Matchday 2.9: E.N. Thoi Lakatamias vs Omonoia Psevdas

Cypriot 3rd Division Championship - Phase B (Bottom 8 Playoffs)

Final Score: Thoi 1 - 0 Psevdas

An important match was on the cards regarding the ongoing fight for survival in the bottom 8 of the Cypriot 3rd Division. Thoi had a good start to the game, and eventually scored the only goal of the match; a header from a corner after having several set-pieces prior which put the pressure on Psevdas. The second half played out fairly evenly before a player of Psevdas received a red card for a blatant handball, reaching over his head to stop a through ball after misreading his header. 15 minutes later, the Psevdas centre-back received a second yellow for catching the Thoi right-winger late, leaving the game at 11 vs 9 for the final 20 minutes of the game. The score remained and the match finished 1 - 0.

My personal performance was good, and I had a great first half to help the team keep the lead and also made a few chances with a long ball, and getting my head onto the end of a long cross from a free-kick and getting it on target. The second half I wasn’t feeling 100% as I was carrying a niggle in my calf from the cup match a few days prior, I twisted my knee in the opening minutes of the first half, and my stomach was unsettled and I eventually fell sick after the match. Regardless of that I still played through even with how bad I was feeling and did well, also making a goal-saving block with my face. I was subbed out at the 85th minute with cramps, and my body was evidently not working at 100%. Another good performance and I’m keeping consistent and gaining more and more experience with each game. My tactical decision making has improved heaps, and my overall ability to perform in games as well even with the surrounding pressure of relegation. Only thing to do is to keep going and keep improving.