Victory at Last!

After the 9:0 fiasco at the start of the year, AS23 – if I had my way, Perverts FC – rebound to record an unlikely 3:2 win.

AS23’s direct style of play pinned the Bonitos in their own half in the first 45 minutes. The Bonitos were largely restricted to punting long hopeful balls forward. With their dominance, AS23 created many chances, but for some erratic finishing, could have found themselves 3:0 ahead within the first 30 minutes.

The weather deteriorated and the wet conditions caused both set of players to play at a fast and furious pace. The pressure mounted and it seemed ominous that the floodgate, like the weather, opened inevitably.

When the goal came, it was from the most unlikely of sources. Kumar, who was filling in at rightback, arrived at the far post to finish with aplomb. It was a well deserved reward for a player who had been sterling throughout the game.

Not to be outdone, Joe charged into the penalty area from the left to blast the ball past a hapless Bonitos keeper. A fantastic goal.

The second half was delayed due to the rain. After the lightning risk was cleared, the game resumed.

Both teams changed their personnel at half time but in the early exchanges, it was Bonitos who proved more effective in their tactical switch.

Within five minutes, they were levelled. AS23 made a mess defending a straightforward corner and were duly punished. Then Bonitos’ left winger tore down the left flank, and with the entire AS23 backline in attendance, somehow still found sufficient space to squeeze his shot past the AS23 custodian.

Worse was to come when a Bonitos striker was adjudged to have been fouled in the box. However, much to the delight of AS23, the resulting penalty hit the post.

More drama was to follow. Great work on the left wing found the AS23 winger cut in. Just when he was about to turn however, he was tripped. AS23 wasted the spot kick.

With the game heading for a draw, the action was end-to-end. Either side could have snatched it. The Bonitos goalie made a miraculous save to keep out a header from a yard out. Where tenacious defending failed, the AS23 keeper came to his side’s rescue with a couple of smart saves. Wasteful finishing from both sides brought howls of frustration from the touchlines.

The substitutes from AS23, by this time had began to exert their influence. The pitched midfield battle swung slightly in AS23’s advantage. A free kick was awarded 25 yards on the left centre of the pitch. With a dramatic swing of his right boot, Shineboi sent his side into raptures. The sheer pace and the skid of the ball on the slippery surface proved too much for the Bonitos keeper to handle.

AS23 endured a few nervy moments, but they held on to record an improbable victory.

Truly, and I say it again here, this is better than sex.