Friendly Match at Strahov
Stadium, 20th May 2005.
The Lion FC,
Not a leaf moved on the trees of a sun-kissed Strahov hill. With the heat of the afternoon still in the air, this evening kick-off on a perfect pitch expected perfect performances. Placek immediately went on the offensive, pressing the Lion into their own half and setting the stage for what appeared to be a decisive victory in Placek’s favour. However, the Englishmen battled away, loudly encouraging one another, and chasing every ball as if their lives depended on it. With the whole team defending as one, skilfully marshalled by the tall keeper, all of Placek’s efforts came to naught. The only real chance created by Placek in the first half ended with Zelenka hitting the post with the goal beckoning.
In the second
half the Englishmen were able to capitalise on Placek’s
only defensive error, John Bolton scoring past a poorly positioned keeper, and
then sat deep to defend the lead, dragging
out time by whatever means possible. The growing Placek
pressure finally paid off with an equalising goal from Jula
Mařík, the only player to convert one of a number
of chances created.
The game itself was nothing to write home about but to play on such a beautiful pitch in fine weather under the supervision of a professional referee is always a pleasure. And in addition we received their a signed copy of their shirt wishing “BEST SPORTING REGARDS TO PLACEK SPORILOV”.