Buffs travelled to Vietnam for a top table clash with Simdeponline FC. Buffs were 3 pts ahead and held a vastly superior goal difference but were coming off a sequence of 3 wins, a draw and 2 losses.
The opposition were expected to step out in 4-3-3 and Buffs Mad had been coaching his charges to operate a 4-1-3(N)-2. Buffs Mad was looking for a good start so he had rejected his normal approach of instructing his side to take it relatively easy to see how things developed and urged them to attack from the off.
Buffs FC started briskly, immediately on the offensive, and McGrain found acres of space down the right to cross for Nicol to half volley home. With 3 mins on the clock it was a dream start. Buffs were then awarded a FK in 8 mins after a crude tackle but McStay's cross came to naught. But a yellow for the defender applied a little more pressure on the home side. McStay in the Centre of the Buffs engine room had been tasked with supporting the strikers at every opportunity, but was making mistakes - the gains he made through tackling and interceptions were being lost by mistakes and being caught in possession - and one of those mistakes led to a desperate tackle from Nicol being penalised and a yellow flashed - although the FK was squandered. Buffs Mad signalled McStay to hold the line and concentrate on his defensive duties. Souness on the left was asked to provide the attacking support. The home side were creating chances but the Buffs defence was rock solid with Nicol and Hansen in particular clearing all crosses and corners with ease and covering each other with those last defender tackles. McLeish was seeing action down the left but McGrain had now been starved of possession as the half came to a close.
In the second half, the game was getting stuck in the midfield, only Souness was having any joy but he was wasteful in the final third. With Buffs defence continuing to work hard Buffs Mad signalled Nicol (who had picked up a yellow) to come off. Gemmell came onto the left and McLeish across. On 50 mins Souness found his touch and fed Jordan on the edge of the box. Ofc, Jordan went for goal but his deflected shot fell to Dalglish and King Kenny made in 2.
The home side were now resorting to long range shots. Buffs defence today were admirable, while conceding corners they were poised and precise with their clearing headers. The only further significant opportunity came after Jordan had been rested and the Lawman came on. His balance and swagger saw him ghost passed the defenders with his first passage of play and go one on one with the keeper. As he bore down on the goalie he produced a snap shot which was saved. We've no idea how the GK saved it, how he had managed to contort his body or where the strength in the fingertip came from but save it he did. The final whistle quickly followed.
A fine 2-0 away win for the Buffs against their nearest challengers. However, yet again another side emerged from the pack but 4 pts behind now.
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