strikers was able to get to it and head it down towards the net.
Hillhead took all their corners short, and the first attempt won a powerful shot on target which Shuggy read and blocked. When Ibby regained control of the ball, he booted it high into Hillhead’s half, their defender failed to control the ball and Oday pounced. He gained control of the ball and with a touch of brilliance beat both his marker and the keeper to put it away and draw level with 30 minutes lapsed.
Though Hillhead’s quick passing on the ground was making advances, tough tackling at the back was breaking them down. But when Universal tested Hillhead’s defence, the pressure from Oday, Raphael and Maka was panicking the defence. They struggled to get the ball out of danger and drew a powerful shot from Brian which was parried wide for a corner. Then Hillhead also failed to defend the corner effectively, Oday got on the ball found a gap and drove it in. 2-1. Towards the end of the first half Raphael attempted a shot from range, he beat the keeper but it went just wide.
Hillhead kicked off the second half with the same plan of action, quick low passes through midfield and breaks into the defence. But Universal’s defence was on form and creating rapid counter attacks. When another attempted break though broke down, Adam was in control of the ball a blazed forward at high speed, with an assist from Raphael, Adam found his gap and drove in his 8th goal of the season. 3-1, and a blow to Hillhead’s composure 10 minutes into the 2nd half. Sunil’s positioned his free kick over a four man wall and it had to be tipped over for a corner. 15th minute substitution brought Eddy on for Pedro.
With the clock ticking down, Universal attempted to hold up the game for as much as possible but got punished by being caught deep. Hillhead pulled one goal back and were suddenly perked up with 15 minutes of play remaining. They crafted a couple of good chances to draw level - however the finishing was poor. At the other end Raphael missed a similar chance to finish after Oday and Brian combined to open up Hillhead’s defence cross the ball in.
The last move of the game was Hillhead’s attack, resulted in a collision in Universal’s 18yard box and the ball was thrown out of play by Ibby so an injury for one of Hillhead’s players could be tended to.
When play resumed, Universal’s defence was poised for a final push by Hillhead. But instead Hillhead simply returned possession by throwing it back from touch to Ibby and then the final whistle was blown. This was a remarkable show of sportsmanship by Hillhead after such a fiercely contested, difficult match and important game.
The final result, 3-2, puts Universal 4 points clear of Clydebank at the top of the table for the second half of the season.
6th December, 2009
Universal 7 Prostar 0
HT 5-0
An game against Unreal was scheduled but the other side were unable to field a team at this time - so Prostar stepped into the time-slot to have another shot at Universal after losing their last game 6-3. A full squad turned out who all enjoyed spells in the game. Ibby in goal; Brian, Sunil, Justin and Shuggy in defence; Pedro, Maka, Curtis and Adam formed the flat four midfield; and Oday and Raphael went up front.
Universal kicked off and in the first minute, Maka took on and won a his tangle with 3 of Prostar’s midfield players, Maka released Oday who beat the off-side claim and scored. Less than one minute gone and Universal were 1-0 up. And less than ten minutes later Maka did it again! This time driving through the defence and finishing himself. 2-0.
A further ten minutes passed with Prostar chasing the ball - when they won it they were a threat, Ibby did have to hold a scissor kick attempt which was on target. But a free kick at the other end exposed Prostar’s true weakness: their defence. Just a couple yards away from the corner of the 18yard box Curtis standing over it, they put up a three man defence. But Brian standing behind Curtis took it direct around the wall, Prostar’s keeper saw it late and it went directly into the net. 3-0.
Work by Maka and Pedro drew a shot by Raphael which was deflected wide. Raphael took the corner - and Oday was on the end for a totally unchallenged header. 4-0. After a reckless tackle on Maka in the centre circle drew a free kick - the ball was delivered right into Prostar’s defence for Raphael to hold and Adam to finish. 5-0 the score at half time.
