BEFC continued their charge on the TML Division 2 Championship with a hard fought 1 - 0 over Fussa FC. It was a tough match against an athletic opponent making the whole match high intensity and action packed --- when not stopping for freekicks every few minutes when someone from Fussa fell over on the halfway line. The match was very reminiscent of the previous 1 - 0 victory, with BEFC soaking up the very linear barrage of Fussa attacks while their own offence struggled to find the back of the net (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EkOxJF1wiWY). Almost 3 goals were cleared off the line/disallowed plus some very good saves from the Fussa keeper. BEFC finally convinced the football to get in the goal and then saw out the dying minutes, even with a few more chances to end it beyond doubt.

Over a well earned post-match fish and chips in Yokohama, those present determined that the plaudits for this match would have to go to the defence, who repeatedly had to deal with a predictable yet relentless long ball and ariel assault. Fussa being mostly US Airforce it makes some bizarre stylistic sense. The centerbacks were highlighted for the constant shutting down and pressure they had to cope with, definitely not helped by inexplicable numbers of free-kicks being given for Fussa to pump balls into the BEFC box. Inexplicable because they didn't come with an explanation......

However one player stood out for not only their huge work-rate and high level bossing in midfield but also competing against the lurid team strip of Fussa with his own daring shoes. It was said after BEFC's only loss that Timothy Witvliet was sorely missed.  Against Fussa he again showed why, with his importance in getting the best out of the BEFC formation. Given the new term 'Alo Insurance', it's Witvliet's bossing of the midfield that allows Alo Säkk the freedom to push forward the attack and partner with Kentaro Takahashi. In controlling the middle Witvliet always seems to be a few meters from wherever the ball is, letting him shut down the passes, put in the tackle and make key challenges. On the ball he's smart and keeps it simple, making tidy passes that maintain BEFC possession and open up play for the second stages in attack. The high workrate and positional intelligence is vital to making things tick.

The team present felt that Witvilet stands out as the player who doesn't stand out (aka unsung hero), yet they were all aware the role he performs is massive for the team to be able to operate at an optimum level.
For being the motor room of midfield, the secret cog that makes BEFC tick and winning MOM in controversial boots - Timothy Witvliet is Adecco BEFC Man of the Match versus Fussa.