Another 3pm fixture in scorching heat saw OGS oppose the in form GSAS. With a few players missing we had to be tactically smart to ensure we bounce back from last week's defeat. From the kick-off, GSAS started to keep possession and almost scored in the first 10 minutes with a header hitting the cross bar. We managed to find our pace and started to look much more composed, passing the ball well and creating a few chances. Despite the fact that were starting to dominate possession, GSAS capitalised on 2 counter attacks from our corner kicks. 2-0 at half time. We made 4 changes at half time, and mentally we knew we were able to come back and potentially win this match. The impact was indeed immediate, with Anatole getting his first touch of the game to assist Dani from a cross. Not long after, JB volleyed home a screamer from the edge of the box to come back at 2-2. We were looking to make a great comeback, playing some decent football. Unfortunately, with 20 minutes to go, Anatole was forced off the pitch after a challenge which saw him sprain his ankle. With no changes left, we had to finish the game with 10 men. With real proof of character and solidarity, the team put in the shift to make sure that we bagged the point. Also a special mention to our newcomers Baptiste, Dimitri and Victor who made a real impact today despite not playing at their natural positions. Thank you GSAS for a quality match and for being a classy team. All the best for the rest of the season.
GSAS came into this game with confidence despite the loss against Latini last week. The team has made great progress and looks much more compact and confident. Add to this the brand-new kit and it all looked like a promising afternoon. Great to have coach Micha back on the sideline just five days after his hip operation. GSAS wasted little time and was quickly on the front foot. Addy’s header came off the cross bar and we had a couple of other half-chances, before Julian Sander floated a beauty over the OG defenders and Mark Addy lobbed the ball over the onrushing goalkeeper for a deserved lead. Mansoor doubled the lead on 38 minutes when he completed a fine solo run with a cool finish. 2:0 at the break and we looked in control. However, and that is perhaps the beauty of this league, all teams are now so competitive and when OGS scored shortly after the break, it was game on. OGS suddenly had their tales up and were all over the GSAS backline. Deservedly OGS scored with a beauty after 57 minutes through JB. It now looked like the tie was turning in favour of the men in blue. But after a disastrous 15 minutes of football the water break gave us some reprieve. We regrouped and played a much better game in the last 20 minutes. Both sides now had chances to wrap it up, but energy levels dropped considerably – no surprise considering the sweltering heat for this 3 pm kick off. On the balance of play, a draw was the most logical result. GSAS will regret to have given away a two-goal lead with some sloppy defending, so probably two points dropped, but OGS definitely deserved to get something from this game. Great job in the middle by Alex, and game played in great spirit, no yellow cards. Man of the match: Luca Ritter DoD: Captain Julian for not leading by example with a foul throw