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| MANARISE 2 v 2 HONG KONG REDS 2 December 2006, KO 2pm Po Tsui Recreation Park, Po Lam Team: Jolley, Big Mike Pot, Dave Oh, Ian McAlan, Neil Williams, Duncan Micallef, Leo, Donald, Tony Stringer, Tony Chan, Stanley & Mark Match Report by Dave Oh Team news Jolley “Safe Hands” was back in goal and there was a new look centre back pairing of Mike Pot and Neil Williams! It was the first time Dutchman Mike Pot had played in the red colours and he made his presence felt - his centre back partner Neil Williams was quaking in his boots!  The usual suspects were there, McAlan at right back and Micallef at left back - seemingly making these positions their own now! On the wings were Wes Ng and Stanley, the two Tonys were in centre midfield and target man Dave ‘Heskey’ Oh was up front with the pacy Leo. The Match An intriguing contest awaited. With confidence sky high from beating Sandy Bay Strollers 3-0, the Hong Kong Reds feared no one! Manarise played the no offside rule therefore it was like playing school football.   There was not much to choose between the two sides in the 1st half, with a few half-chances for Manarise. Dave Oh had the first half-chance on the volley which went wide. Leo was causing problems up front with his pace all afternoon! A long ball was played upfront to Dave Oh and he held the ball up....for about a lifetime, then Leo clipped a shot onto the crossbar! Unlucky my son! Stringer was pulling the strings in midfield with his midfield partner Tony Chan snapping at the heels of the Manarise team! Ian McAlan, strong in the challenge, made his presence felt and Neil Williams was praying that the ball would never go near him because of his fine first touch. HK Reds were sensing the kill now. Leo put the Reds ahead after 37 minutes when he was found with a delightful ball by the Lil Stanley. 1-0 to the Hong Kong Reds. Half time arrived and the lads were in bullish mood! The 2nd half began and within seconds Leo again nearly beat the keeper from close range after a through ball from Dave Oh. Then from being 1-0 up, we were suddenly 2-1 down inside 10 mins! A lapse of concentration in defence allowed 2 soft goals to be conceded. One of them was a contentious offside but Manarise never play offside lah! Big Mike played in goal 2nd half and produced a couple of good saves to keep us in the game! Time to keep our heads up lads! There seemed no way of getting back into this match!   Then came a terrific clearance by Duncan Micallef which hit Neil Williams on his hooter, leaving him dazed, confused and not knowing if he had a girlfriend by the name of Kate! Moment of the match came in the 65th minute! Ian McAlan, defending in his own area, wrestled his opponent like one of them WWF wrestlers. He was pulling, grabbing, hugging, kissing the player...surely a blatant penalty?! Ironically the player he was grabbing wore glasses...now surely there is no need to pick on someone with four eyes Ian? It was schoolboy stuff in the playground all over again!  As McAlan let go of his shirt, the player theatrically fell to the ground Ronaldo style! So incensed was McAlan by his reaction that he lost the plot. Imagine when David Banner gets angry and turns into the HULK - well McAlan turned Bright RED! Like a raging bull ready for the kill, Ian decided to do the only decent thing any footballer would do...THROW the football at his opponent’s head. Bull’s-eye - a direct hit!   The rest of the Hong Kong Reds players were in stitches and rolling around laughing on the pitch! I don’t think anyone could believe what had just happend! They will be talking about this incident in AMICI for years to come! All calm was restored shortly and the game resumed but feelings between Ian and the whole of the Manarise team were still high and he was soon on the receiving end, being bundled over on the edge of the penalty area. The subsequent Terry Henry quick free kick taken by Tony Stringer caught Manarise by surprise. He hit the post but Duncan Micallef was on hand to score from one yard. A good competitive game and a draw a fair result which keeps Hong Kong Reds’ unbeaten run going! Final Score 2-2 Man of the Match Leo for his great finish for the first goal and causing the opposition problems all afternoon. Moment of the Match Ian McAlan...10 out 10 for passion/ 0 out of 10 for picking on someone with glasses! To view more photos of the game click this link - HK Reds v Manarise |
| Previous match reports HK Reds v Spartans Vets HK Supporters’ 6s 2009 HK Reds v USRC HK Reds KL Tour 2007 HK Reds v Savills (II) HK Reds v AIG (II) HK Reds v AIG (I) HK Reds v Savills (I) Dynasty v HK Reds (II) Dynasty v HK Reds (I) Manarise v HK Reds Sandy Bay Strollers v HK Reds Pepsi Shooters vs HK Reds Want to play for the Hong Kong Reds football team? 11-a-side-team please email: dave@hongkongreds.com Hong Kong Reds Magazine    Click magazines for large view |
