RED STAR – AVION : 2-0
Saturday 25th August 2001
Attendance 150, referee M. Guillon.
Goals : A.Gomis (44 pen) Sabin (85)
Red Star : Bruneau, R.Gomis, Santos, Pendola, Perron, Andersson ( N.Goma 46), Soumare, Busuttil, Sabin, Saïti, A.Gomis (Gomes-Varela 85). Coach : J.L Girard.
FINALLY !
Okay, so I missed most of the first half, but by all accounts there wasn't a great deal to miss... apparently Franck Busuttil contrived to waste three glorious chances early on, when Red Star dominated. After that, the game became more balanced, perhaps leaning to the side of Avion. Just before the break, with Red Star once again to the fore, Soumare weaved his way in to the penalty area, only to be upended right in front of the referees' eyes. Penalty, which was dispatched relatively cooly by Arthur GOMIS.
After the break, Fabrice Bruneau saved his side from disaster with a couple of top-notch saves, which was made even more impressive by the fact that apart from that, he hadn't a great deal to do. Firstly a fingertip save from a powerful drive, then racing out of his area to head the ball to safety.
Avion pushed forwards, and were caught out as SABIN blocked a clearance, and outstripped the last defender for speed, rounded the goalkeeper and placed the ball into the empty net, with just a handful of minutes remaining. A goal which killed the game off.
So, a first win, not the prettiest of victories, but important nonetheless. On Red Star, Bruneau was class in goal, the new full back Santos looked solid, but distribution was poor, Pendola and Saïti were both industrious in midfield.
The hard-pressed supporters turned out and were noisy throughout the game - much appreciated by the players too, it appears, as at the end of the game they came across to applaud us. Not the best conditions to view a game, but we made noise perched up in the TinCanStand, a good atmosphere despite being blinded by the setting sun opposite.
More wins, please Red Star !