Thursday 31st March 2022 - Bangkok Premier League Division 4
What started as a dream was finally coming to fruition as Futera United strode out onto the Futera Dome’s hallowed turf alongside their opponents JB Academy. Looking resplendent in their striking gold and black strip, as voted by the NFT holders, Futera would be making history by playing in their first competitive game, the journey had begun.!!!
The game was originally scheduled for the previous Sunday but due to heavy rain the game was hastily rearranged, this delay only seemed to heighten the excitement and anticipation and there was a real buzz around the ground. Futera would start the game with a 4-3-3 formation with Don (15) reverting to the defensive midfield role, due to Fofana’s registration issue and Gael (67) leading the line. Both these decisions along with making Jew (10) captain were democratically decided by the NFT holders.
The opening 10 minutes of the game were rather scrappy with many misplaced passes with neither team able to take control. The game came alive after 10 minutes when neat work from Gael (67) allowed Phu (28) to unleash a fierce strike which the JB keeper did well to keep out. 3 minutes later a long raking ball from M (4) was expertly controlled by Gael (67) who turned his marker and stuck a sweet shot that was arrowing into the top corner before the JB keeper, scrambling to his right, pulled off a fantastic save to keep the scores level. Futera were now starting to get on top and the best chance of the game fell to Gael (67). After a strong run down the right flank, from the tireless Bank (23), his cross shot fell to the feet of Gael six yards out, but with the goal gaping he blazed over the bar. Our disappointment was short lived and we would take the lead, our first half performance deserved, in the 42nd minute. Once again selfless work from Bank (23) who was able to win the ball back on the right flank and pass the ball to Phu (28) who ghosted effortlessly past his marker to fire the ball into the bottom left corner. 1-0 to Futera United and our first ever competitive goal. The first half ended with us in control and eagerly awaiting the second half.
We started the second half, where we left the first, on the front foot and forced an early corner. JB Academy had not come just to make up the numbers and their aggressive pressing would pay off in the 51st minute. Tidy play by their midfield allowed them to breach our high line and their centre forward ran through to shoot under our keeper Film (1). JB increased in confidence after this goal and started to knock the ball about with real purpose, and but for a fine save from Film (1) ,could have taken the lead. Futera gradually worked their way back into the game and in the 72nd minute a slide rule pass from Tewit (27) split the JB defence to allow Diw to cooly slot past the advancing keeper to restore our lead. Just when I thought we would take control and maybe add more goals, an aimless punt forward from the JB defense was completely misjudged by Film (1) who charged out of his box and the ball bounced over him to slowly tickle into the empty net. This led to jubilant scenes on the JB Academy bench. The remainder of the game rather fizzled out with both teams happy to settle for a point. The final whistle blew and Futera United’s historic opening game had finished 2-2.
Although disappointed with a draw we must remember this is a brand new team. This is only the beginning of the journey and I’m sure we will improve with every game. All credit to JB Academy who showed they are a decent side with some excellent technical players. We should take the positives from this game, the young lad Phu (28) looks a real class act and with Fofana set to be available for selection for the next game I am optimistic we will secure our first win.
Onwards and upwards, Come on United!!!!!
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