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SEASON 2023/24 HIGHLIGHTS
Hercules 23
Rock Cup 2nd Round
Bavaria Round 1
Rock Cup 1st Round
Lynx 23 24
Europa 23 24
SEASON 2022/23 HIGHLIGHTS
EUROPA 2nd Round
MATCH REPORT
Last game of the seasons Vs the reigning Champions Europa and this seasons league winners. A tough encounter to look forward to made harder with an ever growing injury list. But we went in it with nothing to lose and stand in keeper Carl Linares ready for the challenge. The game started off as expected with Europa dominating the ball and creating a few at chances which Linares cleared well. Zoca looked for the counters as they struggled to get much of the ball. Europa then found the 1-0 after stealing the ball at the half way line and Europa attacker slotting home for 1-0. Soon after Ballester saw his shot hit the bar from close range. This pushed Europa forward and 3 goals came without reply from Zoca. With a minute to go Currer burst forward and slid Villa in who tor poked to make it 4-1 at the break.
Second half began and again Zoca struggled to get the ball but managed to create a few chances on the counter and now using fly keeper we’re feeling their way into the half. However despite a few good chances from Currer, C Linares hitting the bar and Gracia’s chip being cleared off the line, Europa for the break through’s once again. Zoca managed to get a penalty and get a goal from Currer and Grech from a direct free kick got our 3rd. A valiant effort from the lads under tough circumstances ultimately falling to the Champions 9-3. We look forward to learning from another good season and looking to push forward for the future 💪🏽💙 .
GOAL SCORERS :- VILLA, CURRER, GRECH
MOTM:- C LINARES & CURRER
Lynx 2nd Rnd
MATCH REPORT
In our penultimate outing of the league season we came up against former champions Lynx FC, who were gearing up for the playoffs, looking to show their credentials. The tie started in a cagey manner with Lynx probing but not creating much as Zoca looked tight at the back awaiting a counter. However this was short lived as Lynx found their rhythm and managed to race into a 3 goal lead with Zoca failing to stop the onslaught. Mascarenhas made some telling saves to keep score line down and at the other end Villa and Currer had a few near misses, but Lynx were looking the more dominant side. After a free kick routine saved by the Lynx keeper, the rebound ricocheted off the defenders arm and Zoca had a lifeline with a penalty awarded. Currer slotted home for 3-1. But before the half ended, Zoca conceded a sloppy goal and half ended 4-1.
Second half much like in recent games, saw us running out of steam as injuries in the game started to effect the shape. Lynx picked us apart with some neat passing moves and made it 6-1. Zoca got another goal back when Lamont fed Villa who drove into the Lynx area and fired a shot goalwards to find the corner for 6-2. Zoca looked devoid of ideas as Lynx surged forward searching for more and inevitably they did, grabbing the 7th & 8th goals. Another stiff learning curve but a realisation of the level that is required to move further up the league.
GOAL SCORERS :- CURRER, VILLA
MOTM:- MASCARENHAS, VILLA
Bavaria 2nd Round
MATCH REPORT
A match Vs Bavaria will always bring fireworks as has been proved in previous contests. The Bastion were ready for the battle, the game got underway with Bavaria taking possession of the ball and forcing Mascarenhas into a few routine saves. Currer then came close after he dispossessed the onrushing keeper but ball was cleared. Here on in both sides created chances and came close, but Bavaria took the lead via a cross into the back post, which caught Zoca defence out. Zoca hit back through a penalty after Currer was brought down and he dusted himself down and smashed it home. As the half wore on both sides were getting closer to a lead but on a break away Gilbert intercepted the ball and dribbled forward, he slid the ball into debutant Duncan Lamont who fired his shot at the near post and we took the lead 2-1. The lead didn’t last long though as Bavaria got back on level terms through a free kick after Mascarenhas saved and they pounced on the rebound. As the half was near it's end Zoca got the break when Grech turned his man and toe poked the ball into the far corner for 3-2 at half time.
