St Patrick's FC vs. Han River Harriers
12th October 2003

Joos Louwerier
　

In a season rife with overruns, the epic game last Sunday between St. Pat’s and the Han River Harriers, played under drizzle and floodlights, has to rank as the top game of the season thus far in terms of drama. Despite an early penalty goal by Evan, due to a hand ball, in favor of the Harriers it was St. Pat’s who dominated the first period of the match with their highly physical, dare it be said “English”-style of play. Long balls, headers, and plenty of running were the order of the day. In the close confines of the Yongsan Army Base field there was little room for elegant passing plays. The Peace Cup tournament showed that the Harriers can play for result only. With a 0-1 score on the board the brave Harrier goalie Loic was under tremendous attack by the Irish throughout the first period. However the Harriers could keep their 0-1 lead. Halftime was used for some strategic changes. However, these changes did not result in more offensive play by the HRH. Instead one St Pat dove to the turf and the referee concluded nothing but a penalty for those who sought for a goal so badly. A St. Pat saw the leather and the fingertips of Loic touch each other, but not enough to prevent a 1-1 score. This balance would continue to be on the board for the second half.  The third half it seemed like the Irish were everywhere. The Harriers were overwhelmed by the lung capacity of their component. By the middle of the third period the score was soon 3-1 for St. Pat's.

But the Harriers refused to succumb. Everybody present at the Yongsan army base witnessed a remarkable comeback of the Harriers. All started after the diving header of the St Pats that brought the 3-1 score. Evan Hale decided that an instant goal was necessary to cheer up his troops. From the circle he took a fabulous shot at the nervous keeper of the opponent. Many Harriers were wondering why Evan would give this ball away. However, while the ball sailed towards the north side of the pitch, more and more saw what Evan noticed before: the goalie appeared too far in front of his box. The Harriers were back in the game with a 3-2 score. The men in blue began a rally to even the score. A shot by Markus Hatzelmann barely missed the crossing. The Harriers were challenging the St. Pats everywhere. With only two minutes left in the game the Harriers brought the balance back on the board by a header by defender Randal Smith who surprised the St Pats defense by showing up in front of their keeper.

It would have been a fair result, but credit to St. Pat’s, in a last ditch drive in the final seconds of the game their left midfielder managed to outstrip his marker and tap in the deciding goal -- ecstasy for one side; agony for the other. Despite the extreme physicality and passion displayed on the pitch, both teams were sportsmanlike in their play throughout the match.