CHIANG MAI (AFP) - Well, it was all set up for the grand curtain-raiser at Municipal Stadium. A new season, a dazzling new kit, new players – the mighty Farangutan Football Club versus, er, ahem, a concrete company, CCP Concrete.

The Real Madrid style strip did not immediately deliver the champagne football the UN Irish Pub had been hoping for. Indeed, its patchwork team of playboys and Casanovas took its time to shake off the cobwebs after a punishing 6 month pre-season regime of unprecedented bingeing and debauchery.

Not until Shawn had dropped into a deeper midfield berth after 15 minutes did FFC begin to take the measure of their opponents. Dropping deeper to plug the gap in the centre of the park, Shawn was able to both protect his back four and prompt his team mates into attacking positions.

Thus it was that after some early scares, the FFC outfit began to find their feet. With a front line led by the Hinsh, free of the burden of management, ably supported by the offensively-minded midfield duo of James and Rick, chances began to fall to the Farangutans, and with a better pair of shooting boots, there would have been a goal or two. The opposing goalkeeper also had a hand in proceedings, ably saving an attempted lob from Adam, who was put through on goal by Rossco on one of his surging forays up field. As it was, the boys in white were unable to capitalise on their enterprising play, and the teams went in level at half-time.

Half-time oranges accompanied wholesale changes to the FFC line-up. Leandro, Dave, Troy (congratulations on your debut!) and Masao all entered the fray for the second half, and it took some time for the team to regain its balance. Capitalising, the concrete crew renewed their assault, only to flounder on the granite rock of the Irish Pub defence, and faultless goalkeeping. Two of the back four won Man of the Match points such was their resilience - well done Dr. Tim and Big Lee. Big Warren might also have won something for his ball-winning challenge on 65 minutes.

Unfortunately, there had been a Thai opponent between him and the ball prior to the tackle, and the poor chap found himself surplus to requirements. After the player had been retrieved from the nearby car park, a shiny yellow card was the defender’s only reward.

After weathering the storm, FFC began to probe again, prompted by the tireless running of Man of the Match Rick Mann. In an open last quarter, either side could have stolen the points. Chris replaced Adam to lead the Farang charge in attack, but it was the Concrete boys who broke the deadlock on 86 minutes. An excellent turn and rifled shot from fully 20 yards left Markie Flowers with no chance – a goal worthy of winning any game.

Final score 1-0, but the FFC were by no means disgraced, and on another day the scoreline might have been reversed.

Mick Davis was on the touchline to console the players at the final whistle. With the talismanic Davis and co-striker Chico unavailable due to their decisions to bugger off somewhere else, FFC have to look to next weekend in their quest to find the back of the net, or at least the back of Loi Kroh road.

A final word for Mick: good luck with your new life dude, and thanks for all the great goals! We’ll miss you.

MEN OF THE MATCH : Rick, Shawn, Lee, Tim