Unstoppable Sky Blues

MALTA (MELITA GROUND) FC Scandinavia 4 - AD 2000 1: Once again, FC Scandinavia were forced to make several changes to the team due to injuries, suspension and various other reasons. However, this did not seem to unsettle the Sky Blues who have proved once again that the players waiting in the wings are more than able to step up and take responsibility. The game was possibly tighter than the 4-1 scoreline suggests, against a skillful AD 2000 team, but nevertheless the win was deserved.

Written by Steve Livingston

The initial exchanges were a tight and well balanced affair with both teams trying to keep the ball on the ground with some neat and tidy one touch football. FCS had the lions share of possession with the back 4 protecting the goal with some solid and direct defending.

Good start

Lars Johansson forced the opposition goalie into a neat save on 3 minutes and was looking lively with some good running on the ball.

Sebastian Dedering was keeping himself busy and was rewarded for his work on 13 minutes with a nice goal, a shot from outside the box, following some great work by Sebastian Delsinger who was standing out with his craft and vision.

The goalie, Niklas Joelsson, had little to do but when called upon on 15 minutes, showed good judgement to race out of the box and clear the ball.

The equalizer

On 18 minutes, following a nice build up, AD2000 managed to level proceedings with a well taken goal by their number 10.

On 28 minutes, the deserved and welcomed second goal came from a great cross by Hannes Wåhlin that eluded the whole AD2000 defence and was gratefully tapped in by Lars Johansson.

Torben Vedstesen was working the line well and was probably disappointed not to to have scored on 29 minutes as his header was wide of the target.

Changes missed and shots saved

Throughout the first half, AD2000 were happy to play on the break and it nearly paid off for them when Niklas Joelsen was forced into a great save on 30 minutes whilst one on one with the opposing striker.

Half time and FCS were happy to be winning, but it should have possibly been by a higher margin. FCS made substitutions at half time with Erik Smith replacing Johan Nyberg and Christopher Deeks taking Torben Vedstesens' place. AD2000 appeared fired up and were looking the sharper of the two teams in the opening exchanges of the second period of play.

Left winger Emiliano Sener was replaced Kalle Wåhlin shortly after the restart and could have put the game well out of reach for AD2000 but on one occasion, was guilty of missing a sitter.

Positive selection issues

The third goal came from a corner with Hannes Wåhlin stepping up to head solidly past the keeper.

Lars Johansson was unlucky not to add his name to the scorers shortly before the end as his shot struck the post.

Christopher Deeks put the game beyond doubt with a great shot on the final whistle and gave the coaching staff some positive selection issues to be decided for the next match against Betfair in a week.

Match facts:

FC Scandinavia 4 - AD 2000 1
November 1st
Melita Ground
GIDA League, 3nd round

Goals FCS:
Sebastian Dedering
Lars Johansson
Hannes Wåhlin
Christopher Deeks

Bookings FCS:
Erik Smith
Joakim Bäckman