Following their convincing win over Engineering, the UWMCCFC faced Hong Kong Soc, a team whose stash is of significantly greater quality than their football. Thomas rung the changes for this game, as resident first teamer Povey was controversially left out in favour of the no nonsense centre back pairing of Liddle and Williams. Prospects for the game were looking promising when Nedmonds, the UWMCCFC’s engine in the middle of the park, proceeded to vomit in the bush outside Tarkett, much to the amusement of some of his teammates.
The game was a rather scrappy affair, with both teams struggling to find fluency and string moves together. The UWMCCFC defence coped well with the quick feet of many of the Hong Kong players but going forward lacked a cutting edge and failed to create any real chances. Perhaps the standout moment of the half came when Williams, on debut, managed to get the UWMCCFC’s first ever booking when he ensured the opposing striker had no chance of getting past by launching a robust slide tackle a good few seconds after the ball had gone. However, in Williams defence, it was a good yellow to take for the team as a dangerous attack was developing with UWMCCFC outnumbered at the back following the quick counter.
With his team’s one hundred per cent record under threat, Thomas came up with the tactical masterstroke of the season as John Faal was moved back up front, a change that reaped quick dividends as Faal showed good awareness in the box to react first to the keeper spilling a shot to tap into the empty net. Surprisingly, given the height advantage the UWMCCFC had over their opposition, Hong Kong appeared most likely to score from corners as some slack marking at times saw some half chances come and go. However, the three points were secured for the UWMCCFC when Alex Walker wrapped up a fine performance on the wing with a goal that was almost a carbon copy of Faal’s. Captain Thomas could go home satisfied that some new faces were able to step up to the challenge manfully to illustrate his squad depth and provide selection issues in the future, particularly concerning whether Williams has surpassed Annandale in the centre back pecking order.