Second half got under way with Bavaria increasing the pressure, but Mascarenhas held firm along with the Zoca defence. But as the half wore on neither team was creating much and Bavaria got the breakthrough after a deflected shot went in for the equaliser. Moments after a near cross was put away by their striker for 4-3. Zoca pushed for the equaliser and the newbies both came close with Lamont firing just wide and Gracia being thwarted by the keeper. Grech came close too as the keeper again stood tall. And on one of Zoca’s attacks, Bavaria countered and got the all important 5th which knocked the stuffing out of us. We attempted the fly keeper but this comes with risks and Bavaria took advantage with a long range shot and got the 6th. A tough game in the end where fine margins got the better of us, but lots of positives too for our new players and team to take.
GOAL SCORERS :- CURRER, LAMONT, GRECH
MOTM:- CURRER, GRECH
Hercues 2nd Rnd
MATCH REPORT
We came up against Hercules after a 3 week break and off the back of an impressive victory Vs South, confident we could give Hercules a game. However knowing that a slim chance at play offs was at stake and we had to throw everything at them for the win. The game started with Hercules dominating the ball as expected and testing Mascarenhas reflexes. However Zoca managed chances if their own through returning Capi Ballester and our top marksman Podesta. The first half was a tight goalless affair till Gracia found some space and slid in Villa on the wing who evaded his marker and crossed the ball ahead of the keeper and into Podesta who rifles home for 1-0. The lead wasn’t to last long as Hercules equalised soon after from a free kick routine. As the half wore on Hercules found the net again after their striker skilfully dinked Mascarenhas. But just before the half ended Balestrino found Podesta who turned his marker and smashed the ball into the top corner for 2-2 at Half Time.
The Second half started with neither team finding much space and very few chances being created. But Hercules for the break as a corner deflected off Ballester to go in for 3-2. Soon after they got the 4-2 as Zoca hadn’t settled after going down. The game was getting away from The Bastion as Mascarenhas pulled off a string of impressive saves to keep us within distance. Hercules made this dominance count as they got the fifth after a near through ball fluid the attacker and after his shot was saved he pounced on the rebound. Zoca finally awoke and pressed Hercules up top creating chances and rattling the post through Villa, Currer & Podesta. But the late onslaught was too little to late as Hercules came away with the points. We live and learn after a valiant performance.
GOAL SCORERS :- PODESTA X2
MOTM:- PODESTA
South Round 2
MATCH REPORT
Matches against South Utd are always feisty affairs and we expected no less in this encounter. Our first meeting was a close call ending 6-3. The first half was a gritty tense to and fro with neither team creating too many clear cut chances, Mascarenhas standing talk when called upon.
Second half got Under way and you could now see both teams intent to go ahead. Garro robbed the defender and closed in on goal l cooly finishing to make it 1-0 Zoca. Soon after South had a man sent off after a rash tackle on the ever dangerous Garro. Zoca didn’t make advantage of the extra man but soon after we went ahead through Podesta’s determination in front of goal. We were in control now, but South pulled a goal back and we feared the nerves would get to us. However Mascarenhas was in inspired form keeping South at bay and on a breakaway from a South corner, Currer countered and finished to make it 3-1 and some breathing space. As South pushed forward to get back into the game the spaces opened up and Gilbert with a neat through ball found Garro who rounded the keeper and made it 4-1 game over and points were secured..
GOAL SCORERS :- GARRO X 2, PODESTA, CURRER
MOTM:- GARRO
Saxons 2nd Rnd
MATCH REPORT
A match that provided intensity, passion and a rollercoaster of emotions for both sides. Saxons taking the lead after 10 minutes after some end to end football. Zoca replied quickly from a long range equaliser by Karl Balestrino via a corner. The match continued to be very balanced with Zoca failing to put away some chances and heading into Half Time with a 1 all draw.
