International Round Up

International football returned to the Victoria Stadium over the past week. Local supporters welcomed the return of these games to the Rock after enduring the long round trips to Faro and responded in force. The Under 21 side faced two tough tests in competitive matches in the Under 21 Euro Qualifiers campaign against Serbia U21 and Russia U21 while the Senior team squared off against Latvia in a friendly game.

Back Row (l to r): Banda, Barnett, Jolley, Ballantine, Pizarro, Torilla (C), Front Row (l to r): Britto, Hernandez, Coombes, Vinet, Serra

The inclement weather was not kind to the Under 21s in their fixture against Serbia on Friday evening. With the wind and rain lashing down on the pitch the Under 21 lads faced a side of immense quality, indeed former Under 20 World Cup winners in 2015. They went down 6 – 0 but gave a good account of themselves in the first half. Erin Barnett played the full 90 minutes leading the defence and used his experience, a particular highlight was a last ditch clearance off the line.

The senior side, however fared a lot better and gave the massed spectators gathered at the Stadium something to cheer as a deflected Liam Walker free kick went into the net in the 88^th minute of the game to give Gibraltar a 1-0 win. Gibraltar, in all fairness, played very well throughout the game and went toe to toe with our opponents for the most of the game. Chino made his long awaited debut and responded with a man of the match performance to which the crowd responded too with rapturous applause. Jamie Bosio also got a run out during the second half and he put himself about in his usual strong and effective manner. We hope that this result augurs well for the forthcoming UEFA Nations League games in September.

Back Row (l to r): Casciaro, Goldwin, Olivero, Annesley, Hernandez, Chipolina (C). Front Row (l to r): Pons, Walker, Bardon, Gosling, Sergeant

Photo credit to Neil Wilson

Back Row (l to r) Banda, Barnett, Olivero, Jolley, Annesley, Torilla (C) Front Row (l to r) Hernandez, DeBarr, De Los Santos, Coombes, Isola

The U21s faced a tough physical challenge in Russia U21s in the last International on Tuesday evening. The weather was perfect and so was Gibraltar’s first 40 minutes. Annesley and Olivero joined the line up a mere 48 hours since their game with the full squad. Indeed Gibraltar had the first chance on goal and they matched Russia pound for pound. A lapse in concentration let Russia in for their first and they quickly followed with a quick fire second minutes before half time. Gibraltar were to reap the bill of the physical effort of the first 45 in the second half and as energies dropped Russia imposed their physical superiority to finish the game off 5-0 in their favour. Michael Negrette got 15 minutes on the pitch but mention must go to all the u21s as they gave it their all and the exhausted faces at full time told the story of the pitched battle they were in.

A mixed bag of results but the important thing is that the national teams were back at the Victoria Stadium and it is hoped that works begin apace at the Stadium to make sure that the football going public can enjoy more games at Home!

Mons Calpe SC vs Gibraltar United

Match corresponding to the 5^th Round of the Gibraltarian Premier Division and played on Friday 3^rd November 2017 at 20:30. Match preview brought to you courtesy of Turicum Private Bank and Quantocoin.

Gibraltar United 3 – 1 Mons Calpe SC

Roman (2)
Meireles

Gibraltar United

1   Kyle ‘Chino’ Goldwin
23 Andre De Oliveira Farinha
15 Aymen Mouelhi
5   Erin Barnett
2   Albert Del Rio Fernandez
24 Jamie Bosio
4   Yalany Baio
8   Filipe Aguiar
17 Marco Meireles
20 Michael Negrette
19 Manuel Roman Salado

SUBSTITUTES

Igor Djoman on for Marco Merieles
Ayman Elghobashy on for Manuel Roman Salado
Filipe Da Cruz Ramalho on for Michael Negrette

Manolo names an unchanged side for the third time in as many games as United face a tough ask against Mons Calpe. United come into the game in a rich vein of form and will seek to consolidate the 2^nd position in the table. Brad Power is fit enough to take a place on the bench after missing out for a fortnight. Negrette continues to impress and the Under 21 International retains his right wing berth. Top scorer Elghobashy is on the bench with Manolo opting for Roman’s pace to unhinge the tough Mons defence. Both Aguiar and Meireles are up against their former team to add further motivation to what aready is a tasty affair.

