Match report
Renaissance given master class by flawless champions
Renaissance 0 - 4 Recreativo de Londres
28 March 2007
Colin Presly
Tonight at Haverstock, Renaissance were dealt a harsh footballing lesson by the clinical Recreativo de Londres. In a game that had had more hype than a Louis Farrakhan visit to London, Renaissance simply didn't turn up, and paid a heavy price for it. The state of play now leaves Recreativo as heavy favourites to reclaim their title.
Renaissance knew pre game that any positive result against their old rivals would maintain their quest for the TC trophy. However, tonight's display has put into doubt whether Renaissance have all the attributes needed for such a challenge.
It was of paramount importance that the blues started well. Past encounters had shown that when Renaissance let Recreativo get a few quick goals then that was all she wrote. Sadly, the beginning of this encounter mirrored those of yesteryear.
After two or so minutes, Recreativo took the lead. Renaissance were unable to deal with the Spaniards quick decisive passing. When space opened up on the edge of the area, the forward hit his shot low and at pace into the corner.
To their credit, Renaissance nearly equalised soon after. Rembrandt's positioning near the area allowed him to turn and shoot. However his shot was parried away by Jordi in the Recreativo goal. Before the mid point of the first half, Recreativo were two to the good.
The manner of the second goal is the most frustrating. A shot that had some zip and power but that looked like it should be saved managed to get the better of Masaccio. Recreativo were for all intents and purposes gifted a crucial goal. Renaissance now had it all to do.
The passion and desire that had given Renaissance a deserved three points in their last match was sadly lacking at this point. Add to that a near total lack of creativity and spark and you had a sorry looking outfit on show.
Iain Dowie coined the expression ''bouncebackability'' a few years ago. Sadly, this phrase seemed lost on Renaissance tonight. Before half time Recreativo added a third goal. Dogged defending by The Shaman had looked to have seen out another Recreativo attack. However, at the third time of asking, the ball bobbled back into a dangerous position and was picked up by an untracked Recreativo player. Wham bam thank you mam. 3-0 half time.
The second half should have seen a more effective Renaissance than we had seen hitherto. Venezuela had shown that even at three nil down against Recreativo that the game was still alive. However, even with a full twenty minutes to play, it looked like all the wind had been blown from Renaissance's sails.
Once again offering little going forward and reduced to the long ball, Recreativo soaked it all up, and looked to strike on the counter. A fourth goal was added with about ten minutes remaining. Substitute Col was unable to stop a forward's run and shot that beat Masaccio in the bottom right hand corner.
With the score as it was and the bird long flown, Renaissance could not even add a consolation strike. Only one side was ever in the game and the final whistle couldn't come quick enough. FT 4-0.
Tonight's game marks the first time at Haverstock that Renaissance have failed to score a goal. They have now lost four outta four to Recreativo and on this form one cannot see things changing. There are four more games remaining starting with Ted Baker next week. Renaissance must not wallow in the mire for too long. Although it seems their destiny is no longer in their hands the race for first place is still alive.
Renaissance glossary
where's my monies?
MuwangaSpeak - a phrase used by James Lutaya Muwanga when ready to collect money owed to TopCorner.
test him!
used when a player is just about to take a shot on goal.
this phrase is often a handicap as it only serves to disorientate the shooting player and result in a wild attempt at goal.
Check out more definitions from the Renaissance Glossary.