Match Review: 1TM Latini FC vs FC Nippon

• GK Pete O'Brien
• DF Hiromitsu Nakaue
• DF Fraser Anderson
• MD Joe Moriarty
• MD Samuel Taylor
• MD Jamie Roberts
• MD Jamie Townsend
• MD Ryu Michalski
• MD Joseff Davies
• ST Jacob Saurin
• ST Mike Sharples

• ST Yuto Nagai
• ST Rory Anderson

Midweek Showdown with a Gritty Finish

It was a tough midweek clash for 1TM as they faced off against a strong and well-organised Nippon side. The match also marked a special occasion as some familiar faces returned to the squad — Lego made his presence felt at right back, while Rory Anderson rejoined the team after five years, now very much a man after leaving as a boy. Nippon came out of the gates sharper, creating a couple of early chances and forcing Captain Peter into a fine save from a corner. 1TM struggled to find rhythm in the opening minutes and unfortunately went a goal down when Lego inadvertently turned one into his own net. Ironically, that own goal proved to be the spark 1TM needed, as the team began to see more of the ball and push Nippon back into their own half. The remainder of the first half was closely contested, with neither side carving out many clear-cut chances. The 1TM squad, already thin, faced further adversity as both Ruby and Lego had to be substituted at halftime. Nippon came close to doubling their lead shortly after the break, but Captain Peter stood tall in a crucial 1v1 situation to deny them. From there, the midfield trio of Tinks, Polo, and Yuto San began to assert control, creating attacking momentum. Despite some excellent defending and goalkeeping from Nippon, the breakthrough finally came when Sharples whipped in a dangerous ball across the six-yard box and Flat White was on hand to poke it home. With 1TM now level and the energy surging, the decisive moment came in the 81st minute. Tinks, Hiro San, and Sharples combined in a gritty move that ended with the ball falling to Sharples, who buried it emphatically to complete the turnaround. Massive thanks to Herm Snr, Team Sharples, Team Anderson, and Racky for their support. 1TM MOM - Tinks NIP MOM - Big Centre back 1TM DOD - Lego

• Takaki NAKAMURA GK
• Yui Koguchi DF
• Yuki Ichikawa DF
• Katsumi Oku DF
• Akihiro HORI DF
• Ethan Noringhang MD
• Ryotaro Nishi MD
• Ryuhei IKEDA MD
• Kenshiro Ishiguchi MD
• Tomo Fujimura MD
• Hiroki Saito ST

• Barna Nemeth DF
• Sam Banyadith MD
• Santiago Rodrigues MD
• Rishi Ravikmar ST
• Shungo Sakamoto --

Last min goal determined the competitive game

Great game as usual with the final score being 1-2. NIPPON was not in the best but not worst shape when starting the game while Latini looked fit and well prepared to defeat us. The game started in a calm mood and the first half was a battle to win the control. The first goal was borne by a little accident where a pass got deflected outside of the penalty area which strangely found the back of the net and gave a lead to the Japanese. Latini showed strong motivation to come back and the game became boiled up. NIPPON remained calm and controlled the ball well, however that didn't last as Latini gradually won back possession and repeatedly made threats. In the mid of second half, Latini managed to pull one goal back after some good attempts and it became 1-1. It was followed by a last min drama where the ace striker Mike managed to go through the defense line when the defenders stopped for a second due to a potential offside and touched the ball right in front of the sliding keeper. The ball drew a curl and slightly touched the woodwork and slipped into the goal(!) Final score 1-2. Well done Latini, we always enjoy playing with you guys.