The sky had decided to grant the numerous spectators gathered at the stadium an epic spectacle of Ragnarok proportions as first the lightning and thunder bracketed the teams as they walked out; then the deluge that followed ensured that this game was our first real autumnal fixutre and what a game it was!

Back Row (l to r): Meireles, Farinha, Alberto, Barnett, Chino (C), Mouelhi. Front Row (l to r): Baio, Aguiar, Bosio, Negrette, Roman

It was cagey at first from United, all in white, as Mons opted to press the ball high and not give space for United’s wingers to revel. In moves almost unthinkable in years past, United kept the ball well and patiently passing it at the back looking and probing their way past the Mons wall.

Aguiar and Meireles had extra motivation for this game with both having played for Mons last season. The former quickly got into his stride and picked up where he left off last game and began to dictate play down the left wing. He hungered for the ball and ploughed into the the Mons defence with aplomb seeking to create that killer pass for Roman to pounce on.

To be fair there was little action until Roman opened the scoring in the 18th minute. Farinha, a contender for man of the match, whipped in a delight of a cross that was cleared by the Mons defence. It found Roman, lurking with intent at the edge of the box, to fire a sweet half volley into the far corner of the net beyond the reach of the flailing Rocchi in goal. Just reward for the dominance of the ball we were having. Time for Mons to react.

They tried to react but United’s defensive unit did not let them. Bosio and Baio played a selfless game in front of the defence while the quiet Pibe was kept in check by Aymen and Erin. Alberto was having a blinder as well as he pushed on when required  forcing the Mons wide player to retreat while Farinha on the the other wing was having his best game in a United shirt. The heavens duly opened on the 25th minute mark as the downpour increased in intensity as supporters began to worry the game might be called off.

The rain seemed to galvanize the boys in White as they once again took control of the ball and pressed onwards. In one such foray the inform Negrette whipped in another cross of immense quality. He has already shown he has the ability to deliver a telling ball and tonight got his 3rd assist of the season by crossing in a peach of a ball that was headed in by Roman from the penalty spot. An excellent goal both in delivery and execution. United delirious; Mons stunned. It was a fair result on the board as Mons were resorting to long balls over the top in the forlorn hope of finding Pibe. Unfortunately for them United held firm

The final act of the first 45 fell to Marco Meireles who delighted fans at the Victoria with United’s 3rd goal. Roman was holding up the ball with his back to goal when he touched it to the onrushing Meireles. He touched it first time with the outside of his right boot and it rifled into the top corner of the net; the hapless Rocchi unable to do anything to stop it. A goal both sublime and with a touch of genius in its execution. Even the elements seemed to stop and wonder as the rain finally abated as United players celebrated with the goal scorer. Mr Barcelo soon called time with United 3-0 up and cruising.

The goal scorer did not emerge for the second half, he had walked off wincing in pain holding his side and he was replaced by Igor Djoman for the second 45. Mons tried desperatley hard to get back into the game but neither the scoreline nor United’s performance allowed them. They made two offensive changes at half time and sought to mix their play up a bit more but they could not find a way through.

The game also developed a more physical side with Mr Barcelo brandishing yellows at an alarming rate. Indeed Mons were to have two players sent off for dissent before the end of the game. Yet it was United that were to have the clear chances in the second half too. Negrette hit the stanchion after being put through by the excellent Aguair. Elghobashy ghosted past the Mons defence to set up Djoman only for Rocchi to pull off an excellent point blank range save. Bosio had a goal disallowed for offside and blazed on just over the bar when, once again, put through by Aguiar. Elghobashy put a shot a centimeter wide of the post after leaving the defence behind; United were indeed in the ascendant!

Pibe was able to net a very late consolation for Mons as United saw the game out and a priceless 3 points that sees us 5 points ahead of St Joseph’s, ahead of their game with Lions on Saturday. It was an excellent performance by the team that has gelled perfectly and are playing in synch and unison. Next Friday’s game against Lincoln will be another test as the Red Imps are in red hot form. Yet for today United will take the performance, the goals and the points!

