Close, but not close enough

After the disappointing defeat against Gaelic last week (4:5), the team showed a good reaction and great attitude for 90 minutes. Latini has merged with Rangers and has a very strong team, including the league's top scorer, and are likely a contender for the title this year.
The early chances belonged to us, with Julian S, Nico and Diyar coming closest. The 4-4-2 with a diamond in the midfield worked well, we were able to contain Latini in the middle of the park and forced them to go wide. The only real danger they created was with their long balls behind our full-backs. And from one of those 60 meter balls we conceded a rather avoidable goal. A lack of communication allowed the Latini forward to get in-between defenders and goalkeeper for an easy opener.

But the team reacted well and did not allow Latini a lot of glimpses on goal. And whatever came his way, Florent handled very well. 0:1 down at the break.

A few changes in the second half to freshen up the team, but Latini had the better start into the second half. After 50 minutes a corner kick was not cleared and the Latini wing was allowed to walk through our defenders to lay up the ball for the onrushing striker. No chance for Florent in goal.

Throughout the second half we tried very hard, the attitude was very good, but we only created half-chances towards the end of the game.

Surely a disappointment to loose our second (and last?) cup game, but we are finding some balance in the team. Still a lot of work, and we sorely need all players to be back in full fitness. But we have a good group of players and if we continue to work on fitness and improve the understanding among the players, we will be fine.

Next weekend: 7-a-side on the posh SCC Padang