The Stormtroopers retained their Beijing League title with comfortable victories over Jia You and the SBJ Super Snakes today with captain for the day Linus Fonsmark leading his team in his last games for the team before returning to his native Sweden. In so doing completed an end of season sequence of 11 consecutive wins and at last captured a trophy having been so close on two previous occasions this term. Never easy against teams determined to beat us and on tiny grass pitches upsets are always possible, the team had to take their chances and avoid mistakes to come out on top - and thats precisely what they did.

In the ‘Semi-Final’ vs Jia You, after a very sleepy start, early nerves were settled when the impressive Brendan drilled home from wide on the right to give the Stormtroopers an advantage on 2 minutes. Jacob was struggling with a thigh injury all day but that didn’t stop him returning a poor clearance with interest, scoring with a long range lob. Into the second half and great determination from Isaac saw him score after picking up a loose ball in the opponents box. Chances then came at will but Jia You’s keeper was in terrific form, holding back the tide almost single handed. With the clock running down a pinpoint cross from Jordan was met by a powerful header from Tommy to wrap things up at 4-0

Final Score: Jia You 0 Stormtroopers 4

Players of the Match: Brendan - strong down the right flank, Tommy  - a real handful for the opposition

For the second time in 3 weeks on the adjacent pitch the Super Snakes, in Coach Henrik Kristensens last game in charge before taking over at Chelsea, had been involved in a titanic struggle with BSB. After a 2-2 draw, the Snakes prevailed in a nerve jangling penalty shoot out to set up the Final game against the Stormtroopers. Once again the early goal probably did the damage as Tommy Waller scored with a really neat tuck inside the post after good skills. More pressure followed and it was only a goal line clearance that denied Tommy his second but the Troopers fans didn’t have to wait too long for Nathan to follow up on a spill by the keeper to make it 2-0. With Linus and Tommy again going close it looked like the flood gates might open but against the run of play the Snakes were handed a lifeline when a defensive error allowed Tommy Vavala to turn and score expertly just before the half time break. Just as in the last game though, straight after the re-start it was 3-1 as Alex broke into the box and smashed home with a super strike. Once again though the Super Snakes came back, capitalizing on another defensive error to make it 3-2. The game finally turned on two superb pieces of goalkeeping from Isaac. It looked like a long range lob would sneak under the bar until Isaac left up and back to tip the ball over in spectacular fashion. Minutes later he did it again, this time with a full length feature dive to keep the Snakes at bay. With the clock running down and the tension rising in the mid-day sun, Brendan was tripped when through in the box. Up stepped Linus to ram home the finest penalty you will ever see to seal a memorable day for him.

Final Score: Super Snakes 2 Stormtroopers 4

Players of the Match: Isaac - two more wonder saves, Linus - star man on his last day !

Verdict: Nice way to end the season. Picking up the BJL title for the third consecutive season and finishing with 11 straight wins in all matches. Despite missing Luc, Haydn and Bryce plus Jacob carrying an injury, the team gelled well and got the job done. The small pitches were far from ideal, but playing on grass is a timely reminder of tournament conditions so is more than useful. Generally we played well enough without ever hitting top gear. We created lots of chances but found two opposition keepers having great games to keep us at bay. Defensively we did enough, but errors, all too easy to make on ‘slow’ grass were punished - again useful lessons. Sad to say farewell to our newly crowned Player of the Season, Linus. We will miss the ‘Great Wall of Sweden’ for sure but we wish him and his family well for the future. Also we say farewell to Coach Henrik who has done an amazing job with the 2001 Super Snakes who are now capable of playing really attractive football and owe him a great deal. Good luck at Chelsea.... Everyone else -  see you all next season !

12 June 2011