Vi et Animo, Ad Victoriam

Gibraltar United vs St Joseph’s FC

Match corresponding to the 3^rd Round of the Gibraltarian Premier Division and played on Friday 20^th November 2017 at 20:30. Match report brought to you courtesy of Turicum Private Bank and Quantocoin.

Gibraltar United 3 – 1 St Joseph’s FC

Roman (2)
Elghobashy

Gibraltar United

1   Kyle ‘Chino’ Goldwin
23 Andre De Oliviera Farinha
5   Erin Barnett
15 Aymen Mouelhi
2   Alberto Del Rio Fernandez
4   Yalany Baio
24 Jamie Bosio
20 Michael Negrette
17 Marco Meireles
8   Filipe Aguiar
19 Manuel Roman Salado

SUBSTITUTES

Ayman Elghobashy on for Manuel Roman Salado
Igor Djoman on for Michael Negrette
Yassine Idouaziz on for Filipe Aguiar

Injuries and the performance against Man 62 have moved Manolo into shuffling his pack. With Brad out after injuring his ankle against Man 62, Erin comes in to partner Aymen in defence while both Aguiar and Negrette start to provide the width so sorely missed last time out. Elghobashy drops to the bench alongside Ramalho as United look to exploit their pace against a tough St Jospeh’s side.

Back Row (l to r): Barnett, Farinha, Alberto, Chino (C), Mouelhi. Front Row (l to r): Meireles, Aguiar, Roman, Baio, Bosio, Negrette

It was a perfect evening for football with little wind and a balmy, early autumn temperature as both teams took the field of play. St Jospeh’s were looking to continue their 100% start to the season while United looked to put the disappointing performance against Man 62 behind them.

It was a cagey start but United looked menacing when going forward. Roman was keen to exploit his pace from the off, as it turned out this was the key facet of the match. While Aguiar and Negrette sought to widen the pitch at every given opportunity. It was from a Aguiar cross that United got their breakthrough in the 6th minute of the match. Robba in the St Joseph’s goal came out and fumbled what seemed a run of the mill catch. Roman, hovering on the keeper’s blind side was rewarded with a gift of a ball as it sailed through the keeper’s hands. A simple point blank range header and Roman had finally broken his duck and put the misses on Sunday behind him. United 1-0 up and game on.

St Joseph’s sought to get back into the game and fought hard for it. The centre backs relied on their physicality to control Roman’s lightning bursts of speed while up front JP Duarte tried to stretch our defence perfectly marshalled by Erin and Aymen. Indeed the match went through periods were it resembled a pitch battle. These are the scenarios in which Baio and Bosio excel in. They broke up St Joseph’s attempts to create and the Blue and Whites resorted to longer and longer balls as thier playmakers were squeezed out of time and space.

The one time they were afforded space St Jospeh’s equalised and what a goal it was! Ferrer was given the freedom and time to turn full about 35 meters from the goal. He was given the time to line up his shot and let loose a well placed, powerful shot that left Chino with no chance. There is no denying the quality of the finish but Ferrer was largely allowed to set up the goal with no pressure at all. Great timing for the Saints as the goal came while they were dominating the midfield. United however have a rapier up front.

Untied’s lead was once again restored by Roman. His harrassing of the Saints’ playmakers saw him exploit his pace once again as he bored on Robba like an arrow. The keeper started to come out of his line as the striker closed in, the Blue and White defence trailing behind him. Roman looked up saw Robba’s postion and drilled a shot past him to the far post. As the ball nestled into the net Roman and the team wheeled away in celebration with the half time whistle close on their heels.

The second half however proved to be an exciting 45 minutes of football. Both teams came out all guns blazing to gain the lead. St Jospeh’s looked a bit more creative and forced Chino into his only save of the game but they exhibited little real danger after that. Roman however was denied a hat trick. Once again he outfoxed the Saints’ defence using a mix of guile and pace and it was only a bobble on the Victoria’s surface that came to Robba’s resuce as he faced Roman for the third time.

He was subbed soon after and received the applause of United supporters as a well deserved plaudit. The rapier was replaced by the broadsword. In Elghobashy we have a different type of forward relying more on sheer power and close ball control. As is his want, he began harrasing the tiring St Joesph’s defence and it was clear they could not handle him. He had a number of chances and buried his second one after rounding Robba and tapping into an empty net. Had he shown more composure a few minutes later he would have doubled his tally for the match.

