London Titans Football Club

Two matches, 400 miles apart, one weekend  – welcome to life as a Titan!

Saturday 6th October: Hotscots 4-0 Titans
Our GFSN side travelled to Edinburgh for our first away trip of the season against Hotscots.

This was the club’s third visit to Edinburgh. In January 2009 we succumbed to a 3-6 defeat in the GFSN Cup, and in November of the same year we lost 0-5 in the league.

The teamtalk from manager Felton consisted of assuring the players that this was a match we could win, despite the heavy hangovers and Hotscots formidable home record.

Sadly Hotscots got their noses in front in the 7^th minute. A near-post corner was deftly flicked into the net despite the best efforts of GK Felton.

The setback only served to galvanise Titans. Despite some scary moments where Hotscots could have doubled their lead, the match was largely even. In fact we threatened to equalise on a few occasions, mainly via set-pieces that tested the opposition goalkeeper.

Alfie, playing up front, was industrious and hard-working. The midfield trio of Amine, Tezza and Miller worked tirelessly, and Wheeler was providing a good outlet on the left-hand side.

At half time, there was a definite feeling amongst the squad that we could get a result. Scott Smyth was introduced to the right wing, Rolfy came on at left back and Ben Hope was brought on in midfield.

However, as in the first half, we were caught napping very early on. Hotscots doubled their lead within a few minutes of the restart with a well taken goal.  From that moment, it was always going to be a difficult task to claw anything from the match.

The Titans endeavour did not wane however, and every player should be proud of their performance. Scott Smyth was excellent on the right hand side, Stampsy & Sheila look like they could develop a solid defensive partnership throughout this season, and Alfie – as mentioned – played brilliantly.

Despite conceding a further two (soft) goals, a 4-nil loss did feel slightly flattering to the hosts. There was no doubting they deserved the win, but for 25 minutes of that first half we certainly held our own.

Hotscots will do well this season. They certainly demonstrated their ruthlessness up front, and not many teams will return from Fettes with points this season. But in all honesty, we are hoping to gain some (friendly) revenge when they visit us in the Spring!

Whilst we’d have loved to have stayed a second night in Edinburgh, sadly three of the squad were required in London for a Sunday Sportsman League match at 10:30am. Furthermore, there was far too much scandal and gossip from our Friday night out in the Scottish capital to warrant a second!

Sunday 7th October: London Titans 1-2 Parklife ‘B’
For the first time since the IGLFA 2008 tournament, Titans lined up in a red kit for their home match against Parklife B. The visitors also play in yellow, and with the home team required to change a replacement kit was needed! (Don’t ask us what happened to the blue kit!)

Furthermore, league rules also dictate shirts must have numbers! So our resident “artist” Luka got to work with his permenant marker! 

Titans were missing a large number of players through injury (Sean, Scott, Serge, Felton), and work commitments (Tezza). On top of that, Amine, Sheila, Wheeler and Ollie had all played the previous day in Edinburgh.

Matty opened the scoring for the Titans in the second half with a well taken goal. But a defensive mix-up lead to poor Luka conceding an own-goal equaliser, before a late winner for our opponents killed the game off.

The result is disappointing. But nonetheless, we can take heart from the fact that we are developing as a “Sunday morning” club. Our fitness will improve over time and results will come our way.