Kiteflyers FC 0 vs 2 Juanitos'

A tough game for a Kiteflyers squad wracked by illness and injury saw them fall to two first-half goals by Juanitos, a game steeped in Kiteflyers history.

Starting well under the sun the Flyers passed the ball around well, producing a chance for Castillo early on in the first half. Breaking through the offside trap he found himself up against the keeper, who charged out and closed the angle well. Spilling the ball on the rebound, however, Bowman spurned the chance to kick-start the game, shooting straight at the keeper.

A tough game to find a rhythm and bogged down in midfield poor passing became the name of the game. Mistakes across the pitch gifted possession and made breaking through the Juanitos defence difficult and only half-chances were found. Culminating in a defensive mixup, the ball spilled loose outside the box and, spotting Hardie off his line, the oncoming striker hit a magnificent first-touch lob into the back of the net, 1-0.

Little improvement was found as the first half progressed, with Start receiving a yellow card for an unfortunate clash with the Juanitos right back and another defensive mixup before half-time saw an oncoming winger pick up the ball and shoot well across goal to make it 2-0 at half time.

A change in formation and some astute reorganising of play by captain Casey saw an improved second half, with some more half-chances materialising. Whelan narrowly missed a header from his new position at right wing and played in a good pall through the Juanitos defence to Start who, with his back to goal, struggled to get his body around with enough power to truly trouble the keeper.

As if to exemplify a frustrating match, Casey was the recipient of the second Kiteflyers yellow card late on in the second half as no redemption goal was forthcoming.

Some salvation was found, however, in Juanitos post-game for excellent sandwiches and beers amongst great company. Special thanks to Jimmy for organising the game, and to Dave for sharing some wonderful Kiteflyers nostalgia.

Man of the Match: Conor McAteer (1)

Play of the Match: Ross with several quality first half saves

Twat of the Match: Conor (1) arriving 5 minutes before kickoff

Freestyle Award: Quigley forgetting to bring football boots to a football match