27 October 2021
Newcastle, Australia

The Champions League Semi-final was by far the toughest two game series I have been involved in. Suwon were fierce opponents and we were found it hard to get any traction. I won’t spoil the surprise of what actually happened, so you will all have to read the post in full to find out. Suffice to say there was drama, nerves and a touch of good fortune involved.

Season Ticket Sales

We have sold a few more season tickets which has to be a good thing.

Hyundai A-League – Match 1/27

First stop on the magical mystery tour is Sydney FC . Last season saw us sweep the floor with them, and we will attempt to repeat this feat.

Four games in two weeks to start the regular season. The Champions League games are the most important ones so we make wholesale changes to the starting side. “Archer” makes his debut in the midfield.

Considering the rotation in the side, I am happy with the performance. “Family Man” put in a top performance which shows how much he will be missed next match.

Debut for Bowman

“Archer” gets to make his debut and puts in a tidy performance.

AFC Champions League – Semi Final – Leg 1

The match that matters. A win is needed and a clean sheet. Our fans are a negative bunch and don’t give us a chance.

First choice team selected. “Robbo” comes in for the suspended “Family Man”. “Reido” is on the bench.

It was not a vintage performance, but it was a clean sheet and a win. The penalty save was critical as it means that we can go on the road and a draw will be enough.

Hyundai A-League – Match 2/27

Back to the A-League and Perth comes to town. We will be fielding a rotated side again.

Almost a fully rotated side. I really don’t care about the league this season.

Considering that we were fielding a weaker side, this result is pleasing. “Scruffy” turned in a great performance with two goals. Their late goal when we switched off at the end was annoying.

AFC Champions League – Semi Final – Leg 2

We have a one goal lead and a a clean sheet. We just need to score a couple of away goals and win!

We field the best side we can for this match. It is going to be a tough battle.

We started well and were looking to settle into the game. This all chaned when Warrior was sent off for a second yellow card in the 14th minute. That changed the game completely. We found it hard to get out of our half from then on as Suwon attacked us relentlessly. We held it together until the half, but conceded soon after half-time. Almost against the run of play “Mr Li” scored what would turn out to be the decisive goal with an hour to go. We held on until almost the end when Suwon got their second on the 87th minute. It wasn’t enough for them and we won on away goals.

This game was the hardest match I have been involved in this save, and is right up there with my entire time on FM.

“Warrior” to miss the final

“Warrior” has picked up a ban that will see him out of the final. Not much I can do about it. We were lucky that his dismissal didn’t cost us our place in the final.

Results Summary

So there you have it. two league wins and through to the final on away goals.

League Table

We are in fourth place with two games in hand. Looks like the Victory are back following their implosion last season.

Next Episode

Four games in 12 days. This will be a tough stretch and we will do well to win half of them.