Match Review: 1TM Latini FC vs Hotspurs FC

• GK Pete O'Brien
• DF Hiromitsu Nakaue
• DF Jonathan Cloak
• DF Ben Tomlinson
• DF Jordan Laing
• MD Samuel Taylor
• MD Nathan Bryer
• ST Leo Rocha
• ST Jacob Saurin
• ST Luke Townsend
• ST Mike Sharples

• DF Taishi Fukuda
• MD Ismail Bardach
• MD Stephen McLaughlin

RUN IN THE SUN

After a couple of years away, Cosmo football is back! During the hiatus, there have been some key events with a few of the 1TM family moving on to new opportunities, some of the lads are now dads and Tally has completed 63 jigsaw puzzles. Leading up to today’s match, optimism was high in the camp after a decent preseason, which included lifting the inaugural Take San Trophy back in July and a messy auction night last weekend (If anyone wants to buy the 1TM No.5, contact Tally for a good price). In this league, there are no easy games and a season opener against a very good Hotspurs side was always going to provide a tough test. With some injuries, a couple of travelers and Rat Rig involved in a Staff Golf Day!?!?! Tactical Tally had a mix of 1TM originals, TGA alumni and some newbies to select from. After a nice moment with both sides paying their respects for Queen Elizabeth II in a minute’s silence, the game got underway. On a SCORCHING day, Hotspurs started brightly and a combination of excellent defending, a couple of top drawer saves from POB, the woodwork and a disallowed goal for a tight offside, prevented them taking a deserved lead in the opening exchanges. After the first drinks break 1TM eventually began to get a foothold in the game and were unlucky not to break the deadlock when a deflected effort cannoned onto the Hotspurs’ post. Eventually, with the first half coming to a close, some more good link up play saw the ball come to Tinks, who rifled the ball into the far corner. HT 1-0 The second half saw 1TM start the better and created several opportunities to extend the lead. That time came when some good play out wide from Snail saw the ball drilled into Flat White inside the box, who duly obliged with great control to lose his man, followed by a strong finish to leave the keeper with no chance. Rather than seek to control the game, 1TM struggled at times to cope with a spirited fight back from a dogged Hotspurs. Ali made an appearance from the sub bench and was a real handful. Both sides created chances before the end, but Hotspurs will be disappointed not to have scored before the full time whistle, which included a couple of goalmouth scrambles and hitting the post again for good measure. At full time, 1TM players were delighted with the victory and clean sheet, but they know there is still a lot of work to be done if we are going to challenge at the top end of the table this year. A huge thanks to the Hotspurs players for a firm but fair match; the officials for a great game in hot conditions and Lego, JR, Tard and Mrs Flat White for coming down to watch. FT 2-0 MOM Hotspurs - Notable performances from Addy Cutts, Ali Roseburgh, but Simon Hearn gets the nod DOD - Notable mention to Snail Sock, Nate ginger boots, but could only be one winner - Steve-o for wearing blue socks with blue crocks MOM 1TM - Notable performances from Nate, Didge and Captain POB, but Tinks edges it

• Martyn U'ren GK
• Tom Hine DF
• James Keane DF
• Simon Hearn DF
• Kieran McLaughlin MD
• Lionel Kong MD
• Tom Ruffles MD
• Gael Guedia MD
• Joshua Donavan MD
• Addy Cutts ST
• Jack Skinner ST

• Craig Hotchkiss DF
• Ali Roseburgh MD
• Ng Zhiwei MD

Solid performance...not quite the result!

Hotspurs welcomed Latini at the Cage Sport Park on the opening match of the 2022/23 season. Despite the sweltering heat, the match started at a ferocious pace with both teams battling for possession and control. A well worked passage of play from Hotspurs led their first goal of the season – only to be ruled out for offside. Hotspurs continued to pile pressure on the Latini backline throughout and were unfortunate not to take the lead when a powerful header from the towering Cutts struck the woodwork. Over to Hearne who stepped up with a spectacular free kick, matched only by excellent save by the Latini goalkeeper. Despite the Hotspurs pressure, it was Latini who struck the first blow after a shot ricochet passed the unsighted U’ren, who had put in an excellent first half performance. Hotspurs, unlucky to be one down at the break, came out determined and hungry in the second half. Comfortable in possession, and marshalled by the outstanding Hine, Hotspurs looked assured and the most likely to get the next goal. Glimpses of class from the tireless Ruffles and also Skinner were to no avail. As Hotspurs continued to press in the hunt for the equaliser they were unfortunately undone by a neat Latini counter attack which led to a second goal for Latini. The introduction of Cosmos stalwart, Roseburgh, proved pivotal as he was a constant menace to the Latini defence and was unlucky not to get on the scoresheet himself after having one cleared off the line. Hotspurs continued to take the game to Latini and the evergreen Kong also went close as his great effort rebounded off the post. Unable to break through, the game ended 2-0 to Latini. A great team performance from Hotspurs and a plethora of positives to take into the next match against. One downfall was the injury to Donavan – we wish him a speedy recovery and look forward to welcome him back after another great performance from him. Hotspurs would like to thank Latini for a greatly contested match and wish them all the very best for the season ahead. Onto the next game for Hotspurs as they welcome the French to the Cage Sports Park next Friday 16 September. --Kieran "The Midfield Dynamo" McLaughlin