RoPS 3 Klubi04 1

Last night's game was a big improvement from last week, and more importantly continued our winning streak which now stands at 7 games. Seven games on the trot really is quite an achievement for us. In general, any team can beat any team on any given day in this league as well as in the Veikkausliiga. While, of course, you will have the dominant teams like Tampere United in the Veikkausliiga, you don't generally see a team go on a run such as ours without dropping points here and there.

We started the match strong, and quickly took advantage of Klubi's nervousness. They fielded an extremely young team, and I don't believe they used any players from HJK which was a bit of a surprise. HJK do play today so that was probably the reasoning, but still I was expecting to see at least 1 or 2 of the fringe players. Our first goal was scored in the first 5 minutes or so. After some good build up, Drogba cut into the middle, quickly played the ball to a streaking Majava who then quickly played it to Peura who was advancing from his wing position. Penna made no mistake with his effort from inside the box as he blasted a shot into the side netting.

I was fairly confident that the match would turn into a blowout with the way it started, and especially as Klubi were definitely unsettled from the start. But we quickly gave them a confidence boost, as their captain put home a penalty. Antii Uimaniemi rather uncharacteristically gave away a poor ball in our defensive end, and in trying to recover took down their player in the box. With the score now tied, and with Klubi now given a bit of life and a lot of confidence the match was made much more difficult for us.

Later in the first half though, Janne Turpeeniemi, collected a clearance from our corner kick and played a great ball over the top to Dejan Godar. Godar's first touch was sublime, and he was then able to pick out Drogba who easily placed the ball in the net to continue his remarkable scoring streak. He has now scored in 8 straight games. I'm not sure I've ever heard of anyone at any level with such a streak!

The half closed with the score at 2-1. The second half was much the same as the first. Klubi rarely threatened our goal, but still made it difficult for us at times. However, we controlled most of the match and would put the game away with a third goal and Drogba's second of the match. Majava would turn provider again as he collected a ball wide and played a delicate chip inside the box to Drogba who acrobatically was able to get a foot on the ball and deflect into the net.

I entered in the 77th minute to help kill off the match. With the exception of 2 giveaways which resulted from miscommunication with Drogba and I, I was fairly solid I would say. I will definitely take this performance over my last. The match would end 3-1 putting us at the top of the table after JJK slipped up against Jippo. In fact, the only team to keep pace with us was KuPS who ran out 4-0 winners over VIFK. PK-35 lost pace with us as they fell to TP-47, and TPV fell hard to GBK 4-0.

With 3 more home games in a row still to play, hopefully we can add a little more distance between us and KuPS before we face off against each other. I have a feeling that match with KuPS could be huge in deciding who wins the league. I would be happy with a draw in that match seeing as it is an away match for us, especially if we pick up full points from our next 3 games. Of course, I would much rather prefer a big win over them, and really put some distance between us.

The fans were much improved as well from last week. You guys were great once again, and I know the team appreciates it. And I definitely love the 'Born in the USA' song when I got into the match! Hope you guys enjoyed the victory as much as we did!!