For the last ten minutes of the first half Prostar’s defence did regain some focus and managed the keep this scoreline in spite of shooting attempts by Raphael and Pedro. Then in the beginning of the second half they enjoyed a spell from which they had more shots on goal, but if luck was needed to enter score sheet, it never came. In on incident, Ibby had to punch a goal-ward ball out and it rebounded off a Prostar player and went wide.
After 15minutes of play Raphael brought on the substitutes. Djimmi came on for Adam, and Perierra on for Pedro. And while Prostar’s were again losing composure, Djimmi was keeping his to trap the ball and under pressure place it calmly into Prostar’s net for his second goal for Universal this season.
With less than 20minutes remaining, Raphael himself came off to bring on Orlando, and brought Shuggy off for Andy. There was an ugly looking collision between Ibby and a striker which stopped play briefly but fortunately no there was no injury.
In the final throws of the game. Oday came off for Eddy - and before Imran could come on to replace Maka, Universal were defending a corner. The cross in was intercepted by Curtis who spotted a run by Eddy, Eddy took it all the way into Prostar’s defence and put it away with a quality finish, less than 10 seconds after Prostar had taken their corner. 7-0. And Imran himself was unlucky not to finish after a contest for the ball with the Prostar’s keeper in front of his net.
In spite of the quality that Raphael warned his team about in pre-match talk, Prostar’s undeveloped team organisation held them back, and they could not make any impact on Universal this game who ran rampant - especially in the first half.
22nd November, 2009
Universal 6 Ansar 1
Universal’s experience with Ansar has been mixed but Raphael knew how they would attempt to break the defence - he fielded a 4-1-4-1 with: Ibby in goal; Adam, Sunil, Justin and Shuggy; Djimmi as sweeper in front of defence; flat four midfield: Pedro, Curtis, Maka and Smart supported Oday up front as a lone striker. Imran, Brian and Andy subs.
After Universal kicked off, both sides played a quick passing game, but Universal’s possession was lasting more than Ansar’s. And this would pay dividends, Maka drove through the defence and laid the ball off for Oday to turn it around the keeper with aplomb. 1-0.
Then after Oday’s pass released Curtis and they both left Ansar’s defence static and claiming offside, Curtis crossed in and even if the ball went in off a defender running back to his line, Curtis still earned the strike. 2-0 with 20 minutes gone.
A minute later a free kick by Sunil curled low around the wall, almost surprised the keeper who had to dive to his left to stop and hold.
After Djimmi, in his sweeper role broke down Ansar’s progress - yet again - he was on the ground after a sliding tackle. The Ansar player then fell on top of him, it looked deliberate and an altercation ensued which drew two bookings for Ansar.
Smart did all the work to read Ansar’s defensive line and put himself on the end of a good cross, but Oday’s misjudged timing of the pass and Smart was ruled offside. Curtis free kick from 25 chipped over the wall and Smart was on the end of it but his header went wide.
In the closing minutes of first half, a good attacking drive culminated with a powerful shot by Pedro, it was parried back out and cleaned up by Curtis. 3-0. Through pass by Maka judged perfectly for Oday who had no difficulty beating Ansar’s keeper. 4-0 at half time.
At the start of the second half Brian came on for Djimmi, Justin moved forward into that position while Brain took his place on the back line.
After a clearing up series of Universal threats from throw-ins in their half and a couple of corners, Ansar won themselves two free kicks from 25 yards. Only one header was on target and Ibby held it. From then on, Ansar seemed to have difficulty earning any possession. Maka sneaked in, fed Oday who completed his hat-trick. 5-0
Maka was unlucky not to be on the end of the ball as he was closest to it after Ansars keeper gaffed his throw out. But on the other end Ibby had to make a double save and clean up after Universal defence got caught in possession.
Substitution - Imran came on into the right wing in place of Smart, but was getting into the action up front. And Andy on for Adam. 15 Minutes before the end, a soft penalty was awarded for hand ball in the 18-yard box and this time Ibby couldn’t stop it so Universal’s clean sheet record broken. 5-1.
