Tokyo Hibernian 3 - 1 Nova F.C.

It was a wild, windy, wet and cold Sunday afternoon at Oifuto. We ended up with 12 hardy and committed Hibs men to face Nova, an able 2nd division challengers in a Footy Japan cup game. The ball was skidding along the ground making through balls very difficult. However the pitch not slippery and the few puddles dried up early into the game, leaving no excuse for playing sub standard football.
We started well and within 5 minutes Keita shot straight at the keeper from 8 yards after some good lead up work from Mitsu and Kuni K on the right. 2 minutes later Keita made amends after a long build up from the right involving Taras, Kuni K and Mitsu, before Keita was found in space and he smacked a shot from 18 yards which hit the net rising and left the keeper with no chance. A very good goal. 1-0 after 8 minutes and Nova were wondering if they where out of their depth and in for a long day. We probably thought the same and rested on our laurels. Soon after this we went into our shells and Nova started playing with more hunger, winning more balls and even dominating field position and possession for long periods. Onle 2 cracking saves from Hitoshi kept us in front. We went 2-0 up after 30 minutes when the ball came out to Kuni Hosoi from a corner. He rifled in one of his special low and hard balls into the mixer, which are always difficult to deal with. It had too much pace on it for the keeper to handle and it went through his hands straight to the lurking Kuni K who finished with a simple tap in volley from 5 yards. We then went back into our shells and Nova scored a good goal which, in truth, they probably deserved. 2-1 at half time and we were lucky to be in front, as we had played poorly for most of the first half.
The second half was played at a slower pace as players tired and space opened up. Our third goal began with Tetsu cleaning up a ball from the back and finding Taras with a 30 yard ball, Taras then played in Keita who turned his man and found Yasu insode the box who flicked it to Bevan who caught the defenders and keeper going the wrong way and the ball rocketed (OK…… trickled) into the net.
The remainder of the game was open and without many clear chances on goal. All in all a decent win on a lousy day. Thanks to all those who braved the weather and came out.

Bevan.