Match Review: Singapore Vikings FC vs Hotspurs FC

• DF Henrik Synnes
• MD Thomas Domino Andersen
• MD Casper Toennesen
• MD Tomas Dubsky
• -- Thomas Elbo Andersen
• -- Michael Dragsbaek
• -- Maahin Bose
• -- Peter Boe
• -- Mark Van Dalen
• -- Leslie Andersen
• -- Magnus Mernild

• -- Mark Crouch
• -- Mark James Raven
• -- Eu-Jin Lim
• -- Kasper Due Andersen

Late Winner

Our penultimate game of the season saw us face a dogged Hotspurs side who are one of the strongest team to finish at the foot of the table in a while. Turf City was it's usually steamy self and the 5pm kick off at least offered some respite. Both teams looked to be lacking numbers and a few late withdrawals and additions to the Viking contingent made for an interesting team selection. During the opening stages of the contest it is fair to saw that the passing on show was not of the highest quality with each team seeming intent on handing over the advantage. Hotspurs took the lead when a long punt down the throat of our defence was not dealt with and a great connection from the athletic striker saw him volley it home. Vikings huffed and puffed for a while and were finally rewarded with an equaliser when Leslie hit home sweetly just before the break. We all knew that we had lacked the fluidity of our previous performance but also knew that sometimes you just have to dig in to grind out a result. Domino and Casper started to pull the strings in the centre of the park and it came as a complete shock when we again found ourselves behind after we gave the ball away cheaply and failed to deal with the resulting play which saw the big striker adding his second of the game. Changes were made and Eu Jin replaced Drags in goal allowing him to take up a forward position - we were rewarded in moments as he bagged an equaliser with his first touch. Eu Jin was to play his part shortly after when he denied Hotspurs going in front with a great save followed by some amazing ball juggling to keep the scores level. The game played out and it looked as if the game would end a draw until a corner from our left finally found it's way to Tomas, who was clearly 25 plus metres from the goal, who curled it masterfully beyond the diving keeper to give us the win. Thanks to Hotspurs who were competitive all afternoon and who we wish all the best in the Plate final and to the officials who collaborated well. For Vikings, this was the type of game that we would have lost earlier in the season but our togetherness and determination since Viking Cup has been impressive and most welcome - more of the same boys.