But the last ten minutes of the game was Smart’s, he was subbed back on for Oday and on his first possession of the ball, drove through Ansar’s defence and scored 6-1. When Curtis had broken through and took a shot which was parried, Smart was almost there to clean up the rebound. And after he won the ball in midfield, fed Imran with the charge. Imran beat his marker and crossed in but Smart just missed the tap-in.
Game finished 6-1.
15th November, 2009
Universal 7 InterThistle 0
For this game, InterThistle were never considered an attacking threat, and that opinion was vindicated, Ibby won his second clean sheet. But after the domination in midfield by Maka and Curtis, with spells by everyone in attack, InterThistle could consider themselves lucky not to lose by a wider margin. The line-up was Ibby in goal; Andy, Justin, Sunil and Adam back four in defence; Shuggy, Curtis, Maka and Djimmi in midfield and Raphael with Oday up front. Imran was available as sub.
Universal kicked off and fought for an early lead but it was not forthcoming, both sides could only draw one easy save for the first 20 minutes. The best opening fell for InterThistle who found a break through Universal’s defence, but Justin outpaced the last man on the ball and took it over to clean up. And a free kick from the left edge of the 18 yard line was curled in like a corner for Shuggy to attempt a header but it was much too difficult a shot to stay on target.
Then from his defensive position, Adam stole possession off his mark who was taking too long to control the ball. Passed it to Oday who drove up the left wing and crossed it back in for Adam who had run with it and overlapped. Adam finished with aplomb to take the lead.
Some nice work by Oday resulted in shooting chances that fell for Raphael, Shuggy and Curtis but the ball kept coming back out. After a foul on Maka - which drew a booking - the free kick taken direct by Raphael went over. But at the other end, a free kick by Inter hit the wall but landed awkwardly and needed several attempts by Universal’s defence to get clear.
For the remainder of the first half Inter’s attack did not present them with any opportunities but their defence only broke down once to let Raphael through to deftly chip their keeper for 2-0, the score at half time.
For the second for Andy came off and Shuggy took his place while Imran came on to occupy the right wing. He was as involved in the play as Shuggy was in the first half. Making one cross into the 18yard box for Raphael to finish, but there was not enough pace on the ball to cause the keeper any concern. Raphael did, however, make up for missing the chance by scoring from open play in the 5th minute. 3-0
A Universal corner was taken quickly and short for Oday to place the ball into the box, Sunil almost got to the end of it before the keeper smothered the ball. Inter tried to break forward but one drive was trapped by off side and a chip attempt from range was left by Ibby to bounce of the cross bar and out for a goal kick. In the 15th minute Oday broke through to put away the fourth, but his cross for Raphael was blocked and another solo run by him ended up with the ball hitting the side netting.
Throughout this game Maka was making his characteristic drives through Inter’s midfield and defence, combined with Oday and Curtis’s ability to cause problems, Inter would be denied any chance of catching their breath. In the last 5 minutes, Curtis made an opening for Imran who wasted no time in putting the ball away. And when Inter’s keeper found himself one-on-one with Curtis, there was nothing he do stop Curtis going around him and finishing.
The last action was a desperate attempt by Inter which drew a good save by Ibby who parried a powerful shot wide for a corner, when this corner was defended the whistle blew for the result. 7-0.
1st November, 2009
Universal 4 Upfront 0
Upfront almost tripped up our defence of the title last season by winning their last game, this time they would face a similar squad - except that first choice Ibby would be in goal and Raphael, as player manager, arranged the 442 midfield flat rather than diamond-shaped. Line-up: Ibby in goal; Shuggy, Justin, Sunil and Adam in defence; Smart, Curtis, Maka and Rodrigo midfield; Raphael and Oday strikers. Substitutes Andy, Imran and Djimmi also got spells in the game.
Universal started well after Upfront’s kick-off by holding most of the possession in midfield and forcing them to chase the ball, but from only one missed pass Upfront pounced and created a chance. Ibby covered the goal quickly and the finish went wide.