The second half proved to be nothing less than once again a mouth watering encounter of exciting football providing 8 goals. Saxons going ahead with two quick goals after some Zoca defensive errors taking the score line to 3-1. Zoca showed character and passion coming back from a 3-1 deficit to leading 5-3, goals 3 and 4 scored by talisman Paul Podesta and the quick footed, Carl Linares. Both goals coming from open play with one and two touch passes from the back, resulting in the ball hitting the Saxons net. Saxons on the other hand had other thoughts and continued to push and bringing out the fly keeper tactic. This caused Zoca to reshape and for the remaining 4 minutes of the match seemed to have it under control. With only 1min and 27seconds left, Saxons stepped it up attacking Zoca’s goal which rewarded them with two quick goals and a final 5-5 score draw. Overall a very entertaining match but not the result Zoca were gunning for.
GOAL SCORERS :- PODESTA X 2, BALESTRINO, GRECH, C LINARES
MOTM:- PODESTA
Laguna 2nd Rnd
MATCH REPORT
With only 1 sub we knew we were going to find things tough today. We started off the game strong against a defensively well organized team hitting the post early on and taking control pushing laguna back. As the half wore on, laguna offered little going forward as we again hit the post and had a shot cleared off the line. As half time approached once again we hit the post and cross bar in quick succession but still no break through. Zoca on top and moving the ball well.
As the second half began Laguna offered more going forward now forcing Stefan in to a couple of good saves. Podesta Currer and Giovanni giving us good chances once again on the counter attack. Chances spurned as their keeper once again put in some last ditch saves as clearances were now made off their line. Luck so far was not with Zoca. Things were beginning to heat up as both teams with the clock now approaching full time pushed for the winner. With 1:20 left on the clock Laguna we’re awarded a penalty for a 6th foul and scored. 1:0 the game finished. A game deserved of Zoca for the 3 points, but the cruel realities of football came to fruition.
A valiant effort from the team who gave it their all and truly deserved the win. Luck today just wasn’t on Zocas side.
MOTM:- TEAM EFFORT
Lek 2nd Round
MATCH REPORT
Second game of Round 2 was against Lek 54, a team we'd beaten 7-1 in the first round but had proven to be a tricky team to face with youth pace and skill that we had to be wary of. we started the match confident though after last weeks importnat win Vs Lions Gib FC. We were on the front foot as the opposition did not seem their dynamic selves, Podesta robbing the defence and coming close. Soon after Villa struck for 1-0 after a neat give and go with Podesta. Currer then rattled the bar and soon after got a brace with two well driven low shots into the corner. Again Currer involved as he crossed for Vatvani to tap in for 4-0. We were scoring and Lek were not troubling us at the back, the goals kept flowing as Villa, Podesta, Grech and Currer made it 9. Lek managed one back after a powerful shot was not held by Mascarenhas and rebound made it 9-1 at the break.
The second half started and we knew we could get more goals as Lek were not putting up much resistance. A corner move brough an own goal as the keeper defected into his net for 10. Some very good passing moves working the Lek defence from Currer, Podesta and C Linares gave us more goals and the game was now an exhibition of some neat stylish play by Zoca. Podesta wanted more goals himself and grabbed a few more himself out muscling their defenders and turning well for his goals. Carl Linares finally got his goal after a very good display slotting home for the 16th. Lek managed another in the half as they countered us well and the match ultimately finished 17-2. A good day in the office as we got the 3 points and a healthier goal difference.
GOAL SCORERS :- PODESTA X5, CURRER X 4, VILLA X3, VATVANI X2, GRECH, C LINARES
MOTM:- CURRER
Lions Gib 2nd Rnd
MATCH REPORT
The first match of the 2nd Round matched us up Vs Lions Gib FC, whom had defeated us narrowly on the opening day of the season, 2-1. The lads were revved up and ready to get our own back. We started fluidly passing the ball about well probing for the opening, Grech and Podesta both had shots saved, whilst the Zoca backline kept firm with Mascarenhas not troubled early on. The first half saw us have the better chances with Currer and Ballester spurning chances too, as the half wore on Lions came into it and started troubling us, taking more possession in the game, but at the end of the first half Currer found Podesta and on the turn he fired the shot in for 1-0 Zoca and it was half time.
