According to the ref, the score was 11-3… but after the game only ten goals were claimed. Whatever the score, there was no confusion over who won the match. The Harriers – “Les” Harriers that is – put paid to an under strength Expat team, reversing the embarrassment of their last encounter.

　

Randal Smith began the scoring on 15 minutes and the floodgates opened. Andy, Sean, Lawrence, and Evan would all score in the same period. Randal received a pass back from Dave Shin who had found himself cornered. Randal then launched a curving cross into the box which three Harriers stretched to intercept. But the ball bounced past and into the side netting for a goal. Zidane scored one like that recently… probably better though.

Only minutes later Sean Freer sent a through ball forward to Andy who coolly tapped it past Jason the Expat keeper.
　

Lawrence scored goal number three with one of his patented leaping headers. Dave kicked a corner; Lawrence standing by the far post jumped up and pounded the ball strait down into the net.
　

The next goal was the first of a brace by Sean. Didi chipped the ball across the box, Sean ran on to it a little wide and hit a hard shot past Jason who had come off his line.
　

A hand ball by an Expat defender then resulted in a penalty. Evan is the designated penalty kicker on the team. He demonstrated just why he has the job by easily converting.
　

Sebastian opened the scoring in the second period. Once again, Dave made the assist. He passed to Sebastian on the edge of the box whereupon Seb hit a low, hard shot into the bottom corner of the goal.
　

Dave finally got a goal of his own on the next play. Dribbling down the left wing, he cut past Jun and hit a hard shot on target. Although Jason did well to get a hand on the ball his effort was not enough and the deflection went in the net.
　

After a brief hiatus from the team it was nice to see Joos back in the lineup. Karl hit a long range blast at the net which Jason parried away. Joos pounced on the rebound and scored from a tight angle.
　

Evan’s next goal of the game won’t make any highlight reels but I’m sure he’ll take it anyway. Joos crossed the ball in; Evan trapped it with his stomach then managed to smack the ball in with his thigh. Those cha-cha lessons paid off after all.

The arrival of the Expat’s Ivory Coast contingent from Hapjeong (where they went, instead of Apkujong) changed the complexion of the match considerably – six talented players with fresh legs are bound to do that.

 

Man marking Jackson Koffi fell to Kevin Cowell who managed to take the striker out of the game. Quite an achievement considering Jackson scored six goals against the Harriers in their last encounter.
　

Nevertheless, despite having more shots on goal, les Harriers lost the third period (and bragging rights) 2 to 1. Sebastian kicked in a low cross towards goal. Sean just managed to get enough foot on the ball to turn it between Jason’s legs.
　

It may seem by this point that Jason was letting in every shot he came up against but in fact he stopped many more than he let in. The score could have been much worse.
　

Man of the match is Sean, with two goals, one of which was that outstanding blast from the right wing, and two assists, perhaps the best being the give and go though ball to Andy.

 

Other highlights were Trent’s cameo despite injury, Karl’s composure on the ball, and the link play down the left between Randal, Didi, and Dave. Les Harriers were also crossing well for a change while heading, especially at the back, was, as always, top drawer.

 

But the performance was not without its faults. We’ll end with the observations of one injured Harrier:   

 

“Watching most of the game from the sidelines, I'd like to see us keep the ball on the ground more and out of the air less. Use one or two touches instead of dribbling. The key to doing this is more variety in our off the ball movement. Here I believe is our greatest weakness, especially considering the majority of the game is played without the ball at your feet.  Most of us run away from the ball looking for a through or long ball rather than checking to the ball to receive a short high percentage pass. More of us need to be following our passes, looking to get the ball back after a pass, and distributing the ball quicker. “