Excluding wiped results, this was Polska's first opening day of the season win since 2008, and they achieved it in tremendous style. The first half performance was excellent, and not even Karol Osipinski's own goal on 4 minutes to give Reem a 1-0 lead could dent the confidence of the visitors - just 30 seconds later Radek Gaglewski scored a wonder goal. Seeing the Reem keeper off his line, Radek launched a 35 yard shot which landed in the back of the net. Then on just 8 minutes Polska went 2-1 up when Lukasz Ksobiak found the net. Maciek Wisniewski then pounced on a defensive error from the hosts to make it 3-1 before leaving the field on 28 minutes due to a nasty ankle injury. Yet another Polska defensive mix up saw Reem get back to 3-2 on 16 minutes, before they leveled at 3-3 on 23 minutes. Savo Wieczorek then got pushed off the ball for a clear penalty on 35 minutes, which Gaglewski tucked away to his right to give Polska a 4-3 lead. Then Ksobiak got his second and Polska's 5th on 37 minutes to make it 5-3 at half time. Kicking uphill second half was a challenge for Polska, and their hopes of making it tight were dashed when Reem scored on 50 minutes to make it 5-4. Despite having huge amounts of possession, Reem didn't really test Spider Pajak in the Polska goal too often, although they did manage to get back to 5-5 on 77 minutes. With just 12 men, Polska were visibly tiring, but somehow Karol Osipinski managed to find the energy to burst forward and make it 6-5 with 90 minutes on the clock, even though the referee added a colossal 7 minutes injury time. It was a fantastic win for Polska, their first 6-5 win since September 1997 (against BT). Player Performances: PAJAK: Mix up for Reem's first 2 goals, but then steadied the ship, and punched everything away in the second half that came near him. FIGARSKI: A nervous debut for the young right back saw him dragged around a lot first half, but in the second half he got stronger and worked tirelessly in defence to keep the hosts at bay. OSIPINSKI: Made up for his 4th minute own goal by scoring the winner on 90 minutes. Worked till he looked ready to drop and won lots of headers. WASIK: Got dragged around first half but solid second half and another who made vital clearances and worked hard. PRZERWA: Debutant left back was man of the match. Solid and full of energy, marked Paul Leaver so well in the first half they moved him to centre midfield second half. Outstanding and fully lived up to the promise he has shown in training and pre season. ALAN CHATER: Solid and dependable as ever, moved to right wing following Maciek's injury. GAGLEWSKI: Tired visibly after 75 minutes, but still worked hard and produced some great football. Exquisite first goal and buried his penalty with ease. This could be a big season for Radek as looks stronger and more confident, and this is what he is capable of. DZIOPA: Right in the thick of things in the middle of the park, Reem didn't allow him much time or room but he worked hard for 90 minutes. WISNIEWSKI: Looked sharp and still managed to score before coming off injured on 28 minutes. WIECZOREK: Linked up well with Ksobiak up front, had to drop deep second half in search of more of the ball. KSOBIAK: Fantastic game from the forward who scored 2 vital goals. Strong and held the ball up well. Could be a real major force this season. CRANE: Solid and dependable, coming on for Wisniewski, Crane rolled back the years with an excellent showing. |