CPR reserves 1 - Lansdowne Bhoys reserves 1

Lansdowne came out playing their typical direct football, attempting to throw long balls in behind the Rangers' back line. The battle quickly became fierce and CPR gave up a foul a few yards outside the box. The Irish squad took advantage of the early opportunity and scored from their free kick. CPR didn't drop however. In fact the side seemed to rise up at this point, controlling the ball for most of the game and even proving to dominate physically. The Rangers' midfield asserted itself particularly well early on, with Andreas and Dan Riso letting no ball go uncontested. After gaining possession, the two central midfielders did well to switch the point of attack by swinging 30 and 40 yard pin point passes out to the flanks. We were unlucky to have not equalized in the first half. We missed a couple of good chances with both Shane and Tony banging in perfect crosses from the flanks, and even taking a few difficult first time volleys that were not too far off target.

In the second half CPR came out even stronger and began to keep the ball for longer stretches. Good play from the entire squad saw us defending and attacking well as a group, Jacopo, Dan Riso, and even Muzza often tracking 40 - 60 yards back to close down Lansdowne's attachers. Our well marshaled defense ably coped with anything that was thrown at them.

The equalizer finally came in about the 65th minute. Jay Jones, who had looked composed and threatening all game long, broke clear of the Bhoys defense and had his shot saved by their keeper. The ball fell to Amos Zereoue in the box, who with his back to goal turned and cooly placed the ball into the net from close range. We had a few more chances and in the final minutes the game became stretched as both teams tried to grab the winner. Regular time ended 1-1 and we went straight to PKs.

We chose to shoot first and Amos's kick was saved. Dan Cohen and Tony DeLorenzo scored the next two PKs and Lansdowne had their third kick saved by our keeper, Ben Roberts to tie it up. Dan Riso, Shane Lennon and Andres Padilla scored our next 3 kicks that meant Lansdowne had to score their next kick to stay in it. Their player blasted the ball over the goal and we won.

This was a well deserved first division reserve championship victory and a fantastic achievement for CPR FC - our first honors at this level.

Goal: Amos Zereoue

Penalties: CPR 5 - Lansdowne Bhoys 4 (after 6 PKs each)

Starting Line Up: Ben R (K), Brettski (LB), Toph (LCB), Dan C (RCB), Joakim (RB), Shane (RW), Andreas (CDM), Dan Riso (CAM), Amos (F), Muzza (F)

Subs: Jacopo (LW), Jay Jones (F)