Reds suffer swing to BNP

PFFC 1 BNP Paribas 2

Andy, 25 May 2006

 

I haven’t watched or played in such a one-sided game in a very, very long time.

Philosophy were forced to recruit a player, Ayoub, from the sidelines as only ten men turned up in time for the kick-off. However, the Red Men started brightly, with their 3-5-2 formation working very well. There were a few early half-chances and then a Philosophy goal after 10 minutes. This was set up by some nice interplay between Andy and Mikey, leading to a crisp finish from young Ayoub from about 10 yards out. Philosophy continued to dominate and stretch BNP Paribas with a number of shots just over the bar and crosses agonising inches away from their target. However if you don’t put away your chances, they come back to haunt you and, sure enough, with about 10 minutes before half time, Paribas had their first and only chance of the half. They won a free kick on the right hand side and whipped a ball in towards the far post, which hit one of their midfield players on the left shoulder and looped into the top corner.

Half-time arrived; it was time to regroup. The second half continued in much the same vein with Philosophy dominating the play. A shot from Andy was well saved by the Paribas keeper, and the follow-up from Mikey hit the keeper’s leg and was miraculously turned over the bar. A spectacular overhead kick from Ayoub went just inches wide – it would have been league goal of the season. Rob went on a mazy run, beating four players only to hit the post. Another move led to three Paribas defenders converging on the ball leaving just the keeper to beat – it would have been easier to score than to miss but, yes, we missed! Ally and Damian each put a shot just wide, and there were plenty of other fine attempts but without reward. Then, with about ten minutes remaining, Paribas broke through the middle. A lack of marking led to what should have been a relatively easy clearance being missed. This allowed a speculative shot on goal, which looped over Owen’s outstretched arms. 2-1 to Paribas.

PFFC then made a tactical change, moving Ally up and dropping Rino back in Ally’s place. Despite Philosophy continuing to press hard, the second goal never came. You wouldn’t have believed it unless you were there (and I still can’t believe it!).

Quote of the night: ‘We never deserved to win as you absolutely murdered us!’ – BNP Paribas manager.