Match report Young Boys - FC Scandinavia

Per Hertz scored the only goal as FC Scandinavia began their first ever GIDA League campaign with an impressive and dramatic 1-0 victory against last seasons runners-up Young Boys.

Somewhat surprisingly, one could say, after a pre-match preparation where "everything" went wrong.

The team traveled to the wrong pitch.
One of the defenders did not show up.
The team was not aware of the the substitution rules.
The kits did not have any numbers.

But FC Scandinavia lined up a competitive squad despite all the setbacks, a squad which proved to be strong enough to bag all three points in the season opener at Melita Grounds (instead of Pembroke where the match originally should have been played).

Young Boys dominated the possession and created the changes during the first ten minutes. But after a soft start, the Scandinavian newcomers slowly began to conquer the game play. Lars Johansson was a constant threat from his striker position, and the Swede was close to an early scoring twice, only to be denied by the Young Boys goalie.
 
In the second half, it seemed like FC Scandinavia had familiarized with the unfamiliar style of play on a full size 11-a-side pitch. More and better chances were created, but  at the same time they became more voulnerable for counter attacks. Things heatened up after a poor corner when Young Boys started a counter attack in full speed. Right back Markus Klinborg was unable to get a touch on the ball in his tough challenge on Patrick Azzopardi, and  was arguably shown the red card.

By then, FC Scandinavia had already used all four substitutions, and was forced to move team captain Sebastian Dedering down to the right back. But although they were down to ten men, the newcomers remained dangerous on the counter. The payoff came in the 55th minute.

Hannes Wåhlin had won the ball just outside of FC Scandinavia's penalty box, and passed it forward to Sebastian Delsinger. The former Ängelholm-midfielder accelareted across the midline before he found Per Hertz with a brilliant through pass. Hertz didn't make any mistake, and got control of the ball with his right foot before he slotted home FC Scandinavia's first ever goal with his left foot.

Young Boys struggled desperately for an equalizer, and manged to put some pressure on FC Scandinavia during the last 15 minutes with one player more. But Man of the Match and full back Andreas Lilja guarded his own goal brilliantly in pair with Norway's Thomas Bangstad, which resulted in a clean sheet for FCS goalie Niklas Joelsson and a big relief for the whole team when the referee blew the final whistle.

"It's looking good", said All-In Translations Man of the Match Andreas Lilja.
"The fact that we won 1-0 after getting a man sent off on 0-0, shows we were the better team".

Next match is against Birnapa on October 18th.