The second half commenced with Lions pushing us deep as they searched for the equaliser, Zoca had a few near misses with some good interchanging up front putting us in front of goal, however we didn't finalise our moves. This came back to haunt us as Lions managed to get an equaliser after capitalising on a loose ball, they slotted home for the equaliser. Zoca felt they should have had more from the game but were not finalsing plays and Lions through a corner routine managed to get the 2nd at the far post. Zoca had to dig deep now, so they did C Linares started dictating our play and through a neat give and go with Podesta we managed to get the equaliser, game on. Both sides were searching for the winner, not contenet with a point, with minutes left, Villa sent the ball down the byline for Podetsa to chase and as he turned the defender he got his shot away and it beat the keeper, 3-2 Zoca and in the lead once again. The drama hadn't yet finished as Lion managed to get a 5th foul penalty with 40 seconds left, could Mascarenhas produce heroics again to seal the win. It was not required as the Lions attacker blazed the ball over the bar and despite their attempts with the Fly keeper they could not find the equaliser and Zoca saw the result through, a vital 3 points attained.
GOAL SCORERS :- PODESTA X2 C LINARES
MOTM:- PODESTA
Europa 22
MATCH REPORT
Our last match up of Round 1 was against the reigning League and Play-off Champions Europa FC. Always a tough fixture but even more so with our growing injury list, we started sluggishly and Europa wereputting us under pressure, with Mascarenhas making a few routine saves. We were under the cosh early on and Europa were looking to get off the mark early and they did just that. After we lost the ball on the halfway mark the Europa attackers combined to put the ball away in the back post for 1-0. Europa then found the net again through a couple of well worked corner routines, before you knew it was 3-0. We were not coping with their intensity and speed of play. However we managed to get up the field and ceate a few half chances but we were not getting up afiled enough. Europa ended the half with another goal through a well worked one two and the half ended 5-0.
Second half had to be better and despite Europa not relenting in their pressure Zoca started better holding firm at the back with Mascarenhas making some key saves. Zoca created a few openings but nothing of significance as we focused on suring up the defensive line. For the most part we held firm however Europa managed to get two more goals through an unfortuante own goal and a direct free kick. This spurred us on and through a great move Villa dribbled through and passed to Sardeña who got a goal back for us. Soon before the end we got another back this time through Grech whose snap shot found the back of the net, 7-2 final score in a difficult afternoon but one we will learn from against quality opposition.
GOAL SCORERS :- SARDEÑA, GRECH
MOTM:- CURRER
Lynx FC
MATCH REPORT
Match Day 9 we came up against last season League and Playoff runners up Lynx FC. A team we have always struggled with owing to their undoubted quality and dominance of this league since UEFA's inception. Like the South game we started fast and before we knew it we were 1-0 up after a great ball over the top to Grech who ran into space ahead of his marker and looked to be brought down by their keeper and the ball was cleared into Serra's path who slotted into the empty net for 1-0. Lynx kept calm and moved the ball around as they know how, whilst Zoca kept their defensive shape, Mascarenhas made a few routine saves, brimming with confidence after last weeks clean sheet Vs Bavaria. Then another long ball up from Ballester found Currer who controlled and flicked the ball into the on coming Jamie Linares who neatly placed the shot past their keeper and it was 2-0. Lynx now knew they were in a game now and ramped up the pressure with Mascarenhas now coming under pressure along with the Zoca backline. Lynx got a goal back after Zoca did not clear their lines and it was 2-1. The game was tense and tight as Zoca looked to hold their lead and Lynx tried to equalise. Sure enough our resistance was broken and a through ball saw Lynx attacker free on goal to poke home for 2-2. Half time and it was all square.
