Our local boys in green kicked off the holiday season with a disappointing one – nil loss to prefectural rivals Nagano. As runners up in the league to Yamaga last season, this was a big scalp for the orangemen to take, and on balance one they deserved.
Yamaga lose their opening 3 match unbeaten run to the bete noire from up the way. Portents of worse things to come? I think not – Nagano has traditionally been very poorly supported since even my playing days…
A partisan crowd of 6,399 enjoyed a beautiful spring afternoon, but had little to cheer on the pitch. Yamaga lack a midfield boss/strategic distributor, and showed a lack of pace/imagination down the flanks. A couple of hard tackles on their no.11 would have seen him booked more than once (showed a temper that just needed kindling!) & had him off the park before he scored – that he did well, with one of the few chances either side created.
What is encouraging for Yamaga is the obvious tide of support , and the increase in sponsorship. The opening day of the season was a real family affair, young and old sporting green in all manner of get ups. Great to see so many youngsters excited about their local team – hopefully the first match rustiness will be well & truly shaken off now.
A question for local entrepreneurs – anyone showing the massive fixtures coming up in Europe over the next couple of weeks? If not, Luna’s big screen & BYO. All welcome!