Match Review: Singapore Vikings FC vs Hotspurs FC

• -- Jonas Groenbech
• -- Thomas Sorensen
• -- Brian Spietkitz
• -- Karl Martin Nygaard
• -- Thomas Elbo Andersen
• -- Alexander Broun
• -- Jesper Meincke Nielsen
• -- Peter Boe
• -- Andreas Hoffmann
• -- Brian Chang Won Plaenoe
• -- Michael Riber Hansen

• -- Anders Fauholdt
• -- Nikolaj Moeller
• -- Hotan Matthews
• -- Casper Christensen

Another 3 points after a close game!

2nd match of the season for the Vikings, with a team that saw several changes from the 1st. Luckily the defense consisted of the same 4 strong pillars from last weekend, as the rest of the viking material was offensive players. From the first whistle there was good fight from both sides. The Hotspurs, being a strong physical team, put the Vikings mettle to the test in every tackle. In return the whiteclad northmen tested the speed of their opponents on the wings. The teams were well matched, and it took a corner for the Vikings to get ahead. After a well placed cornerkick into the back of the box, Peter Boe rose high and signed for the delivery with a header consisting of 90% hair and 10% brain. The whites came out strong in 2nd half, and it didn't take long for US to bless the Viking supporters with some eye candy after a pass from Jesper "Roadrunner" Meincke on the right wing. The closer the 2nd half got to an end, the more the Hotspurs were fighting. After a few mistakes from the backchain of the vikings, the ball was intercepted high on the pitch, and after a few passes a beautiful curved shot from the Hotspur right winger saw the match to 2-1. The pressure was kept high by the Hotspurs, but without any luck, and the referee whistled off at 2-1. Thanks to Hotspur FC for a fair and pleasant match, and thanks to the refs for keeping the game well under control.

• Martyn U'ren GK
• Tom Hine DF
• Aaron Jones DF
• James Keane DF
• Ali Roseburgh MD
• Nick Kouvaritakis ST
• Thomas Greene ST
• Barry McVeigh --
• James Kilbee --
• Duncan Elias --
• Guy Turton --

• Joshua Donavan MD
• Lionel Kong MD
• Nick Keong --

Close..But No Cigar

It's always a tough test against the Vikings, and Hotspurs knew that they would have to be sharp in their first game of the season to come away with any points. The first half was a fairly even affair, with the Vikings finding slightly more success going forward- threatening in particular with the long ball. Hotspurs were able to find a bit of rhythm, but it was the Vikings who broke the deadlock midway through the first half when a loose ball from a corner was deemed to have crossed the line. It was a very controversial call from the officials, but on the balance of the first half Vikings probably deserved to go into the break 1-0 up, also hitting the post on one occasion. The second half started poorly for Hotspurs, conceding a weak second goal after a cross was met at the back post, but they rallied quickly and dominated the last half hour of the game. A screamer from last year's player of the season, Lionel Kong, made it 2-1 with 15 minutes to play, and despite bombarding the opposition box in the closing stages Hotspurs couldn't quite find the equaliser. Plenty of positives for the first game of the season, and congratulations to the Vikings on holding out for the 3 points. Well done to man of the match Duncan Elias, and a warm welcome to new signing James Kilbee!