Mighty Shane 1-0 Daan

Shane picked up their first win of the season with a hard fought victory against Daan in the Aye Taipei Derby.

First half: control without the breakthrough

With a fresh squad, bolstered by new arrivals and the returns of captain Mitchell and Tito, we were feeling confident. We started the game well, moving the ball around nicely and controlling possession.

Daan looked to counter whenever they won the ball back, but the Shane backline dealt with the long balls well.

Despite being the better team in the first half, we struggled to create enough going forward. We were restricted to long shots and hopeful crosses into the box.

Half time: stay calm

At half time, with the score at 0-0, the message was to stay calm and keep believing we could open them up.

As legs grew tired in the second half, the game became more stretched, which led to chances.

Adam keeps it level

For once, Daan got a ball through the defence, and Shane had Adam to thank for a crucial save.

He rushed out of his goal to deny the striker one-on-one and keep the scores level.

The 94th minute

With time running out, the game looked to be heading for a disappointing draw and a missed opportunity.

Then the relentless pressure of Shane finally got its reward. A tireless Juan Hector made a smart run into the box to receive a through ball, and the defender clumsily pushed him from behind with both hands.

It was a clear penalty, awarded in the 94th minute.

Up stepped Mitch to show the kind of composure we have come to expect of him. He struck the spot kick comfortably to the keeper's right to win the match.

Whilst not performing to the team's attacking best, Shane showed determination and positivity to keep going until the very last minute.

It was the kind of win that could kick-start the season.

Man of the match

A brilliant performance from Tito, and a reminder of how much we have missed him during his time away.

He bossed the midfield, contributing in both attack and defence, and played some very nice Scholes-esque cross-field passes to open up the play.

Special mentions

Mitch was excellent throughout, always wanting to get on the ball and keep it moving with intelligence in possession. Calmness personified when putting away such a high-pressure penalty.

A commanding 90-minute display from Danny at the back. He marshalled the defence well and made sure the opposition attack got almost no joy throughout.

Juan Hector's tireless running and positivity going forward, well into injury time, essentially unlocked the door and gave us the chance to grab the win.

Seb was one of the most dangerous-looking players on the pitch from attacking midfield. Skillful and technical, he always looked like the one who would break the deadlock, and on a different day he would have.

Till also deserves a mention after a good spell at defensive midfield in the second half. He put in a very strong shift and is clearly a bit of a nutter, which is exactly what you want from a German holding midfielder. Early glimpses suggest a very good signing.

Looking forward

Three points on the board and a clean sheet to go with them. There are more new faces still settling in and players continuing to filter back, so the squad is only getting stronger.

If we can add a bit of attacking edge to this kind of determination, there is a proper run in us.