Second half continued with sustained pressure from Lynx and Mascarenhas and Zoca rearguard standing tall, with Lynx intensity now wearing us down. Lynx tricky wingers were stretching us and sure enough one of them found the 3-2 with a sweet first time finish into the top corner. Zoca knew they had to now push forward again and before you knew it a neat passing counter saw Currer find Jamie Linares at the far post for his second of the game and it was 3-3, the game was bubbling nicely. Zoca had a few near counters work out but the final touch or ball just went begging each time as tiredness was kicking in after such a great defensive display. Lynx constant movement and probing paid off as they found their main man at the back post for a tap in and 4-3, 5 minutes left, did Zoca have one more last moment in them. Indeed they did, after a poor clearance from the Lynx attacker Grech fired a snap shot from range and it nestled into the net and it was 4-4, what a match. As the clock ticked towards the end tempers flared and tackles were flying threatening to boil over, Lynx went with the fly keeper but we kept our nerve and achieved what was our first ever points Vs Lynx, a titanic effort Vs the 6 time Futsal Premier Champions.
GOAL SCORERS :- SERRA, J LINARES X 2, GRECH
MOTM:- J LINARES
Bavaria
MATCH REPORT
Match Day 8 we faced off against Bavaria FC, last season saw very much contrasting results as we celebrated a superb win in the first round, contrasting that with a crushing defeat in the second round. Suffice it to say we knew an epic battle awaited. The game got underway with both teams deadlocked not creating much as both keepers made comfortable saves. Tackles were flying in as before we knew it each team were on 3 fouls early on. Halfway through the first half Bavaria lost their talisman Bosio to an injury as he went for a shot. Bavaria did not let it effect them as they started o create chances, albeit from long range as Mascarenhas stood tall. As for Zoca, Podesta tested their keep on a few occasions but he stood tall. Half time and it was all square.
Second half began and Bavaria upped the intensity and showed their intentions as they rattled the woodwork. Bavaria were pressing Zoca back but we held firm and Mascarenhas was looking unbeatable with some fine reflexes shown. And on a Bavaria attack Serra outmuscled his opponent and broke free on the counter, tearing down on goal he was one on one with the keeper and calmly slotted the ball for the 1-0. Bavaria responded with more pressure on the Zoca defence as we were pinned back, but Mascarenhas was on a mission and saving all that came before him and if he didn’t the Zoca rearguard was in hand as Gilbert cleared off the line. Spaces were beginning to open up and Zoca managed to create chances which could have killed the game but we weren’t clinical as Currer, C Linares and Gilbert had chances spurned. With 5 minutes to go and 4 fouls each in this feisty affair, Bavaria captain saw his second yellow handed to him for dissent and he saw red. Zoca couldn’t take the advantage as injuries to Podesta and Villa during the half saw our intensity wane. With 3 minutes left and back to 5 players, Bavaria went with the fly keeper to get the equaliser, we held firm and even had an opportunity to kill tha game off. But with literally 0.1 seconds left Gilbert was adjudged to have handled the ball and Bavaria had their fifth foul penalty and a chance to equalise. Mascarenhas clean sheet was at risk but he had been imperious all game and inevitably he saved from the penalty and there was no turn left, Zoca had all 3 points in a gruelling battle against quality opposition.
GOAL SCORERS :- SERRA
MOTM:- MASCARENHAS
Hercules
MATCH REPORT
Matchday 6 saw us take on title hopefuls Hercules with a new look squad. We started tight at the back and Hercules found it hard to break us down as did we agsinst them. But Hercules found the opening after a neat move and toe poke to the bottom corner, 1-0. Soon after Villa pressed up top and won the ball and his shot hit the outside of the post. Soon after Hercules got the 2nd and again straight after we came close as Podesta hit the post thois time from the free kick, it looked like it would be one of those days. The first half now was tight as Hercules protected their lead and tried for the counter as Mascarenhas held firm. Zoca could not break down Hercules but again just before the half time break Hercules found the net and again Zoca came close straight after with Linareshitting the bar, not much luck went our way in the first half.