Mention as well to Marco Meireles who demonstrated his experience and nuance in controlling the ball and the game masterfully for the last 25 minutes. He seemed to be everywhere at once, supporting the defence and sending balls forward for Ayman to chase. It was a night to remember for all in Red and White as Mr Murphy called time on the game. Our first win versus St Joseph’s and a good performance to bolster morale before our next game against in form Lions FC.

 

 

Europa FC Reserves vs Gibraltar United Reserves

Match corresponding to the 3rd Round of the Gibraltarian Reserve Division and played on Wednesday 18th October 2017 at 18:15.

Gibraltar United Reserves 2 – 0 Europa FC Reserves

Minni
Dannoun

Gibraltar United Reserves

13 Alvaro Perez Pichardo ‘Pichi’
22 Jamie Pratts (C)
34 Alberton Fortune Macomba
21 Pedro Hidalgo Calvente
12 Mohamed Ashraf Ramadan
11 Yassine Idouaziz ‘Minni’
14 Javier Cantelmi
35 Igor Djoman
7   Cecil Prescott
27 Tito De Torres
29 Habbib Dannoun

SUBSTITUTES

Alberto Del Rio Fernandez on for Tito De Torres
Ilyias El Ouahabi on for Habbib Dannoun
Tarik El Hlou on for Cecil Prescott

 

Back Row (l to r): Macomba, Perez Pichardo, Dannoun, Cantelmi, Hidalgo, Elouahabi, Minni. Fron Row (l to r): Djoman, De Torres, Ramadan, Prescott, El Hlou, Pratts (C)

 

Pre Man 62 thoughts!

We caught up with our three captains after their time away with the National Team and asked them for their thoughts on a number of issues. Firstly we wanted to know how the International break had gone for them.

Brad, Chino and Jamie joined by Erin on the pitch at the Karaiskakis Stadium

Chino was adamant that, ‘as always the international break is an amazing experience. I for one try and bring that experience back to the club and push the team to the maximum! Its always great to be back at the club with all my team mates and prepare for our next big test.’It was also a very gratifying experience for Brad, ‘the international break was another amazing experience and a chance to meet up again with our other team mates. On a personal note it was satisfying to be back in the reckoning after being in and out of the last few squads. Now it’s time to focus on Gib Utd again, working hard and playing well which will hopefully turn into more call ups and caps along the way.’

Our focus now switched to this Sunday’s game against Manchester 62 and all three Captains shared similar feelings. Jamie responded that, ‘you know what you are going to face when you play Manchester 62, in some aspects I reckon it will be a very similar game to the Lynx one. Of course it’s another opportunity for us to gain more momentum and get another 3 points.’ Thoughts shared by Brad, ‘we had a very good result in our first game. We stuck to our gameplan and in the end came away with the 3 points. Man 62 won’t be an easy task as we found out last season but this year we go into the game off the back of a good win and a positive mentality to hopefully come away with another win.’

We finally asked the three if they had noticed the squad gelling better upon their return for International Duty. Chino cast his Captain’s eye over the question, ‘the squad is coming together really well and theres a very good atmosphere in the changing room which will reflect on the pitch!’ Jamie also noticed the squad had solidified, ‘while we’ve been away the squad has had more time to gel and new players look settled now.’

All three Skippers agreed that the match on Sunday would be a tough one but that the team was ready and raring to go!

Interview brought to you by Turicum Private Bank

Youth Focus: Under 6s

The Under 6 age group category has been newly created by the GFA following the restructure of Youth Football over the Summer under the auspices of Director of Football, Desi Curry. Chris Ward and Michael Peliza are tasked with guiding these young footballers as they take their first tentative steps onto a football pitch. The team is comprised from graduates from our Pre-Leagues team and some new signings.

We asked the coaches how pre-season had gone?

CW – The kids this season have had a great pre-season I got them to get  familiar with a five aside pitch and got them to learn their technical abilities. They have really enjoyed it especially when I we are getting brilliant feedback from the parents which helps. The team is having fun and they can’t wait for the season to start especially as next we have our first competitive friendly match.

