Match Review: TGA Rangers FC vs Hibernians FC

• GK Adam Erickson
• DF Jordan Laing
• DF Fraser Anderson
• DF Chris Jones
• DF Taishi Fukuda
• DF Jonathan Cloak
• MD Rich Sexton
• MD Scott Prior
• MD Nathan Bryer
• MD Ryan Shanter
• ST Mike Sharples

• MD Jonathan Lukito
• MD Victor Felicia
• ST Nick Verrill
• ST Aaron Clancey-Agius

On the back of a three game winless run, we needed to get back into the 3 points routine against a tough oppo in Hibs. Had a strong squad of 15 so no real excuses with the boys all fired up and ready to go. The game started fairly evenly, Rangers making so nice passing moves but unable to really get in behind the resolute Hibs defence. The first real chance Hibs had was a counter attack that was buried at the back post, finished well. Hibs scored another soon after and, despite the score line, we still felt we had more possession and influence on the game just lacked the cutting edge or final ball, Hibs were more clinical. Half time 2-0. We started the half well, playing some nice tiki taka stuff in patches. A few half chances came and went but we were undone by two more quick goals from Hibs that took the steam out of us. On another day it could have been very different. Two consolations through Nate’s header and Sharpy’s debatable penalty weren’t enough and we congratulate Hibs on their 4-2 win as they continue to strengthen their position in the league. An off the ball incident near the end meant Beatts and a Hibs player were sent off. Rumour has it Beatts was getting warmed up for the McGregor fight and now misses the SFC game. Smart. We’ve also decided to cancel any future Singapore festival trips as Neon lights seems to have derailed our season thanks to Paddy’s leaving do!!

• Jamie Barnes DF
• Joe Poulton DF
• Nick Edwards DF
• Tiago Coelho MD
• Julio Vasquez MD
• Tom Phillips ST
• Daniel Martin ST
• Andrew Knott --
• Thorin Duffin --
• Chris Boylen --
• Colin Gray --

• Chaouki Saybi --
• An-Rui Chiew --
• Dan Hanson --
• Luke Liperis --

Football Is Back

Hibs started 2020 with a great 4-2 win under the lights at Tampines with Dan Martin getting two, Tiago and SFC LinkedIn target, Tom, in the goals. Hibs looked really strong on paper from 1-15 but we hadn’t done much since 6th December so it was never going to be fluent. They weren’t half effective though. Hibs were one to the good early on with Tom and Dan combining for the latter to head in. TGA came back as Hibs hadn’t quite got their shape locked down, but Colin was largely untroubled all half in goal. Hibs got a second in bizarre circumstances. Tiago took a free-kick from 45 yards and Tom’s decoy run threw the goalkeeper off the scent and it went directly in. Julio shot narrowly wide and Tom had a great goal disallowed for offside. TGA kept coming forward but Hibs were solid and defended well all night. The second half saw TGA pin Hibs back for a spell but Hibs weathered it and when Julio found Tom on the edge of the box, he got it out of his feet and scored with a well hit effort. Hibs made a few changes and TGA continued to push for a breakthrough. Hibs were gifted a fourth when Dan received a generous pass from the keeper and he made no mistake in finding the corner. TGA scored almost straight away from the kick-off to get one back and they kept probing but it wasn’t their night. Colin was unfussy about his business in goal and despite not being fluent at all, Hibs got the goals they needed. The teams had a man each sent off for a scuffle. Lippy was being bullied after he caught Sharples’ ankle in an attempted tackle. Sharples continued on his run and the game went on, but TGA’ defender decided to race over and get Lippy in a head-lock. Julio took issue with this and with his sister watching, started to wrestle the guy and save Lippy. Most of the players were still playing and it came as a bit of a shock when two reds were dished out. Even more surprising was the award of a penalty by Brad. Nobody in UWC, apart from the ref, thought Sharples deserved a spot-kick with 10 minutes left, but he scored and Hibs saw the game out comfortably for a big 4-2 win to kick off the year. Now another long break.