The new Supremi might be thinking that this managerial malarkey is a bit of a doddle. In their first match at the helm, they bagged their first piece of silverware in the shape of the Victoria Challenge Cup as their new charges, clearly keen to impress, banged in a dozen goals at the Battersea Astrodome. Indeed, such was their confidence that only one Supremo was deemed necessary, Mad Dog barking out the orders whilst Preston lazed on a French beach.
There was, however, plenty of evidence that the new regime have been busy over the summer devising some sophisticated tactical strategems, as well as thinking carefully about ways to best motivate various individuals. Mad Dog carefully unveiled a new a diamond-shaped midfield formation, with Scaramanga providing its defensive base and Abbott its creative spear-head in the much sought after hole-role.
The gaffer must have worried about the effect of such innovation on luddite mentalities, and initially a spattering of toys were quickly ejected from the capacious pram of Reevaldo, undisputed king of the hole under the previous regime, but now moved sideways to the right wing. But the new Supremi would appear to have that psychological insight possessed of all the great gaffers: instead of flouncing on the flanks, the ex-hole merchant played like a man with something to prove, and lashed home no fewer than five goals.
The new dynasty had also drafted in some new blood, with both Nick Alexandrou and Ray Peakes impressing mightily. Alexandrou initially provided the fourth point of the new rhomboidal midfield, immediately showing great pace, skill and an eye for a quick pass. Peakes was quickly into the fray under the rolling substitutions rule, playing first on the left and later up front. Like his fellow debutante, he had skill in abundance allied with a steady composure and good vision, and both players caused a constant threat to the Victorian rearguard. The only bad news was that both players already play on a Saturday, although there is some hope that they might be available for selection when they have no match the previous day.
The most urgent issue to be addressed by Sapwell and Preston is the lack of goals. Logica have averaged significantly less than two goals per game over each of the last four seasons, and they must turn periods of dominance into goals if they are to escape the mire of mid-table mediocrity. With a limited transfer budget, the Supremi aim to improve Logica's strike rate with a change of style, and summer training sessions have been geared towards evolving a possession-based approach, with the diamond-shaped midfield aimed at increasing the number of chances created.
Twelve goals then will have been a reasonably satisfactory return from this first trial, although it will have escaped nobody's notice that eleven goals were bagged in the equivalent curtain-raiser last season. Victoria were rumoured to have strengthened their squad in the intervening year, and indeed had a number of strong performers - most notably the big number five in the centre of the park, and a dangerous and nippy striker. But much of their good work was undone by some basic errors, exemplified by the opening goal inside three minutes. An incisive build-up freed Alexandrou down the left, but his cross seemed a safe catch for the Victorian keeper. Under no pressure, though, the ball was spilled to the feet of Reevaldo who gratefully poked home.
Logica dominated possession, and some snappy passing soon had them three up. Alexandrou slid in a perfect low cross behind the opposing back four which Banoub was on hand to convert, before Reevaldo fired home at the near post after a clear run on goal. Hoyzone was soon in on the act, finishing off another sharp build-up clinically from 12 yards. Noobs crashed home his second off the underside of the bar, before setting up his strike partner with a peach of a far post cross that Hoyzone greedily gobbled up. As the first half drew to a close, Logica continued their ruthless goal-trail of destruction, as Reevaldo first completed his hat-trick, shooting across the keeper, and then added an eighth goal.
Victoria rang the changes at the interval, and caused far more problems in the second half. Despite being urged to push on for more goals, Logica were denied space and struggled to create many chances. In contrast, Victoria posed more of a threat and World Cup winners Fazel and Sutton were called upon to make a number of timely interventions. But the hosts finally got their just reward when their impressive central midfielder elegantly converted a low corner to reduce the arrears to just seven.
Sapwell moved quickly to try and re-invigorate his charges, moving Abbott and Peakes up front, withdrawing Hoyland to the left flank, and squeezing Banoub into the hole. The switch had the desired impact, as Abbott latched onto a goal-kick whilst the Victorian defence dozed, and cantered away to slot past the keeper. The veteran striker soon added his second, deftly controlling a Hoyzone header, and turning to curl a precise shot into the top right corner from 20 yards. And Peakes finally had some tangible reward for a fine display, as he once more chased down possession on the left, broke clear with the ball, and fired home a low shot that the keeper might have done better with.
The best of all was saved to last. It was Peakes again breaking away down the left wing before unselfishly looking up and rolling a pass across the edge of the box to the unmarked Reevaldo. The former hole merchant took one touch before dispatching the most exquisite of lobs over a helpless keeper and into the far corner of the net. There will surely be sterner tests ahead for new Logica, but with another month to hone their new style and improve their fitness, Sapwell and Preston will be confident that the team will hit the new season running on 09 September.
Video highlights package:
(1) Reevaldo bundles home one of his five goals.
(2) Scaramanga heads against the post.
(3) Banoub is denied by a finger-tip save onto the bar.
(4) Peakes fires home after Alexandrou is denied.
(5) Hoyzone fires inches too high after a neat Peakes back-heel.
(6) Banoub is foiled once more by the keeper.
(7) Reevaldo completes the scoring with the perfect lob.
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