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Magpies made to work by Lions (Match Report)

All eyes were on Bruno Magpies after their resounding 9-0 victory against Glacis United the previous week. David Wilson’s side had stunned onlookers with a confident and offensive display which had torn holes through Glacis.
Wilson was, however, to surprise onlookers as he rotated his squad making five key changes.
JP Duarte, JC Garcia and Breakspear were among those on the bench. The Magpie’s coach instead brought on new signing Bent who was to impress throughout. The dreadlocked defender was to prove a solid presence both in defence and offensively. Many a time at the centre of the action.
Up front Wilson opted to give Assumpcao, Bruno’s top scorer last season, his first eleven outing. He was not to disappoint with a goal in the eighty-second minute of the match to seal the match. JP Duarte’s goal poaching presence was, however, missed in what was a match in which the smallest of errors could have send the balance either way.
Lions, for their part, went out to once again show that they were not the same team that had struggled at the foot of the table throughout the previous season. A well-balanced formation ensured that they not only kept Bruno Magpies in check throughout the first half, but also created their own opportunities. They were also to be tested when Cintas received his marching orders after a second yellow card. A total of eleven yellow cards were handed out throughout the match in what was a tense battle between two very combative and equally balanced sides. Bruno Magpies had that extra edge which eventually was to see them take the three points.
The match was to see Brian Perez once again highlight his importance as one of Bruno Magpies signings. Carrying the Bruno’s captain’s armband, he was to be a central figure in maintaining the high tempo of the match.
Both goalkeepers were also to have a good evening. Lions’ keeper Perez Pichardo was to play his part in turning the ball over and around his goal on several occasions as Bruno’s threatened to score.
Matt Cafer was also to produce some good stops. The Gibraltar second choice keeper was, however, to be remembered the most for his incredible save from a penalty he had himself given away. The Bruno Magpies keeper had strayed out of his penalty area and had mis controlled giving the ball away. In his attempt at making amends Cafer seemed to tumble onto the legs of the Lions forward giving a penalty away. He was to make amends as he flew across the goal with a strong out-stretched arm pushing the ball around the post for a corner to become an instant hero.
The match was to once again see the Magpie’s fans become the centre of attraction with their constant singing and chanting returning to the somewhat quiet terraces the ambience normally associated with football.

FCB Magpies Lineup
1 Cafer (GK)
2 Dimairo
5 Gray ( Garcia - 66’)
7 Assumpcao
8 Perez. B (C)
10 Fernandez Rios
15 Fortuna
16 Pegalajar Valero ( Covello - 53’)
19 Bent
20 Kearney ( Ford - 53’)
21 Payas

Substitutes
31 Jimenez Ramon (GK)
4 Arana Trivino
6 Breakspear
9 Duarte. JP
14 Ford
17 Covello
22 Garcia

Lions Gibraltar FC Lineup
55 Perez Pichardo (GK)
3 Parkinson ( Gomez - 55’)
4 Tovar
5 Bosio (C)
6 Parker
7 Rumbo
8 Cintas
11 Lopez Luque
14 Ruiz Pecino
19 Casas Dominguez
21Perez Benitez ( Pomares Fernanadez - 58’)

Substitutes
37 Mateo Perez (GK)
2 Hastings
9 Pomares Fernanadez
12 Bossano-Anes
17 Ramagge
18 Parral
22 Gomez