A Dire Day, A Dire Game

By Dean Blackmore

This particular reporter's Saturday began somewhat alarmingly when I realised I had no boots. A quick text to our Commander-in-Chief to warn him of my possible lateness was met with a curt response to make sure I arrived on time as this was a very, very important game. With this particular rocket up my arse I rushed around Anderlecht, sped to Nekker, quick-marched myself across the pitch to be told by Big Al that even at 12.20pm I was still the first to arrive. I'll know for next time!!!!!

The usual positive vibes filled the dressing room pre-match and why not with a 100% home record and no goals conceded. With our away form somewhat below our home form Scott re-enforced the need for 3 points to keep pace with the leaders. I, myself, wondered whether it was more a case getting 3 points in the bag with the expectation of another shite away performance the following week. At home we're Liverpool, while away we resemble Derby on a bad day.

This week we lined-up with a familiar / unfamiliar 3-5-2 formation. It was familiar in that we have played 3-5-2 in the past, but unfamiliar in that it was more of a defensive midfield with Marek sitting in front of the back 3, as opposed to an attacking formation with Miguel supporting the 2 forwards. So, the team was:

The game began in perfect English footballing conditions - a light drizzle. We looked comfortable at the back without ever really looking threatening going forward (is it obvious a defender wrote this?) The only work Dave had during the first half was a speculative 30 yard effort that sailed a similar distance over his goal. The odd occasion that Kenny and Alex received the ball one-on-one with a defender we did look dangerous and a couple of mazy dribbles by both could have led to more but for either a decent block / save / last gasp tackle. In truth we looked most dangerous from set pieces. A couple of corners, a couple of Lee headers - one just missing and the other hitting the outside of the post was the closest we came to a goal in the first half.

During his half-time team-talk Scott praised us for our control of the game, but still felt we weren't at the races and demanded more in the second half. Sadly, there's only so much a captain can do and we didn't respond to his request. In honesty, the 2nd half was even less inspiring than the 1st half.

I'm actually struggling to remember their keeper making a save. I'm sure he must have, but I can't quite remember any at present. Again, it was Lee that came closest to a goal. This time a slight deflection off a defender in front of him took the ball away from him when it seemed certain he could tap in. Though, in truth we all remember his miss from less than a yard in a previous match, so maybe this deflection merely saved his blushes.

The game ended with a disappointing 0-0. Trying to be positive this was a game we may have usually lost having dominated for long periods. But, it was really 2 points lost, instead of one gained.

Champagne Moment: Scott scything down an opponent in the 2nd half and trying to con the ref into not giving him a card by faking injury - the ref was not buying it.
Referee: Performed well in most people's eyes, with the exception of our captain, who was of the opinion we got nothing from him.
MoM: Lee