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| Hong Kong Reds 1 v 0 Anfield’s 12th Monday 21st February, Kings Park, Homantin, 7:30pm Kick Off  Well I think we can all agree that as footballers we rarely agree with the ref, but this is one of those rare occasions when I do. As the ref walked off the pitch he uttered “what an exciting game” and on reflection, I believe he was right. The game was tense, tight, and filled with fraught moments for both sides. The result was a win for the Reds; sorry bad joke (which also was the opening to the pre match talk). Weekend injuries took their toll on several key midfield players but this presented an opportunity for other stars to step up; I should mention at this point I believe Arno was carrying a genuine football injury but Hoops couldn’t play due to some girly reason like he had bleached his hair the wrong colour or he had run the marathon on Sunday. So the team got ready for the first half with Justin (Mr Versatility) at CB with Paul, and the pair quickly forged a rock solid partnership that provided the spring board for many counter attacks. Ken found himself in the unusual position of not only starting at RB but also finishing the game and with a clean sheet! Both Ken and Dave had terrific games at right and left full back. The defence had much to deal with due to the regular rolling substitutions which made it hard for the Reds to keep their shape in midfield.  The first half had some great interplay in the middle of the park, which had Jase and Richie making box to box runs and linking superbly with the left winger Adrian. The dynamic start and control of so much possession meant later on the team started to tire as they battled the continuous rolling on of fresh legs by the opposition. That said, it was this endeavour that led to a lot of pressure and to a piece of individual brilliance from new boy up front, Alex. Now I admit to giving him a dig about ‘was it a cross?’ but all who were on the sideline, including the opposition, said great goal. Alex at a tight angle to the left of the box spotted the keeper off the line and dinked it over his head; class finish. The Reds (that’s us to avoid confusion) finished the first half 1-0 up. The first half set the team up perfectly but with a lack of subs we knew the second half was going to be a tough one and we were going to have to grind out a result. The midfield was switched up with Ryan who was having a good game up front falling back to make a 5 man midfield, to help fill some holes created by the oppositions 5 man attack (yes you did read that correctly). The second half was in need a tough half, with several fraught moments and some rather unfriendly tackles exchanged. Richie in centre mid was becoming frustrated and the centre backs were in need of support so in the second half new boy Henrik ‘Molby’ came on into midfield; dubbed so because he had the hallmark movements of his fellow Scandinavian. The rolling subs continued and I am pretty sure that the opposition were going into Jordan to recruit people to come along as it seemed relentless. On a cold night Alan ‘Grobbelaar’ found a novel way to keep himself warm by playing sweeper and goalkeeper. He had a terrific game and made several wonderful saves to keep us in the game. Paul Hoy helped push the team on with several stirring runs from the back; followed by weasing as he had to get back to defence. Kai was busy a bee on the pitch and getting stuck in. There was a little bit of tinkering done with midfield positions but it was when Joe ‘late boy’ Mcegan arrived that a well needed fresh pair of legs was provided, this helped lift the team. Joe made several box to box runs and helped to re-establish the link with lone front man Alex while supporting the defence; Alex had done a terrific job holding up play and giving the team an outlet. End result a well deserved 1-0 win. MotM is tricky so controversially I am going to split it because without the goal and the clean sheet the win would not be possible, therefore Men of the Match are Alan and Alex.  This friendly game between two set of LFC Hong Kong Supporters Clubs was to mark the homecoming of King Kenny. We would like to thank all of Anfield 12 for making it a great game and it was played in a great spirit. YNWA. |
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