Neutral Bass
Valdir Unbothered
Grilled will feel that it was two points lost, as they were held to a rare goalless draw by the battling Bass-Reflex. Such an outcome had not been witnessed in the league since Retired Eleven achieved it at their stadium some eight seasons ago, with the last goalless league draw at The Cooking Pot being against the legendary Herron, fifteen seasons past.
An interesting statement on the attacking intent in the local leagues, perhaps, but none of that was in the Woofers' mind as they came out with a 3-5-2 that spent much of its time as a 5-3-2. Wingers Lyst and Månsson were apparently under orders to go for safety first, which was understandable given consecutive away losses to Shining Lights and Thorocozzieq FC.
They proved extremely competent at shutting down play, to the derision of the remaining fans, who implored them in colourful language to aim their passes forward. Bass-Reflex paid no heed, and might even have taken a surprise lead as striker David Østmo got the ball played to him in a sudden flurry of action. Østmo took a second to gain his bearings and unleash a heavy strike that came within a metre of going in.
Grilled were uncertain of how to attack this ultradefensive stance, and the coaches' talk during half-time didn't give them any new ideas. They pinged the ball about midfield aimlessly, before Månsson stole the ball off Penati and waited intelligently for his forwards to come onside before supplying the through pass. It was slightly overhit for Østmo, unfortunately for the visitors, forcing the Norwegian off-target.
In their efforts to adapt, Grilled decided to go eye-for-eye, and a meaty challenge by Branbilla upended opposite number Zé Albuquerque in marvelous fashion. That could not have been missed by the referee, who had his hand in his pocket even before Zé Albuquerque had hit the deck. The Portugeuse defender was clearly not feigning injury as he lay moaning, and was swiftly replaced by Bulgarian substitute Dimitar Tomov.
The visitors kept up their tactic of strangling Grilled into boredom before exploding into attack, and it nearly worked wonders as Diego Enero ran onto a bobbing ball and powered it into Grilled's crossbar. Grilled had their own back when they finally broke the Woofers' defence with a burst of speed from Quah down the left, which led to a cross beautifully brought down by Rotteveel, but his first attempt was blocked, and he was mobbed by three defenders before he could try again.
