Yuen Long Friendly Report and Photos

So, Kitchee finished their pre-season preparations with a friendly versus fellow Hong Kong Premier League side, Yuen Long.

Yuen Long have really established themselves as a solid unit in the HKPL in recent years and so many were expecting this to be a decent tester for the season in front.  Of course, friendlies will never be played in the same manner as a competitive fixture but, if this match is anything to go on, hopefully the upcoming season will be another good one for the Bluewaves, with Kitchee running out 6-1 winners on an absolutely scorching afternoon.

Sandro bagged himself two goals (the first a glorious first time finish into the far right hand corner and the other a penalty), Vadocz carried on his good scoring form in pre-season notching another from close range after beating the YL defender to a loose ball following a corner , Super Matty Lam scored twice in two minutes (the first a good long distance effort and the second from the edge of the area) and then Huang Yang finished off the scoring in the 69th minute with arguably the goal of the game - a curler from 25 yards or so..

It got a bit heated in the closing stages after a late challenge caught Vadocz on the left ankle and the Hungarian picked up a yellow card for his retaliation - but it doesn't appear as if the influential midfielder should be injured for the season opener on Friday.

The team lined up as follows:
1. Wang Zhen Peng
5. Helio
7. Fernando
8. Alex
10. Lam Ka Wai
11. Sandro
16. Jared Lum
19. Huang Yang
20. Matt Lam
21. Tong Kin Man
32. Vadocz

From the friendlies played, it looks as if Kitchee will continue to play with 3 at the back this season and then load the midfield - who can blame them with the quality they have available. Matt Lam, Sandro and Alex played up front. Alex will be disappointed not have got on the score sheet and will presumably make way for Lucas in the first league game.

So, all eyes now turn to the big match on Friday and the clash versus the old enemy, Eastern. Games between the big boys can often be disappointing when they are played early on in the season, as players are yet to hit top form.

However, with so much animosity between the two teams (and sets of fans) after last year's exciting finish, this will hopefully be a rip-roarer. Friday night, 8pm, Mong Kok Stadium - what's not to like?!

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Highlights here:

Kitchee 6 - 1 Yuen Long