Shane completed January unbeaten with three wins and a draw to get off to a solid start in the new year.
Shane started 2021 with a tough TIFL match against a well-drilled Triangle side. Shane went ahead when Lars Fund was sent barrelling down the wing, sending a cross to the back post and onto the head of Jip Snelder who hit the post, but Patrick Swandell was there to slam home the rebound. Shortly after however, Triangle came back to ensure the points were shared. A fair result, and a tough battle on the pitch.
Shane looked forward to their next game against newly-promoted Daan, a side who they hadn’t played competitively for over two years. Adapting a new approach, Shane controlled possession well throughout the game and limited Daan to half-chances. Despite their dominance, there was only one goal to separate the two sides – a second goal in as many games from Patrick Swandell as he headed Lars’ cross into the bottom corner to claim all three points.
Two games down, two to go. Shane then opened their cup campaign with a 1-0 win against old friends The Badgers. Shane gave another good account of themselves retaining possession and creating numerous opportunities. However, the goal came through a fortuitous penalty given for a handball, and Morad Bantal stepped up to confidently score his first goal for the Shane. The game was unfortunately marred by injuries to players from both sides, and we wish Alex and Leo all the best in their recoveries.
Shane finished off the month with another cup match, this time against Celts. Starting slowly, Shane fell behind but gradually worked their way back into the game, overturning the deficit to come away 2-1 winners. The first goal came as striker Felix Tasker held off his markers well before threading a lovely ball to an oncoming Tom Burke who confidently drilled it across the keeper and into the corner. The winner came in the second half when Enoc Hercules and Paul Warren combined splendidly with a clever free-kick, with Enoc playing a clever pass along the ground for Paul to run onto, side-step the defender and finish with his trusty left boot.
A great month for Shane, and we look forward to our next game in February against Taipei Animals.
