How apt. Leaving the JAS Stadium late on Sunday evening in klaxon-blaring convoy, on the way to a victory parade and free beer at the Verandah, I cranked up the volume, flicked the in-car iPod to shuffle … and was hit by a wall of resonance; the haunting, crashing melodrama of post-coke Bowie at his magnificent best, giving his all on “Heroes” – as fitting a tribute as any to the BC’s finest who had just retained the EFL Cup with a strong 3-0 win over South Buona Vista Saints.
Earlier, after the rain had passed, leaving a lush, in parts boggy, pitch, the BC heroes had won the EFL Cup for a second straight season against a strong SBVS team which, but for some weak finishing and inspired goalkeeping from our JL, could have left the field to a more flattering scoreline.
The BC’s route to the final had been long and tough. A 2-1 first-round win over Central Park last September had indicated this would be no easy title defence. Next up were Young Guns in late October, eventually dispatched 7-4, while Kool and his Gang were beaten 5-1 in Round 3 in December. The quarter-finals brought the BC up against auld rivals St Andrews and a thumping 5-1 first-leg win put the Cup holders in a strong position. Just as well, as the Scots won the second-leg 3-2. It was the same story in the semi-final with a resounding 4-0 BC win in the first-leg followed by a limp 1-2 defeat in the second.
Having battled to get to the final, the BC were in no mood to leave the JAS empty handed … and got off to a dream start. After just four minutes, AL was bundled over in the penalty area as he controlled a cross on his expansive chest. The resolute skipper stepped up to calmly dispatch the resulting spot kick into the left corner. Fifteen minutes later, AR and MB combined astutely on the left flank to feed the bustling JM whose low shot beat the keeper at his post. Victory was assured with a fine, flowing move around the half-hour as GM fed NG wide on the right. With Teutonic speed and grace, NG cut in and, with a crisp, low cross, found Big Ant advancing to bundle the ball home at the near post.
This was a confident, bristling, no-nonsense BC, always in command, winning first ball, covering as a team and digging in when needed. The biggest difference between the two old adversaries seemed to be a united will to win that was far stronger on the BC side than among the tall, imposing Scandinavians.
SBVS looked stronger in the second period and had chances to at least prevent a BC clean sheet, but JL pulled off some fine, timely saves and Lady Luck was clearly wearing the Union Jack when, twice, SBVS struck the woodwork.
Throughout the BC team there were strong performances as individuals raised their game in defence of their EFL trophy.
Budgie was monumental at the heart of the defence, ably supported by CG and CP. AR, BP and IG, and for a 5-minute cameo, AM, were firm of tackle and unfussy in distribution, clearing their lines when necessary and building attacks through short, simple passing to the hardworking central midfield of PH, BM and GM. On the wing, RS, DB and MB played sensibly, hugging the touchlines for width and regularly outpacing their markers to drive forward.
Up front, AL was a constant threat, barrelling and barging, holding up the ball, releasing his wide men and leading the line confidently. JM was more than a handful for a flat defence until his Spartacus weekend caught up with him in the dying minutes, while the mercurial NG probed and teased.
The game was played at a constant tempo and in great spirit, assisted by some sensible refereeing. An entertaining spectacle for a good crowd, including the ever-present BC GM BT, former BC President TM, ex-player GA, who flew back from England just to catch the second-half, 2nd XI skipper GH, who later had a bit of a premature issue with the celebratory bubbly, several WAGs and a horde of mini-BC footballing issue, as well as other family and Club Members.
All in all, a fine win, dedicated to both the plaster-legged UN and to IB, a loyal Club servant who leaves Singapore next week. With few survivors from last season’s cup final win, this is proof, if it were needed, that the Club remains strong, with a passion and will to win that can ensure more gold coloured plasticware in future years. All the squad were Men of the Match – a collective award.
“Oh we can beat them, for ever and ever. Then we could be Heroes, just for one day.” And fade. Thank you, David.
No comments:
Post a Comment