In the 7th minute, Sunil intercepted a weak throw-in and with a through pass, released Oday. Upfront’s keeper had to put on the first of many good blocks to keep him out. Then Universal’s possession play moved forward near Upfront’s 22yard line and shooting chances followed. A free kick by Curtis was placed towards the top corner, but no one there to knock it in. Raphael laid the ball off for Maka to shoot but it went over. Oday’s holding and control created a shooting chance for Raphael which was held.
Then it was end to end game driven by both goalkeepers - Ibby first, pulled off a great stop, held and quickly released the ball giving Oday the task to take on Upfront’s keeper by himself - the keeper pulled out a good save and returned a long kick from which Ibby had to make another stop.
After a good cross-in, Smart was there tumbling to tap it in but the ball was parried wide. Raphael lined up for 30yd free kick in the 25th minute, he drove it through the wall, it took a slight deflection but Upfront’s keeper still read it and held.
In Universal’s half Ibby had parry out and another good chance for Upfront went just wide. Then Oday tried again to unpick Upfront’s defence, Raphael came in to assist and laid the ball off for Maka to blast it in but the sensational reaction by Upfront’s keeper managed to keep it out with just one hand.
However, after that excitement, it seemed as if Upfront’s attention lapsed and that is all it took for Raphael and Oday to quickly notch up two goals from open play within a minute. And Oday nearly extended the lead further a minute later but Upfront’s keeper pulled off another stop.
With Universal leading 2-0 up after 35 minutes, Upfront desperately needed to narrow the lead and almost did it by a quick shot from nearly 30yards skimmed off the top of Ibby’s cross bar. After Smart played and timed his pass to beat Upfront’s offside claims, Oday was let through and finished with his 10th this season. 3-0 the score at half time.
10 minutes after Universal kicked off second half, Djimmi was substituted on for Rodrigo. While Universal’s rearrangement was till adjusting, Upfront got through and Ibby was beaten. But Djimmi’s first touch was to clear off the line. Ibby was then able to smother the ball and Upfront’s attack.
17th minute, Universal was awarded a free kick midfield which was taken quickly and suddenly threw Upfront into a scramble to defend, but Upfront’s keeper was able to keep out the shot. Raphael found space and Oday’s pass in front of Upfront’s goal, but Raphael just could not get around the keeper who came out to meet and blocked every view to the net.
Upfront’s 20th minute corner was perfectly placed across Ibby’s goal but he managed to tip it over before anyone could pounce on it.
During a battle between Oday and Upfront’s keeper, Oday cut past, the keeper caught his foot bringing him down and a penalty was awarded. Maka was delegated to take the penalty but Upfront’s keeper positioned himself and made the stop look academic.
With only 10 minutes remaining, still raining and the evening setting, the frantic pace was not letting off. Andy was brought on for Shuggy. Minutes later Imran was subbed on for Oday and his first touch was the game would have been enough to score. He had done all the work to beat the offside and place himself at the end of a cross but just missed the tap in.
With two minutes remaining, Ibby pulled off a sensational save - equal to Upfront’s first half stop of Maka’s driving shot. However, Maka promised to make up for his missed penalty. With the number of times that both Oday and Raphael had been beaten by Upfront’s keeper throughout the game - it only took Maka one attempt to get round him and put it in for the final result 4-0.
From my point of view, as a spectator, this was the best opposition Universal have had to meet so far this season. Even if Upfront’s earlier games in the SUL this season have suffered major set-backs from player shortages, they had a full squad this time and had stepped up a gear. But so did Adam, Sunil, Justin and Shuggy who all had a flawless game and Ibby’s performance was exceptional, winning his first clean-sheet this season.
25th October, 2009
Universal 11 Pollokshields 2
Ibby in goal; Adam, Djimmi, Justin and Shuggy in defence; Rodrigo, Maka, Curtis and Sunil formed a flat 4 midfield, with Raphael and Oday as strikers. Brian and Imran substitutes.