Second half we knew we would have to up our levels to get back into the game. We pushed further up and tried to press Hercules and we started finding moreof the ball as we pinned them back, to try and get a goal early 0n. The match was more of a stalemte now with few chances as both teams tussled for possession. However after a good ball up top to Podesta, Grech managed to get into the box and get his shot away as keeper saved it, Grech bundled rebound in and we had a goal back. Unfortunately this sprung Hercules into action and they got their 4th to keep us at distance. Immediately after Serra found Sardeañ with a well placed cross into the box and Sardena headed in for 4-2. Next goal would be key and we pressed hard up top to get the goal but Hercules back line kept firm. As we pushed forward Hercules countered and got the 5th. We attempted the fly keeper but our chances were not clear enough and after a mistake at the back we conceded the 6th, a game that could have been closer was perhaps a step too far with limited numbers.
GOAL SCORERS :- GRECH, SARDEÑA
MOTM:- PODESTA, VILLA
South Utd
MATCH REPORT
Matchday 5 brought us up against South United who had strengthend well this season, looking to go further up the table. We were looking to bounce back from back to back defeats in the league and Rock cup. we could not have started better with The bastion taking a two goal lead early on. First gilbert strick from a well worked Free kick and then Carl linares fired home from the corner pass. This of course awoken South into action, they tested Mascarenhas and he stood up to their attacks, however a well worked cross to the backpost found the South attacker for 2-1. Soon after a counter from South saw them get back to level terms at 2-2, game on with both teams not backing down. Carl linares straight after the equaliser found himself with a lobbed pass in front of goal but his cip went over the bar. South completed the comeback when their attacker dribbled into space and smashed into the roof of the net. Zoca however felt the game was there to be taken and a superb team effort with over 10 passes strung together ended with Currer squaring for Sardeña to tap in, 3-3 and half time what a rollercoaster.
Second half began and South turned up the pressure with a high press, keeping The Bastion pinned back, Mascarenhas making some good saves to keep them at bay, Podesta on the counter broke free and nearly put us back ahead but his save was blocked by the keeper. The game started going from end to end with South pushing hard to go ahead and they eventually took the lead with a well placed shot into the corner. Zoca immediatley hit back with Podesta smashing the woodwork, so close now with both teams looking for the win. But South made the all important break through and took the 5-3, Zoca pushed with the fly keeper and again came close through Currer & Podesta but we didnt manage it and eventuallly paid the price of the risks of Fly keeper abd South countered for 6-3. We gave it a titanic effort but ultimately fell short, we can keep our heads high after such a gruelling an epic battle.
GOAL SCORERS :- GILBERT, C LINARES, SARDEÑA
MOTM:- GILBERT
ROCK CUP 2022/23 MATCH REPORT
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MATCH REPORT
Zoca started the match strong moving the ball well with chance after chance failing to hit the back of the net. Strong goal keeping from the Stallions goalie keeping Zoca at bay. As we pass the half way mark of the first half we have limited Stallions to 2 long range efforts so far, though some lacklustre defending concedes a free kick on the edge of our area. The free kick is taken and its fired in. 1:0 to Stallions. Once again we pile on the pressure creating chance after chance but their defence holding firm. A counter attack out of no where brings us to 2:0 followed shortly after by another free kick. 3:0 to Stallions at half time.
As the second half begins we get a goal back through some good team play though a quick fire response brings the score line to 4:1. Zoca had it all to do in the remaining 10 minutes. Fly keeper now being utilised we get a couple of goals back bringing the score to 4:3. Once again our defending let us down with a quick counter attack resulting in a 5:3 scoreline to end the game.
