ReUnited kicked off the new season in style in our new surrounding of Jingwan Stadium as Steve led us to what was ultimately a quite comfortable victory. We went into the match with only 11 players which made the win even more satisfying.

The Jingwan pitch is larger than we are used to but it seemed to be the Japanese struggling with that more in a lethargic first half performance from them.
We kept our shape well and were generally free of pressure, and deservedly took the lead when a Steve run ended up with a tap in for Markus for our first goal. Steve added another before half time after another great run.

In the second half the Japanese finally woke up and came at us, we struggled to get the out of our half or build any counter attacks and let a goal in when their number nine broke our offside trap. Perhaps the lack of any substitutes was causing problems.

Although there were other chances for the Asian team in the end Steve rode to the rescue again with another solo goal and then was denied even better ones by the cross bar and goal keeper. The match finished with him being chopped down for and then converting the subsequent penalty.

So, all in all a nice day in the sun and I presume that Steve was Man of the Match but haven’t seen the official confirmation.