Universal kicked off and in the opening minutes took the lead. Route One: Ibby’s goal kick was knocked through defence by Raphael and Oday was on the end of it to finish. 1-0.
Pollokshields reply with a spell of possession: once shooting wide and two times winning a free kick from 30yards which was taken directly on target but stopped by Ibby. After Shuggy overlapped Curtis and was brought down on the ball, Curtis took the free kick direct and scored. 2-0 with 15minutes lapsed.
After Raphael, Maka, and Sunil were stopped by Pollokshield’s defence, Adam broke through and scored in the 30th minute. 3-0 the score at half time.
For the second half, Brian was subbed on for Rodrigo, allowing Adam to move forward into a midfield position.
Universal kicked off and after a short spell, Raphael’s knock on let Oday through for another finish. 4-0. A minute later, a Curtis one-two with Raphael drew a shot which was blocked. But quickly after that, Brian and Raphael combined to put Adam through to finish. 5-0 with less than 5 minutes of the second half gone.
## incomplete, more to come later.
11th October, 2009
Universal 3 Clydebank 2
HT 1 1, scorers, Raph (13, 69) Oday (67). Team line-up. Ibby in goal; defence, Justin, Abou, Amadou and Adam; midfield, Oday, Sunil, Djimmi and Jean Yves; Raphael and Maka up front.
The usual order in the Scottish Unity League table has been restored with Universal on top.
The team line-up. Ibby in goal; Justin, Abou, Amadou and Adam from right to left in defence; Oday, Sunil, Djimmi and Jean Yves in a flat four midfield; Raphael and Maka up front as strikers. Everyone played to their strength and focused on the specific instructions given by Raphael. His organisation was radical and a demonstrated good knowledge of the game.
Clydebank would be the toughest test yet - the team with the best scoring form in the league. And 5 minutes after Universal kicked off, they showed off how. A fast paced sprint up the wing starting square from their goal keeper, cross and tap in.
But Universal was not shaken by the danger and started to win the best of the passing. Both Raphael and Oday had chances blocked and Maka released Jean Yves. He pulled a reaction save from the keeper and the rebound fell to Raphael who put it in. 1-1 after 15 minutes of play.
Exchanged spells of attacks, both defences blocked.
HT 1-1.
Second half with Universal more patient with the ball but Clydebank were the first to create chances. Ibby had to come out to tackle the last man, the first time successfully. But the next, he collided with his own defender and the striker tumbled in the box to win a penalty. The spot kick went in on the 10th minute. 1-2.
## incomplete, more to come later.
27th September, 2009
Universal 6 Prostar 3
HT 4 1
This time a full squad turned out and Raphael could now play the 12th man from the sidelines. And by all accounts: 4-1 up by half time, all three points at the end and all 15 players got some action in the game, it was a complete success for his first SUL game as manager. Rodrigo would have to guard the goal while Ibby is away; Andy, Justin, Martin and Mark from right to left in defence; Curtis and Djimmi in central midfield with Adam and Sunil on right and left wings. Oday and Eddy strikers. On the substitutes bench: McGall, Imran, Ossi and MrT.
Prostar kicked off and played a sharp passing game for the first few minutes of the game, but could not break through. They won a free kick 19yards out and it was taken direct to test Rodrigo who punched the ball down and cleared. In spite of Universal doing most of the defending, they earned the first goal. A long ball forward from Curtis to Oday who deftly chipped the keeper to take the lead. Further pressure from Universal won a couple of corners, Raphael barked at Oday to get into the box, let Adam take. Adam curled the ball towards the far post and Oday was at the far post to nudge it in. 2-0.
After an Oday header went over the cross bar and Sunil drove his shot wide, Prostar managed to break through Universal’s defence to pull one back. 2-1, 25minutes into the game. And they almost scored again a minute later after a defensive mix-up, but Justin and Martin recovered in time to clean up. Unrelated to this mix-up, Raphael decided to bring on MrT for Andy.
