Two games in two days is quite an undertaking; but with
the back log of fixtures this was what was required. And fresh from our
defeat on the Saturday, but buoyed by the resurgent performance, we were
mentally if not physically ready for the challenge ahead.
Sunday’s game saw the arrival of Lamphun FC taking on
the (once) mighty Farangutans. Veteran “holding-player-in-midfield”
Hinsh wisely predicted a tough game: “Ooooh Lamphun. They’re our bogey
side - they always beat us.” Well, frankly you could say that about most
of the teams in the league! We badly needed a win and as the heavens opened
just prior to kick-off, we fancied that at least the conditions would be in
our favor.
We opted for the same formation that had seen us play
well the previous day - that’s to say five across the midfield with a lone
striker, Adam, foraging up front. We knew that Lamphun would be a decent
passing side, and we had shown some promise in that area too in recent
times. But the torrential rain soon put paid to any ambitions of slick,
attractive football. Rather, with pools of water appearing everywhere,
suddenly everyone was calling for the captain’s armband.
Nevertheless these conditions provided a refreshing
change. Usually we come up against a bone dry pitch and searing sunshine, so
we could rightly fancy our chances in these distinctly British elements.
Bang. Bang. Bang. And we were three goals down! In the space of just a few
minutes our whole game plan had been cut down. First a freak Ronaldinho-like
free kick; then a stunning volley from close range and finally a dipping
shot from distance all left goalkeeper Matt helpless.
We had to stop the onslaught and fast. Warren’s
rallying cry of “Come on lads we’re playing for pride” seemed to have
the desired effect. For several minutes calm was restored. Then as Lamphun
were making steady progress down the left flank, an anguished cry of
“Aaaaaggghhhh” could be heard. Was this a belated realization of our
sorry predicament? No, sadly not. Debutant James was writhing around on the
ground with a dislocated knee. A few excruciating seconds later, the knee
having been popped back in, James went off, and the game went on.
As half time approached Lamphun added a fourth,
effectively guaranteeing the result if not the final score line. Not much
could be said at half time, other than: “Er, we’re (still) playing for
pride lads”. Really there was no way back.
The second half saw the game follow a similar course - a
fifth was added and the Farangutan heads dropped just a little lower. We
needed to radically change tactics to get something out of the game - and
this was what Matt seemed to be attempting with his immaculately-performed
rugby tackle on the Lamphun centre-forward. Sadly the referee was not a fan
of the 15-man game and awarded a spot-kick. 6-0. Bad luck Matt, but we
applaud your innovation!
Two late Farangutan goals either side of the Lamphun
seventh added a little bit of joy but this game will want to be forgotten
pretty quickly! We’ll be praying for a bit of sun next week I think.
Final score: Lamphun 7-2 Farangutans.
