Match Review: Gaelic Lions FC vs Hotspurs FC

• GK Derek Saw Wen Yu
• DF Jasper Seet
• DF Paddy Bourke
• DF Tom O'Donnell
• MD Jack Skok
• MD Rhys Tomos
• MD Stephen Swords
• ST Benjamin Toh Qi Shan
• ST Ronan O Boyle
• ST Darragh Burke
• ST Oscar Lee

• DF Wilfried Lapierre

A night to forget…

With a number of late drop outs shortly before the game, Paddy was tasked with manning the goal and the lads started with ten. Hotspurs took full advantage and managed to snatch an early goal - thankfully our keeper turned up shortly after, but credit where credits due, Hotspurs defended outstandingly and the boys simply couldn’t break them down. Not good enough tonight, but we go again next week. Well done to the Hotspurs and thank you, as always to the officials

• Suman Shrestha GK
• Oliver Roberts DF
• Jordan Martin DF
• Simon Hearn DF
• Oliver Harbord DF
• Jacob Hiscock MD
• Tom Ruffles MD
• Ross Cumming MD
• William Betts MD
• Hugo Ritch MD
• Nick Kouvaritakis ST

• Cameron Mills MD
• Charlie Hick MD

Clean sheet, clean sweep.

What’s that…!? Did someone say Clean Sheet? On a barmy night in Woodlands, Hotspurs emerged triumphant, notching a hard-fought 1-0 win over Gaelic. And yes, that elusive clean sheet we’ve not seen since April. Hotspurs rolled in with an abundance of defensive options that would have given the likes of Gareth Southgate a boner. The management committee scratched their heads and, after much deliberation, opted for the classic 3-5-2, with a back 3 of Roberts, Hiscock and Low, with Hearn and Harbourfront taking on wing-back duties, ready to bomb up and down as far as the Malaysian border would let them. It was also a call up for debutant Sunam who stepped in between the sticks, showing glimmers of quality throughout the game. Gaelic were short a few of their regulars, and Hotspurs sensed it was our moment. We were hungry to turn the tables after a few past encounters that haven’t gone our way. Early pressure from the boys paid off as the ever energetic Nick K snatched the ball from a defender, powered forward with his head down, and slotted it past the Gaelic keeper with a rare left-foot shot. No sliding shots were required, and its great for the Greek magician to open his account for the season. The rest of the first half was fairly balanced, though Hotspurs came close to doubling the lead just before the break. Tom Ruffles, on a personal mission to finally score off a corner, could be heard muttering, “It’s coming, lads.” But after 2 great deliveries from the cornerspot, he failed to convert; a story as old as time for the boy from Essex. Half time came, and so did mother nature. Lightning flashed across the JB skyline, and apparently a bolt clattered somewhere in the 10km vacinity, despite the radar app disagreeing. The siren rang, and a 30 minute delay ensued. The only thing we wanted postponed that night was Gaelic’s hopes of a comeback. We re-emerged with a fresh 4-4-2 setup. Cameron came in on the right with his “Uni fwiend” Charlie stepping in at DCM, both eager to leave a mark on the game with their buoyant enthusiasm. Gaelic, showing more possession in the second half, tried to push us back, but our defense held firm. Hearn, ever the liability (his words), wisely took himself off after a yellow midway through the second half, sensing the red might not be far behind. DOTD nomination secured. Hotspurs had some late chances to seal it. Ross provided an expertly executed air kick on the edge of the box,displaying his best Sunday league impression, while Cam tested the stratosphere from 12 yards with a shot that’s probably still in orbit. In the end, the squad dug deep, soaked up the pressure, and locked away the 3 points. Nick K who was tireless throughout earned MOTM and claiming he covered “12km” in the victory. Jordan, Jake, and Oli, as always, were rock-solid at the back. Two wins in a row, and finally a victory over Gaelic! Turns out the real journey wasn’t just getting to the pitch but holding on to that clean sheet.