Prostar’s keeper got a scare after a 35yard free kick starting turning in towards his top corner - ha managed, just, to cover it as it bounced back out from the cross bar, Djimmi pounced on the rebound but his shot was blocked by a defender and the keeper was ready to dive again and smother the ball. In the 30th minute Oday crossed in and found Sunil who volleyed it in on target - his shot was blocked and fell to Eddy who’s shot was also blocked. When the ball fell to Sunil, he put it away. 3-1. Some strong play in midfield from Djimmi released Adam on a one-to-one versus Prostar’s keeper, Adam’s finish from range beat the keeper but went just wide.
In the last spell of the first half, a precise through-ball from Curtis released both Oday and Eddy into Prostar’s defence. The defence was stymied by Oday’s running off the ball and Eddy’s finish, taken quicky, beat Prostar’s keeper on full alert. 4-1 by half time.
For the second half, McGall came on for Eddy. Universal kicked off and scored within the first five minutes. A long free kick by Curtis punished Prostar’s defence as he found Sunil on the far post who headed it towards Oday on the spot who headed it in to complete his hat-trick. 5-1. IN the 15th minute a Prostar free kick from 22yards went over the wall and beat Rodrigo. 5-2.
In the 25th minute, Curtis and Oday linked up in attack to free Adam with a shot on goal - he blasted through the keeper. 6-2. With 10 minutes remaining Ossi and Imran joined the play to replace Jimmy and Mark. But the last goal of the game was an accident when a collision between Sunil and Rodrigo resulted in an own goal. 6-3 at the final whistle.
13th September, 2009
Universal 11 Unpredictables 1
HT 4 1
Another game plagued by player shortages this time got all three points and sent the message that 10 Universal is still a concern. The team line-up: Ibby in goal; Shuggie, Jimmy, Justin and Brian back four in defence; diamond midfield with Curtis in holding, Raphael and Rodrigo in the wings, and Eddy as attacking midfield; In the striker role, Chip was only available to stand in for 20minutes but Oday would become available after 5minutes. The opposition - formerly know as Ansar - had changed their name to Unpredictables just to trip up my typing.
Unpredictables kicked off and did score first in the 5th minute. Their lead was lost in the 15th minute after Passing by Raphael and Eddy put Rodrigo in a shooting position which he duly converted. Welcome back Rodrigo - one of the founding players of Universal!
Universal almost trailed again after Ibby was beaten in the 22nd minute by a cool shot but it went off the post. Then series of midfield free kicks were awarded to Universal over the next five minutes as Unpredictable struggled to deal with the quick passing moves, but each ball in just led to an immediate counter attack which broke down as it approached Universal’s alert back four.
In the 30th minute another free kick, this time awarded to Unpredictable, resulted in a Universal counter attack which paid dividends: Eddy rolled in his first goal to put Universal in the lead. 2-1. More passing by Universal baffled their opponents: with Eddy driving up the wing, assisted by Oday, found Curtis with all the time and space to craft his finish. 3-1.
Then shortly after an Unpredictable attack broke down, the counter attack pass fed Eddy another shooting chance. 4-1. The last move in the first half was Raphael’s cross which was turned in under pressure, found Rodrigo head but went over the cross bar.
After Universal kicked off the second half, it took four minutes to score. After Eddy shot wide and Raphael was kept out by Unpredictables keeper, a free kick on the 22 yard line was precisely placed by Raphael. 5-1.
Then the misery was piled upon Unpredictables two minutes later after they earned themselves a penalty from an incisive attack which was tripped up in the 18yard box. Ibby was in good form, he blocked and held the spot kick.
Oday had his shot blocked by defender, and Eddy’s battle with the keeper went the keeper’s way grabbing the ball from his feet. But Eddy earned his hat-trick in the 15th minute. Following this, apart from some spells of individual talent in the Unpredictable striker partnership, they could not claw their way back into this game against a rampant 10-man Universal.