Its fair to say this is not a result we would have liked, having tested their keeper on a heavenly scale, but it proved to be some errors defensively that cost us.
GOAL SCORERS :- PODESTA, CURRER, GRECH
MOTM:- C LINARES
Saxons
MATCH REPORT
Another newly promoted side awaited us on Matchday 4, this time it was Saxons FC. A side we'd faced in the Capurro Cup this summer in what proved a very tricky tie, which we won 1-0. We knew it would be achallenge and it proved to be. the game was slow and nervy to begin with Saxons and Zoca not creating much, rather feeling their way into the game. It took a while until the 15th minute when from a dead ball situation, Saxons too the lead with a powerful free kick. it would prove to be our undoing in the match, set pieces. We started getting a hold of the ball but again the match was very scrappy and chances were few and far between and Saxons got the second with a neat finish in the bottom corner. This finally woke Zoca up and as the half came to and end Gilbert found the ball to Currer who jinked into the box and slotted home for 2-1 at half time.
The gaffer gave the team a dressing down as this was not an acceptable performance thus far. We started to try to get the ball forward quickly and we started creating space and a few half chances but Saxons kept tight at the back. Then in a crazy few minutes Saxons had a player sent off for dissent and were down to 4 men, from a subsequent kick in they managed to take a 3-1 lead. Zoca poured forward to try and get a goal with the man advantage and with a long range shot we managed just that as Gilbert reduced it to 3-2. Our tails were up now and we felt we had momentum, podesta muscled himself onto the defender to win the ball back and fired the ball in for 3-3, game on. Zoca knew the game was there for the taking, we pushed forward and pressed there backline and they had no answer out from the back. Currer then got onto the ball and crossed into the open box and Jamie Linares poked it home for 4-3 Zoca, we finally were ahead in the match. We had the match in our favour but we didnt take advantage and Saxons used the flying keeper well in the last 4 minutes seeking the equaliser, we didnt clear our lines and it fell to the Saxons forward and he slotted home for 4-4. the game was on a knife edge and both teams wanted the win, Podesta had a shot whistle wide and then a powerful shot parried by the keeper, we were close but in the final minute, once again from a kick in Saxons got a shot away and it bobbled into the corner for 5-4 and game over, a tough defeat to take but we keep our chins up and work had for the next games.
GOAL SCORERS :- CURRER, PODESTA, GILBERT, J LINARES
MOTM:- GILBERT
LAGUNA 2007
MATCH REPORT
This game saw us face off Vs Champions of 2nd Division Laguna FC, a team we'd faced before and had many battles in the past. The game got under way and there were chances few and far between, with both teams playing defensive low blocks. No one wanting to show their hand, but today Grech had his shooting boots on and after a good find from Ballester Grech blasted home the opening goal into the top corner 1-0 Zoca. Soon after Laguna started fighting back and Mascarenhas kept our goal secure with a few decent saves from range. However Grech was in the mood and this time got past his marker and fired a low range shot at the keepers near post and made it 2-0 Zoca, we were in command now. Laguna huffed and puffed but Zoca were playing well and not looking to surrender their lead but Zoca's ill discipline got the better and they conceded a double foul but the first free kick was blazed over and the second well saved from Mascarenhas. But just before the half Laguna pegged one back through ex Zoca player Kaylan Rumbo after he fired his shot low from the corner, at half time it was 2-1 Zoca.
The second half got under way and we were in the ascendency with Gilbert going through on goal but hos shot was saved. Soon after a good combination from Podesta and Garro made it 3-1 and Zoca had their cushion. The game was now in the balance as Laguna searched for a way back but Zoca held firm at the back and the same combo proved fruitful as Podesta riolled his marker and found the on rushing Garro for 4-1 Zoca. Laguna now poured forward to revive the game and managed to get a goal back at 4-2 with a well worked move into the box. Laguna now playing with the flying keeper were throwing everything into the mix to get back into the game and late on Garro retrieved the ball and beat the keeper from range to end the game 5-2. A great result as Zoca showed their grit and determination.
