International Friendly - Eagles v HJK City (Finland)

Thurs 31st March 2011 - KO 6:00pm

Subs: Travis, Nico, Andy
Missing Due to Injuries or illness: Dom

Welcome to the UK and to AFC Urmston Meadowside, HJK City from Finland. I can't remember Eagles playing against a european team before. So this is a first, hopefully more to come in the future.
Looking at the lads from Finland made me wonder what food they eat because thir two center backs were very tall indeed! No high ball is going to get past those two!

The two teams exchanged gifts, lined up for photos and then lined up to shake hands just as they should do.

First Half:
HJK had a good 5 minutes or so and Eagles did not know what to make of this team. As time went on Eagles slowly warmed up and got into the game. Shot after shot from Aaron, Clevon, Chris and Ryan and we etiher could not hit the target or their keeper made easy saves. HJK scored the first goal from a corner, one of their taller players completely given the chance of a free header! 0-1. All in all, Eagles played some really nice football, but we did not have the composure to finish where it mattered. Eagles had 8 shots on goal and HJK had 3, yes count them, 3 chances and scored one! Oh well, this is football after all!

Team talk given, drinks drunk, subs made.

Second Half:
This half was not so one sided as the first. Possession was probably 50/50 in this half. Eagles trying far too hard to scrore and HJK taking their time and this worked for them. HJK scored their second goal from a break from midfield, a shot came in and Rob saved but the ball ended up on another HJK players head to end up in the net! 0-2. Not long after this came Eagles only goal of the game, a free kick hit over the tall defence and Chris was there for a tap in 1-2. From this point on, Eagles tried far too hard to score the equaliser, which did look like one was coming but never arrived. Shots on goal for Eagles in this half was 6, and 5 for HJK City. As the time ticked it was clear that Eagles could not get past the tall defence and the chilly wind was helping HJK and not us this time! Full time whistle blown and HJK City come away with a win.

Summary:
Eagles should have wrapped this game up in the first half. We had enough chances or shots on goal and our composure let us down. Either panicking to shoot or taking far too long to shoot! Some of the ball play and possession was good to see, but with no end result it all means nothing. One or two players still need to release the ball quicker, the longer you hold on to a football the higher the chance is that you will lose it! Once again, football is a team game, there is no 'I' in team. Work as a team and communicate as a team and you will do well.
Thanks to HJK City for the friendly, enjoy the rest of the UK visit.

Result: 1-2  

Goal Scorers: Chris 1