The first league game of the new year saw Roma pitted against a gritty The Eight side who had a point to prove having finished 2023 bottom of the league. With goalkeeping legend Sam out with illness and Tinashe and Shea both absent it was down to the 9 remaining boys to cover their missing team mates.
With Harry taking to the net in the first half it was Kudzai who started up front and within 5 minutes of the game starting a loose ball was pounced on and a superb flick of the foot saw the ball slide in the near post for an early and deserved lead. 1-0. The fox at it again.
The 8 pressed against a strong Roma midfield and on more than one occassion played nice balls through but there was absolutely no chance against John playing sole centre back who time after time mopped up and tackled like a true warrior. The first half saw Roma press with Joe, despite only just passing a pre-match medical with a suspected cold, playing some lovely football through to Ryan who rather unluckily played his shot wide. Roma continued to press and knock on the door of the 8 with right midfielder Alfie taking a well hit shot again just popping wide of the post. What felt like every single goal kick for the 8 was chased down by Evan who had a point to prove not to his manager but to his new watch which he was aiming to beat all previous records (more on this later).
The end of the first half saw Roma go in 1-0 up and some words of wisdom from Andy ensued. A change of keeper saw Alfie take to goal and Harry come out.
It was the start the Roma ultras wanted with a ferocious support for every single bit of good play saw the boys psyched up further. Returning back from a warm weather football camp in Egypt all eyes were on JP who danced around the 8 defenders like he was in the school disco. A superbly slick twist and turn led him to be face onto goal when he was abruptly taken down in the box, ref had no hesitation in blowing for the penalty. Superb by JP. It was Ryan who stepped up and thundered a shot which was superbly saved by the keeper. Corner. It was one of the cheekiest attempts from Harry that saw a corner sail in at the near post giving the keeper absolutely no chance, Harry shrugged his shoulders as if just another day at the office, the first half keeper turned the second half scorer. Roma 2, The Eight 0. Delirium.
Kaden playing in his natural midfield role bulldozed his way through the 8 defence and just missed to the right of the post, his determination to win every ball shone through and a goal would've rewarded his excellent work.
Mid second half saw Kudzai with dogged determination attack the 8 defence and through superb play managed to set up Harry for a shot on the edge of the box that sailed in, 3-0. Roma bouncing.
Evan subbed for after running 27 miles saw him have a quick check of the stats on his watch but sadly he forgot to press play so all his hard work wasnt recorded. VAR suggest 27,000 steps and 4,300 burnt.
The game went on where the work rate of JP was almost rewarded with a well deserved goal from a great shot however the 8 keeper pulled off a great save.
As the game was drawing out the 8 had a fantastic pass through which was 1 on 1 with stand in keeper Alfie who rushed out and mopped up the ball. Great play.
With the last 10 minutes of the game coming it was Harry again who delighted the Roma fans with his 3rd goal of the game with a lovely strike. Hattrick hero Harry.
The Roma boys saw out the last few minutes in a calm and assured manor ensuring the clean sheet. Harry tried to take the match ball home but given budget restraints from Pato he had to make do with a man of the match medal alongisde his team mate JP who played the game of his life.
Another league win - 5 in a row now.
Roma is indeed on fire. 10/10 for every single player.
