At the later time of 11am, Rami’s Britanico’s lined up looking to grab 3 points and exorcise the demons of last week’s poor defeat at the hands of last year’s league winners. The team lined up with Rob in goals, a back four of Zayd, Sean, Ally, and Chaz (in a rare starting role), the charismatic and handsome Nick Boyle, Chris Parker, Chris Straddling, and the debutant, Emeka in the midfield, fronted with the powerhouse Ish, and the maverick Olivier up front.
The game started well for Britanicos as they kept possession well across the defence and midfield much to the delight of their erratic manager. Assistant manager Lee Fletcher’s words of wisdom at training and in the dressing room seemed to be working well as through some very patient passing, Emeka found himself free at the edge of the box to loft an acute shot over the head of the Torrepista goalkeeper, nestling nicely into the top corner. 1-0 Britanicos, and a fantastic start to the young man’s FCB career. Soon after, FCB again found themselves in front of goal through some more quick and slick movement across the front. Olivier’s cutback found the rampant Nick Boyle, which he then coolly dispatched into the bottom left hand corner. A dream goal for the lad, and one that was met with delight on the sidelines too. In truth, the first half was quiet, and cool for Britanicos. Defensively, Rob was only called upon to clear up a few speculative efforts from long range, and whenever pressed, the back four were composed and clinical in disposing with any threats. 20 minutes passed, and despite a Torrepista corner that directly skimmed the bar, the game was effectively put to bed 5 minutes before half time when Nick released Olivier to then round the goalkeeper and slot home with ease.
Half time: FCB 3-0
Just as the day was beginning to heat up, the second half started again with the same message. Torrepista had decided to go for broke and play with three centre forwards, each of which consistently enjoyed sitting 5 yards offside, however they soon became undone again by Nick Boyle (15th assist of the season) as he broke down his wing before firing a low cross across the face of the goal to be buried by the impressive Emeka at the back post. Time passed, and changes were made to the defence and midfield as Chaz made way for Silky, and Kostis replaced Chris Straddling. Disaster struck soon after as a result of some complacency, and a miscommunication between defence and goalkeeper allowed for an otherwise redundant number 9 to calmly roll the ball into the unguarded Britanico net. Although Rami had demanded a clean sheet at half time, it was not meant to be. The loss of the goal was soon put into perspective though as Emekas’s replacement, Stuart, was tackled into the side barriers, and smacking his head in the process. After 10 minutes delay, and an ambulance call, the game restarted and was played out well by FCB. The passing and concentration had perhaps faltered through most of a scrappy second half, however in the closing moments FCB were not troubled, and finished off the match professionally and in control.
