Unfortunately for Dan Read playing his last game, Ulsan could not send him on his way out of the country with a win.
After a lapse in defensive coverage in the first 10 minutes, which DMZ took full advantage of, the ball was lashed into the net, to make it 1-0.
The game settled down after the initial goal and both sides moved up and down the field with good flowing football at times. Ulsan controlled the play for a good portion of the half, but again another defensive mix up created another chance for DMZ to walk in on goal unchallenged and make it 2-0.
After the second goal, Ulsan came alive a little and only for a couple of luck ricochets off a DMZ defender and a good save off the goalie, it would have been 2-1. Ulsan kept pressing, but DMZ were always going to be dangerous on the break. At the half the score remained 2-0.
Matt Hassen, one of the key midfielders for Ulsan had to leave the game at halftime, which meant shuffling the midfield around and the attack. Dan Read was switched back to his original right wing position and Rob Cassleman and Gareth Copley were now the two front men. The midfield was reshuffled and two changes were made at halftime to the starting eleven of Ulsan.
After less than 3 minutes of the second half, again another defensive error, allowed DMZ to capitalise and score their third. Ulsan's midfield were allowing DMZ too much room and giving them too much time to pass the ball around at will. Unfortunately, after an initial good save, Ulsan's goalkeeper gave up a rebound and DMZ once again took advantage and made it 4-0.
Ulsan's defense were tiring a little as were the midfielders. Ulsan's attackers were now pushing the issue and made a few good runs down the flanks and through the middle. DMZ's defence were holding solid and didn't allow Ulsan any room to roam or move. There were a few half chances for Ulsan, but overall, DMZ were now controlling the game entirely.
DMZ's next goal was a nice poacher's goal, taken well by the striker, who had netted all previous 4 goals. This was his 5th and it was well deserved.
A tip of the hat must go to Brian, Ulsan's goalie and the defensive core, who held DMZ at bay for most of the game. Dave Anjema, who was visiting from Seoul, had a stellar game as well as Lewis and Coman and Aussie Matt.
Ulsan's midfield gave all they could, but with a few injured players out and playing the top team DMZ, it was to be a fruitless afternoon.
Ulsan's strikers gave their all, but also with their top striker out injured, it was to be a bit of a frustrating afternoon for them, but they receive an 'A' for effort.
The pitch was in immaculate shape and both teams voiced their opinon on what a pleasure it was to play on.
The game was played with great sportsmanship and the referee, although a novice, did the best he could to referee a well played game. There were no major incidents that the referee was at fault for and both teams appreciated his effort.
The final score did not do justice to how tight the game was at times and although Ulsan gave up 5 goals, they were a much better team than the score reflected. DMZ played like a team at the top of the league and congratulations to Roman, who netted all 5 goals; a great task to accomplish in any league. Ulsan will be a team to watch out for now and in the future. Once key players return and they have a full starting eleven, they will be a match for any team in this league.
OUR MAN OF THE MATCH - Bryan Nowland(GK) - Made sure that Judas didn't score more.
OPPOSITIONS MAN OF THE MATCH - Coman Duke(LB) - His Royal Dukeness once again proving a thorn in the oppositions side (what this guy does for a plate of potatoes is amazing).
MATCH REPORTER - Paul Benefit Scouser