Eastern Tigers 2-1 CSKA Sophia Gardens

CSKA Sophia Gardens started their Cardiff Combination League Phase 2 Group E campaign with a disappointing 2-1 defeat away to Eastern Tigers at Rumney Recreational Ground.

Memories are now a bit hazy of that game given it was a few weeks ago now and we've just been unable to find the time to write a match report on it due to mourning the loss.

In an effort to deal with the PTSD suffered from that game we've included the YouTube link to the footage taken by Ceri Jones which will provide some comic relief but also visual content for your pleasure.

CSKA Manager Steve Day said "It was a very strange game. Well played to Eastern Tigers who were undoubtedly the better team but we almost sucker punched them at end. The atmosphere of the game was well-handled by both teams with the Eastern Tigers nominated ref in the middle doing a decent job in the circumstances.

"The pitch was a tough one for us to adapt to and it was a lesson for some of our lads in adapting to play the conditions. We were caught out early with that first goal and we did ride our luck at times. Credit to our keeper and defence for keeping us in it for as long as they did but that second goal we conceded was the body blow.

"Still, I cannot fault the effort of the lads and the encouragement from the side by the substitutes. Once again, our players coming on from the bench made a difference and it's just a shame couldn't grab that second after Rich's superb finish."

CSKA Starting Line-Up

GK: Alex Skinner

DR: Frazer Richards

DL: Huw Williams

DC: Jordan Lloyd (c)

DC: Owen Kingsbury

MR: Aiden Martin

ML: Cory Mackay

MC: Tom Lewis

MC: Tom Frowen

FC: Ed Lewis

FC: Cai Mckenzie

Subs: Dan Clayton, Dan Carter, Rich Hamlett, Jack Gibbs, and Craig Robertson

Goal: Rich Hamlett

Assist: Dan Carter

Three Stars: Jordan Lloyd, Tom Lewis, and Alex Skinner