THE FIRST
HALF
After meeting the Charlton Lions, we kicked off the match at our adopted
home of Ridgeway. The first minutes were a little scrappy but an early
goal settled our nerves. Chung managed to pick out Mike Yee on the edge
of the area and he just smashed the ball straight at the goal just out
of the keepers reach. We enjoyed more attacking play after that and after
a few corners from Mike Yee that didn't really result in much, the captain
Roger Ho stepped up and took one. The corner troubled the Charlton Lions'
defence and the ball bounced to the edge of the area where Mike Yee was
waiting. He controlled the ball with his first touch then hit the ball
with his second. The shot went right into the top right hand corner -
an emphatic second! After that the defence did well to contain the pressure
from the Charlton Lions, with Danny and Gary holding position very well
in the full-back positions, and Stephen Barrow and Paul Tsang being solid
and commanding at the back as usual. In midfield, John Tsang, Chung, Graeme
Callister, Kant and Anthony Tang when he came on, knocked the ball around
confidently and never backed out of a challenge. Roger Ho was the important
link between attack and midfield and this proved cructial, especially
in the first half. Another Roger Ho corner later on again caused problems
and the ball dropped to Stephen Barrow to crash in a header from close
range! The Wirral Chinese were settled and began to play much more confidently.
Then 5 minutes from the end, Mike Yee managed to beat the offside trap
and a looping ball over the top by Stephen Barrow was instantly controlled.
Mike then cut inside the Charlton Lions' full back and shot straight at
the keeper. Luckily the ball bobbled under the keepers legs and that completed
a first half hattrick!
THE SECOND
HALF
Quite a few changes where made at half time. It saw the introduction of
Nigel Yee, the joint youngest every player to play for the Wirral Chinese
at the age of 15. He holds the record with older brother Mike Yee who
played against Pyramid Printers in 1998. He had a decent debut and had
a few chances but he is only young and will improve as he gets older.
Jordan Lee also made his debut and played wide on the right, with the
highlight of his performance a close shot from the right side of goal.
In the end, the Charlton Lions held on without conceding anymore goals
and the scoreline ended 4-0.
OVERALL
A shield was presented to the winners of this unique match and captain
Roger Ho collected it on behalf of the Wirral Chinese. Afterwards lads
from both teams attended a Chinese Meal at the New Spring Deer restaurant
on the Wirral.
We all would like to thank the Charlton Lions for taking the time to come
up to the North West and play us - maybe we can have a re-match in London
sometime!