Vancouver Champions League

Liverpool 1 Chelsea 2

For Anfield 2009, read Kerrisdale 2009: the Chelsea supporters' side recovered from falling behind to an early goal to beat their Mersey counterparts 2-1 last Saturday. It means the Vancouver Blues will hold the balance of power going into the second leg of this inaugural Vancouver Champions League in July. Having created and missed some glaring opportunities, the Scousers may feel a bit robbed by the scoreline, but I'll let you insert your own joke here...

This was the best game to date between the two teams, with both committed to playing neat elegant football, passing the ball out from the back and providing compelling viewing. Initially, Chelsea took control, with the two Davids setting the tempo in midfield and Andy and Jose providing the threat from out wide. Yet the Reds drew first blood. A through-ball from Adam, their dangerous playmaker, set one of their forwards free who finished into the bottom right corner.

The Blues lost a little nerve after that, and could have conceded again, but held out till half-time, when Gerry made some tactical tweaks out of Golden Guus's handbook. A few minutes into the second half, a deep cross from the right by Jose was misjudged by the Reds' keeper and defence to find its way into the corner of the net. Red faces all round, and game on.

Scouse tempers started to fray, with some bulging eyes and plaintive appeals, but the referee kept a good lid on things, so it never became like $tevie Mbe's night out at the Lounge Inn in Southport in January.

But they were rattled, lost focus and Andy made them pay with a fine finish to complete the Chelsea comeback to 2-1. From there, the Blues kept it tight and held on to claim an excellent win.

Both teams had an excellent turnout of playing numbers (around 20 each), so tired legs and minds could always get a regular rest and helped add to the quality of the game. Many thanks to all those who played. With such good numbers it was very much a team effort in which everyone played a part.

But special mention here to David Elvin, who had an excellent game as a stand-in keeper. If anyone knows a Blues-supporting goalie, please put them in touch with me at the usual address. That would be a big help, and would let David have a chance at the other end.

Finally - please make a note in your diaries of the deciding game. Saturday, July 11 on the fantastic Astroturf field at UBC near the Sports Medicine Centre in Thunderbird Park off Wesbrook Mall.  Kick-off will be 5.30pm this time and the cost will be $10 per player again. This will cover pitch hire, referee, and go towards the trophy. The newly minted one that Gerry will be lifting after the final whistle. If you have not confirmed already you can play, please mail me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Even if you can't play, do please come along to support the group and pass the word around. The Scousers are sure to have a big noisy crowd there, no doubt talking about our lack of ‘istory. So let's make our own on the West Coast. Bring the flags...