Knights of Cydonia FC went into the match away to Worcester Kings (almost typed Bucaneers there!) not expecting very much considering Worcester are the league leaders. In the end, we got a draw but with a 5* tactical display it was only because of the performance of Elvis Dublin that Worcester were able to even get anything out of that game. The home side didn't have a single shot on target and the manager was able to pick up his 5th manager of the round award in the process. This might be the highest amount of MOTR in any league the Knights manager has received in some time but then again we are playing in a much lower division now. It should help the bank balance towards the end of the season though and especially if we can finish in the top 3 which is looking like a real possibility.
Our aim was simply to stay up but it looks like play-offs could yet be something to aim for given the team has done very well so far. We have not lost a single match but we have also only drawn against the better teams in the league which puts into perspective where the team is in the league.
Still, this week was a major milestone. Matts Lagergren's towering performance at the back saw him named in the X11 for the first time in his career. For context, Pim van der Kruis was the same age when that happened to him. Lagergren is definitely looking like the new Pim van der Kruis.
His equally talented partner, however, Gicu Elen, is having a torrid season so far. Injured early on for a week, he got himself sent off against Worcester after receiving two yellow cards in the match and is struggling for DV. Daniel Urs will have to play against Worcester and as bright a spark as Lagergren is, he may yet have to be benched in order to ensure our team develops correctly. Actually, DV is somewhat of a concern as it has not been spread around very evenly so far with the likes of Bert Sallqvist and Kylian Mbappe having simply not played enough games. This is all before taking into account the fact that this team still needs two more players in order to have a youthful eleven of the future.