I got the Ajax friendly in this afternoon.
GAME DATE: 22nd Of July, 2005
The money comming into the game was all for Ajax. Ajax at home against little known Planetcricket FC, it is expected to be a training run for Ajax.
Ajax suprisingly went in with almost a full strength side. Planetcricket were without Zohaib Ahmed and Chesney Lewis, both recovering from broken ribs.
Line-Ups:
The game was, as expected, totally dominated by Ajax.
To their credit the Cricketers held in there and tried hard, still managing to force the Ajax keeper into a few hard saves.
Steve Pienaar was dangerous on the wing as was Steve O for Planetcricket, it was a battle between the two all day.
The first half didn't manage to see any goals, mainly due to some fantastic defending and keeping from Planecricket. Some great last ditch saves from Macdonald and Gupta and good saves from Balaji.
The second half saw Rogers come into the game for Balaji. Ajax made some changes, including brining on young Ryan Babel. babel was quick to make an impact, scoring a goal in the 74th minute.
Planetcricket struck back quite quickly with Steve O scoring a header from close range from Abhas Gupta's long range pass.
Planetcricket then made some changes with Steve O, Jack Teague, Tahir Hassan and Shaun Briggs off for a rest.
The rest of the game continued to be dominated by Ajax, who scored another goal in the 85th minute, and rightfully deserved it.
Positives for Planetcricket: Balaji's keeping and Steve O's continued good form.
Negatives for Planetcricket: Hassan Tahir had a shocker and the captain failed to make an impact.
Goals:
Match Stats:
Player Stats:
Will post back tomorrow, hopefully with the remaining first team friendly and the 2 reserves friendlies.