Match Review: Singapore Vikings FC vs Aioli Monkeys FC

• DF Henrik Synnes
• DF Matthias Berthelsen
• MD Casper Toennesen
• MD Thomas Domino Andersen
• ST Ales Melechovsky
• -- Tjalfe Paulsen
• -- Michael Dragsbaek
• -- Mark Van Dalen
• -- Jules Busser
• -- Magnus Mernild
• -- Mikkel Madsen

• DF Magnus Walling Hansen
• -- Mark James Raven
• -- Maahin Bose
• -- Casper Taylor

Tough!

This was the game that Vikings had earmarked as their opportunity to reach the same points as league leaders, SFC, but knew that it was not going to be an easy afternoon's work. Aioli had deservedly taken all three points on their last meeting and recognised that another three points here would kick-start their season. Early morning cry-offs meant that Vikings started the game with an unfamiliar line-up; central defender Henrock was promoted to accommodate goal machine Meli up top and was under clear instruction to make it happen. There were some strange looks being passed around the team when the announcement was made but this was short lived as he proved to be our match winner and securing the MOM award in the process. His first goal came around the 15 min mark when he was put through by assist king Domino, despite Aioli calls for offside the huge makeshift striker calmly lobbed the ball over the on-rushing keeper. Passages of possession followed and it felt like only a matter of time before the second goal would be secured. It came as a bit of a shock when Aioli equalised after a speculative shot went in over the head of the non-jumping Dragsbaek - it certainly didn't seem that it was," working for the Danes!" Despite this drawback the Vikings continued to play some good stuff and kept passing and probing while Aioli continued to get forward and started to throw midfielders and defenders into the attack. Vikings second goal was a classic breakaway effort, PM were inside our half and looking to take the lead when their move was broken down and a swift ball to Meli saw him head clear of his marker and clinically dispatch the ball in the far corner of the net. Moments later the whistle sounded and we were all ready for air and water! Much of the second half was played out without too much drama but around the 70 min mark Aioli formed a number of threats on our goal and only some excellent saves, Drags redeeming himself for his earlier misdemeanour, and woeful finishing kept Vikings in the lead. This was not to last! Aioli resolutely kept up their challenge and were finally rewarded for their efforts when they drew level after the Viking defence failed to clear. Although disappointed Vikings were not deflated, they displayed real spirit in continuing to press for the winner and they were finally rewarded for their efforts when Henrock placed a shot into the bottom corner with only minutes remaining. That is how it remained until the end of the game. Thanks to Aioli for an extremely tough game and to the officials too. A special mention to our joint coach and dogged left back, Mark Van Daalen, who will be returning to Denmark at the end of the month. He has been an absolute pleasure to have around and is living proof that you can play at a high level of football in your 40s if you look after yourself! Travel well friend.

• Eros Corbo GK
• Philip Scharff DF
• Anthony Tongson DF
• Juan Jose Velaz Sanchez MD
• Giacomo Iafrate MD
• Alexander Hoskinson MD
• Harry Shaw MD
• Mark Addy ST
• Joe Wright ST
• Peter Besselink ST
• Matthieu Ginestet --

• Rafael Pavan MD
• Alistair Hoskinson ST
• Javier Torrano ST

Fine margins

A thoroughly entertaining game of Cosmo league football ended with the Vikings taking the points. It really could’ve gone either way at 2-2 but it was our opponents who took their chance late on, with the Monkeys left to rue several missed opportunities of their own. Well done Vikings for a well contested match and to Urs for another sterling performance in the middle. Next up for us is 1TM Latini