Match Review: Gaulois Sports Club vs 1TM Latini FC

• GK Fauzi Johari
• DF Raphael Froberger
• DF Jean Vincent Vaury
• DF Victor Papin
• DF Maxence Ribalet
• MD Clement Bourdoncle
• MD Irfan Muhammad
• MD Ghassen Chniti
• MD Paul Dourthe
• MD Jean-Baptiste Bois
• ST Antoine Le Meitour

• MD Wissam Adli
• ST Sean Low Wen

We are trying but failing...

Weeks pass by and results are the same for GSC. After the disappointing loss against an opponent that was at our level, GSC faced Latini, a top 2 team over the last years. Despite some absences in the attacking and defensive lines, GSC presented himself with a strong midfield, and thought they had something to do on that hot afternoon. The beginning of the game gave them right as they started well and had the best opportunities. On an attack, Paul dribbled well in the box, got foul and awarded a logical penalty kick. He made justice himself and scored (1-0 10min). GSC reached water break up 1. Then it was a different story. Latini put more pressure, and GSC started conceded some opportunities. Finally, Sharples after a nice run on the left and scored (1-1 30min). Shortly after, Clement injured his knee and had to exit the pitch. A bad loss for GSC. On another run from Sharples on the left, he delivered a good cross to his teammate who scored (1-2 40min). GSC was down 1-2 at HT and lost one of his key player. First 20min of the 2nd Half GSC was still hanging to that one goal difference despite some dangerous shots from Latini and good saves from Fauzi. Still 1-2 at water break. The last 20 mins were more chaotic. With too many turnover/bad decisions, GSC conceded 4 goals but managed to score 1 by Victor on an assist from Irfan (2-6 FT). A lot to think about for GSC. Some good display in this half of the season, but results are not where they should be. Optimism is that with some new additions in defense and attacking lines from Santa Claus, GSC should be better in 2025! Thanks Latini for the game! Good luck for the next games!

• Pete O'Brien GK
• Jonathan Baker DF
• Fraser Anderson DF
• Taishi Fukuda DF
• Ben Tomlinson DF
• Samuel Taylor MD
• Moritz Gerdes MD
• Jamie Roberts MD
• Ben Marshall ST
• Mike Sharples ST
• Jacob Saurin ST

• Jamie Townsend MD
• Joseff Davies MD
• Nick Verill ST

On a ridiculously hot afternoon, 1TM started sluggishly, allowing Gaulois to seize an early advantage. Their striker, weaving through our defense, was brought down in the box by JR, resulting in a penalty that was clinically converted to make it 1-0. We entered the water break reflecting on a disappointing opening and determined to turn things around. And turn it around we did. A quick response saw fine finishes from Sharples and Tinks, flipping the game on its head by halftime with a 2-1 lead. In the second half, we established a commanding position. Sharples completed his hat-trick with two more well-taken goals and was unlucky not to score a fourth when his superb free kick rattled the post and ricocheted into the goal off the keeper's back. WEX added his name to the scoresheet, capping a lively display off the bench. A late lapse allowed Gaulois to grab a consolation, but we left the pitch satisfied with the 5-2 victory and the all-important 3 points. A big thank you to Gaulois for the game and to the match officials for their efforts. Wishing everyone in the Cosmo League a wonderful Christmas—see you all in the new year!