Then Oday stepped up to the plate to add to their misery, with an assist from Curtis he put away a goal for himself which would have been more impressive had it not looked so effortless, 7-1. In spite of this, Eddy was still the keeper’s main concern. His attack on the edge of the box earned the keeper’s undivided attention, but Eddy just passed and almost found Raphael to strike at an open goal.
Five minutes after his first goal, Oday got his second - a dream shot that he had all the time a space in the world to compose. 8-1. In the same minute Oday, still effortlessly tearing Unpredictables apart, fed Djimmi with a simple shot to put away. 9-1. An Unpredictable free kick was met with another incisive counter-attack, this time by Curtis who drove the ball by himself into their 18yard box and was brought down. Brian was delegated to take the penalty and converted. 10-1. Finally, Oday did the same for Justin as he did for Jimmy, tore open the despondent Unpredictable defence and fed Justin the finish, 11-1.
6th September, 2009
Universal 3 A.C.C.I. 3
HT 2 0
Raphael in his first role as manager was let down by many players who said they would be available but failed to show up. When Universal kicked off, they had only 7 players - just enough to legally start: Ibby in Goal, Justin, Oday, and Garfield defence; Curtis, Maka, and Raphael in midfield and attack. However, in spite of a 3 man short-fall, it didn’t appear as if ACCI were aware of their advantage or they could not from a plan to gain from it.
Universal kicked off and proved they could contain ACCI with Oday and Garfield tackling and winning the ball off anyone in a dangerous position. Then Raphael won a clearance in midfield and laid it off for Curtis who drove the ball into the net from over 20yards to take the lead. 1-0 with only 6 minutes lapsed
.
While throughout the first half ACCI did get chances, their finish was poor, ACCI only managed one shot on target which was parried by Ibby.
William became available after 20 minutes and went up front. 24th minute, Maka coolly rolled the ball past the keeper who had come out to meet him but it went just wide. But Raphael and Maka linked up later to pull ACCI’s defenders aside so Raphael could lay the ball off to William who wasted no time driving into the net. 2-0. Maka was closed down by two defenders while the ball bounced between them, but he judged the bounce best and held them off long enough to get his shot, but that went wide.
The first half came to an end with Universal 2-0 up in spite of being 3 men down. However, even though 8-man Universal proved they can zip the ball like about like a wasp in a glass box, they still needed to do much more work than ACCI.
For the second half, Chris and Grady came on as fullback and left-back so Universal’s complement was now 10men. But after ACCI kicked off they managed to create a couple of chances through the reinforced defence. However, their finishing was never anything to worry Ibby, and ACCI’s defence still appeared as if they were outnumbered. Raphael cut in across the box, but William chipped it over. William put pressure on ACCI’s keeper when he won Ibby’s goal kick, but took too long on the ball before he was crowded off it.
After Oday, in defence, wrestled his mark off the ball at the edge of the 18yard box, the referee awarded a free kick. It found it’s way through the crowded 18yard box and was tapped in at the far post. After ACCI’s double substitution, they drew level from a corner. Then after being caught in defence, the ball was stolen and ACCI took the lead. 2-3 with less than 10 minutes remaining.
In spite of the exhaustion, Oday came forward, curled the ball past ACCI’s keeper towards the far post where William knocked it in to draw level with a minute left to play. The last touch on the ball was ACCI’s keeper who held another shot on target. The game finished 3-3.
This result was no fault of Raphael, who reflected that even the draw would have seemed unlikely in these circumstances. And since the previous two seasons went all the way to the wire, this point could prove to be valuable. So this was a bad start - even if ACCI were oblivious to the opportunity for 3 points for most of the first half. A game that Universal would obviously have won by a wide margin ended as a draw because players who said they would be present on the day did not turn up.
Comments»
We need all the three points in this game guys - a good attendance & good timekeeping will be a good starting point.
How about a 10 - 0 target?
Keep pushing guys! You had a very goo start to the season and you should see it through. It would be good if you could win the league again. Well done!