[SIFL News] Round 11 – Games played on 12 Dec 2012

Nine goals were scored in the top fixture between league leaders Shanghai Lions FC versus 2nd ranked Big Bamboo Shanghai Shooters AFC.

The Lions got on the score sheet within 10 mins but not without controversy. An arm ball pass enabled Dani Isaacs to run 1v1 with keeper and tuck it neatly passed him for a 1-0 Lions lead. All Shooter protests were dismissed as the ref claimed the handball had not been intentional. Rocked by the early goal the Shooters laid siege to the Lions box and were rewarded when from a corner Kevin Wiessler dispatched with authority into the top corner for 1-1. Then with 3 minutes left in the 1st half the Shooter defense failed to clear a cross and Allan Mendel reacted first and saw his deflected shot beat the keeper for a 2-1 Lions lead at halftime. Early on in the 2nd half with the wind on their side the Lions added 3 quick goals. Super sub Jonny O’Shea back from the successful launch of the Hobbit in Wellington scored on his first touch and then capitalized on a goalkeeping howler to make it 4-1.

Azzeddine Takouloufa, playing against his old club, drew a penalty that was converted by himself for a 5-1 lead and set up a potentially humiliating whitewash defeat of the Shooters. With 25 minutes to play the champions upped the ante and launched mammoth come back. First Wiessler scored off a deflected free kick in 70th minute and then tucked away his hat-trick 5 mins later reducing the deficit to 5-3. Then Quentin Dereims headed home for 5-4 to set up a nervous finish for the Lions with 10 minutes left on the clock. Both sides missed chances in the final 5 minutes and the Lions held on to record a gutsy 5-4 win. Man of the match honors went to Johnny O’Shea.

http://www.thatsmags.com/shanghai/article/view/11624