GOAL SCORERS :- GARRO X 3, GRECH X2
MOTM:- GRECH
MATCH REPORT
The game got under way with Zoca handling some good early pressure from Lek. Huart in goal with a good save early on to up his confidence on his debut. As the game went on, Zoca got on the ball more and a long drive from Giovanni Villa found the back of the net. Shortly followed by well worked team play front back to front finished off by Giovanni Villa once again though this time, the shot went over the bar. Zoca now growing in confidence. Another Zoca debutant in Sykes Garro bagging himself a goal from an indirect free kick made possible by the quick thinking of the ever threatening and tenacious Sean Grech. A third followed moments later from Sean Grech after some great play cutting through the heart of the Lek defense. The Bastion now went in to half time at 3:1. Lots of work to be done, but seeming more than up to the task. It must be said that the tenacious defending from Gilbert and Balestrino from start to finish gave Zoca the platform and confidence going forward. Fantastic efforts from our pillars at the back!!
The second half began with Zoca knowing that the next goal was key. It was a tense affair, end to end for the better part of the next 10 minutes, though the dead lock broken by some intimate play between Garro and Carl Linares in a very tight space before C Linares fired home. 4:1 to Zoca now. Lek feeling the pressure and beginning to tire, we sensed it was now time to push on and see how much damage could be done. Sykes Garro followed this up with a further 2 goals, and with Lek playing fly towards the end, the ever impressive Villa read a wayward pass, latch on and slotted home in to an empty net.
It is also worth mentioning Podesta, our top goal scorer of last season,did not get on the score sheet, though was at the forefront of everything that was positive about our game, bringing others in to the Frey, using his physicality and ability, particularly with his back to goal to enable the other to find the net through out the match. Ever impressive and tireless in his work rate!
A great team effort bringing the Bastion their first win of the season.
GOAL SCORERS :- GARRO X 3, VILLA X 2, GRECH, C LINARES
MOTM:- GARRO & HUART
54 Lek
MATCH REPORT
Season 22/23 got underway Vs Lions Gib FC whom we had played only recently in the final of the Capurro Cup, losing out to on penalties. The game started slow with both teams feeling eachother out, no major chances and very tight and tense. Lions had the first chance with a well worked routine from a kick-in resulting in a close call at the far post. We started getting the feel of the ball and Carl Linares began getting openings and time on the ball, he hit the post with his first chance and then Podesta had a few close calls himself. However Lions got the first break as their keeper pumped the ball into the box and the big Lions striker, with an ever so subtle touch flicked it past Mascarenhas for 1-0. This sprung The Bastion into action and we started carving out chances and beaking through Lions defence as Carl Linares came close with his own flick just past the post. Grech then came close too with a close range effort just wide and a shot parried by the keeper, momentum was on our side and we were playing well but Lions held firm till half time and it stayed1-0.
Second begun and we created an early chance though a Serra dribble and fierce shot, but their keeper was alert for the block. We pressed higher up but Lions defended well and we found it hard to break through, until the Lions keepers pass went wayward and straight to Podsta, who slotted home into the open goal for 1-1. Lions now broke through the press and created some good opportunites, rattling the bar and getting the ball past Mascarenhas, but not Serra who cleared off the line. Gilbert the had a shot just whistle wide as Grech laid it off to him, but Lions were now creating more and the Lions striker got the break through after his snap shot went in for 2-1 with only minutes left. As we pressed forward for the equaliser, Lions broke and Gilbert saved on the line. Mascarenhas then in a last ditch dive flicked the ball over as he ran back to keep it at 2-1 as we threw everything forward to equalise. A diffucult first result to take but we learn and move forward to better results.
GOAL SCORER:- PODESTA
MOTM:- BALESTRINO
Lions22/23
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