 

We asked Michael what their goals were for the forthcoming season.

MP – Our aim this year is to teach the children to play as a team and show them the importance of winning humbly and accepting losses. We also wish to create a team of good sportsmen that show kindness and understanding between themselves and towards opposing team and officials.

FIFA World Cup Qualifiers

The Gibraltar Football Association today named their final 23 man squad for the final two Group H FIFA World Cup Qualifiers that see Gibraltar meet Estonia at the Estadio Do Algarve in Faro on Saturday 7th October; incidentally the last time Gibraltar is due to play Internationals there before the long awaited return to the Victoria Stadium. The final game sees Gibraltar playing at the Stadio Georgios Karaiskakis versus Greece on Thursday 10th Ocotber.

Gibraltar United is extremely proud of the four players in our squad called up to defend the national colours. Chino, still awaiting his first minutes, and Jamie Bosio are once again called up. Erin Barnett is back after serving a one game suspension following his red card against Belgium. Brad Power also finally makes the final squad on the backs of a fantastic performance in our first league outing. Brad has been a regular in the 28 man squads and has been working hard on and off the pitch to make the cut. Mr Wood has finally decided to give him his chance and we are all very happy and proud of Brad.

Youth Focus: Under 8s

It is the turn of our third years to introduce themselves today. They have been coached since the off by JC Diaz who this season is assisted by Nyle March. JC has worked wonders for the team that played in two semi-finals last season. As always JC coaches with a broad smile on his face and it is clear he has a wonderful rapport with his team.

JC, how did last season go with your team?

The children made good progress last year and this was evident in the way they developed their ball skills and tactical awareness. The highs of last season were managing to reach the semi finals of the Cup for the second year running and also reaching the semifinals of the Futsal tournament.

How has training and Pre-Season gone so far?

This year we have three new additions to our squad. These are Keith Medhurst, Anthony Garcia and Najim Harrak. They will strengthen us further. Pre season training has gone well so far. We have played two friendly games including one against Peña Madridista in La Linea. This was a good and learning experience for our players.

A final thought JC?

This will be my third season coaching this team. It has been an amazing experience and I have seen the children make fantastic progress over the years. I am very proud of the effort and work put in by the children throughout.

Youth Focus: Under 5s

Today’s youth spotlight falls on the youngest members of our Club; the Under 5s. The Club has run a successful pre-leagues PeeWees session for the past two seasons under the excellent guidance of Earon Balloqui. The reshuffle of Youth Football carried out by the GFA over the Summer has meant that a new age category was created resulting in the fielding of Under 5 sides for the first time. Our group of young, budding footballers will be lead by Seamus Byrne a longtime supporter and indeed former player of the Club. He was kind enough to answer our questions.

Seamus, how does it feel to be joining Gibraltar United at this exciting time?

It’s really exciting to be part of this new era for Gibraltar United. I am confident the new owners will bring a more professional set up that will raise our standards and ethics, both as a club and for the players. The main beneficiaries will be the children in our Youth Teams.

What are you hoping to achieve with the team this coming season?

Last year, the team players were part of Gib Utd’s Peewees session and trained well under Earon Balloqui. This year, I hope players will improve their technical ability and have more awareness of the game. I hope through the training sessions and matches, players will be able to enjoy themselves and if we can win a game or a few it’s a bonus! Having fun and enjoying the game is our key objective to be able to foster a love for the game that will last a lifetime.

Under 21 Call Ups

Following the 1st Round of Premier Division matches Under 21 Coach Aaron Asquez announced his squad for the forthcoming UEFA Under 21 matches. Gibraltar are due to play on Monday 2nd October vs Armenia and then on Tuesday 10th October vs Macedonia. The original 18 call ups are for the Armenia match while a futher squad will be announced for the Macedonia match.

Michael Negrette, Tito De Torres and Cecil Prescott have all been called up for the Armenia match. Michael has already made his debut for the club, getting about 20 minutes and playing a vital role versus Lynx FC. Tito had made the squad as an unused sub while Cecil was unavailable through injury. We wish all three the best on their ventures and hope to see them wearing the national colours with pride!

The full Gibraltar Under 21 Squad can be found below.