FCS managed to score 4 goals in the second half in what was in the end a comfortable victory over rivals Betfair. In a very tricky encounter, FCS showed guile and discipline to triumph against their less quoted opponents.

Written By Neville Farrugia / All-In Translations

The game started on a slow tempo, with both teams studying their opponents and concentrating on their defensive tactics. FCS had more of the possession but were unable to transform their dominance in midfield into chances. To make things even worse, explosive left winger Emiliano Sener, had to be substituted after 15 minutes by Kalle Wåhlin due to a knee injury.

Clean sheet
With no less than 9 Betfair players behind the ball it was difficult for the Sky Blues to get into the penalty area and could only test the keeper with long range shots. Delsinger and Vedstesen had the best opportunities of the first half but their efforts were brilliantly saved by the opponents’ keeper.

"We felt we had it under control and that the goals would eventually come along as we kept the pressure on them", said FCS goalie Niklas Joelsson who kept his third clean sheet in four matches.

Many missed opportunities
The second half started in the way the first one had ended with FCS trying hard to break the deadlock and Betfair trying to minimize the damage as much as possible. In the 3rd minute Delsinger gave an inviting ball to Hannes Wåhlin but his shot was again parried by the keeper.

Six minutes later Hannes Wåhlin was put down just outside the area on the right hand side and from the resulting free kick Claes Hansen hit the post after the ball was flicked on by Vedsteesen.

Johansson keeps scoring
At this point it was clear that fuel was running low for the Betfair players, and in fact, a minute later, Vedstesen was pulled down in the area. After some hesitation the referee opted for the penalty and LARS JOHANSSON scored from the spot. This made things a lot easier for FCS as Betfair tried to put more options in front and as a result left more space at the back.

Delsinger made an impact
On the quarter of an hour, Delsinger went past 2 players on the right and then gave the ball to Johansson but his shot was again saved by the opponents’ custodian. Two minutes later, Delsinger could have made it 2-0 but his close range shot from the right hit the side netting.

However, the second goal was in the air and on the 21st minute LARS JOHANSSON was the first to react to a defensive mistake to complete his brace and increase his total tally to five goals in 4 matches.

Comfortable in the end
On the half hour, FCS scored again when Kalle Wåhlin got a touch on a low cross from the left by Dedering and substitute CHRISTOPHER DEEKS pounced on the loose ball to make 3-0.

The fourth and final goal came 5 minutes from the end when PER HERTZ finished off an excellent move after a defence splitting cross by Hansen.

"League Final" coming up
The results sends Betfair to the bottom of the league with more conceived goals than Birnapa. It also sends FCS to the top of the league one point ahead of Memories, where they intend to stay?

"I will comment on that AFTER the game against Memories next week", says Joelsson.

So put a mark in the calendar for what appears to be a GIDA "League Final": Sunday 15th November, FC Scandinavia vs. Memories @ Melita Ground 09:45 AM CET.