BHR –V- SHINERS

3  -  0   /  14/11/04

Our first meeting with Shiners this season and we knew this would be a physical game, after we drew twice and lost to them last season, all very close games.

Both teams were up for it from the start, and Shiners settled the quicker, but our defence held firm with Rishi scoring midway through the first half. I hoped this would settle us but the game remained scrappy until half time.

At half time I pointed out to the boys that we needed to believe in our ability as a football team and start passing the ball.  I was pleased with the reaction from the boys in the second half, and we dominated the first 20 minutes with Rishi adding another goal to make it 2-0. Shiners responded and were awarded a penalty after the ball struck Jamel’s arm.  I believe this was a poor decision and made my feelings known to the referee who was not impressed! This resulted in there being a delay in the taking of the penalty, which was eventually well saved by Taylan, diving to his right. Taylan bounced straight back up and launched a massive kick which put Rishi through one-on-one with their keeper and was unlucky not to score. But Rishi was not to be denied and a few minutes later latched onto another huge kick from Taylan, this time rounding the keeper to finish coolly for his hat-trick! Shiners must hate the sight of Rishi as he scored most of our goals against them last year.

A good second half performance boys, but we need to play like that the whole game – not just half the game, if we wish to remain in contention this season.

Today’s Man Of The Match:  Rishi.

I would like to take this opportunity to remind all the boys in the squad that you all have a part to play this season.  I understand how frustrating this may be, however, as discussed in our meeting, we have a large squad, and boys will be picked on merit and all round attitude, this is based on our point system in training.  I know this doesn’t make me the most popular person on some occasions, but you have to appreciate my decisions are made in the best interest of the Club, and I can assure you that I do not pick my team based on favouritism.  As agreed by all at our meeting, I will endeavour to select my strongest squad based on current form, and not rotate for the sake of rotating.