Vs. Deportivo (home)
6:1 (4:1)
2 x 30 minutes
Friendly
24/06/2007

  Team: Hudson – Storey, Shard, Watson, McQuoid-Mason – Hooton, Fabian, O’Brien – Drzewucki, Dorward, Cantwell. No subs.

  Last Sunday of June saw the testimonial game for Nestor Fabian. The very first Argentinean to wear the Pacers top. It was his lat game at the home ground in Kaohsiung because of moving to Taipei. Nestor had been with the team for more than a year. In that period of time he earned well deserved respect among the teammates. For knocking in some vital goals and as well for being a person who does not stray from the path of righteousness. Nestor can also impress his teammates with putting back his dislocated shoulder in some sophisticated ways. Lately Nestor pulled the award for the new player of year 2006.

  The player who is leaving the team has got an honour to captain the side in his last appearance. Fabian put together a very attacking 4-3-3 formation, which paid back with an incredible result.

  Early in the game Pacers went 1:0 ahead thanks to a flat but precise shot of Rob Hooton. He was assisted with Adam Drzewucki’s pass and showed a right signal to attack. Not long after that Deportivo tied the game with a strong shot that met the net close to a far post. That only told the Pacers to double their efforts and continue the charges.

  Before the end of the first half Pacers scored three more times. Steve “man of steel” Dorward was doing an excellent job that afternoon. His uncompromising and unstoppable will to make a play delivered a cross from the left wing that found its place on the top of the head of prolific scorer Michael “the bull” O’Brien. That made it 2:1. From that moment Pacers only played better.

  That was the moment when today’s captain came with his flash and brilliance. First he set up Dave “the Irish stallion” Cantwell to increase the lead to 3:1. Still before the brake Fabian himself trashed Deportivo’s defense with a stunning solo effort, which saw two defenders faked in a penalty box.

  Second half confirmed Pacers domination across the whole field. Rich Hudson was irreplaceable between the sticks saving all that he had to. That was possible because of an exceptionally solid performance of the defense line. Kevin “the head” Watson and Adi “mongo” Shard had shown a top class as stoppers. Andrew Storey and Tristram McQuoid-Mason did the business in roles of full backs. Presenting some splendid tackles and an unfinished stamina.

  Although 4:1 is a comfortable lead Pacers did have enough. Especially Fabian who grabbed his second this day from a penalty-spot. It was Steve Dorward who won it but he generously offered a pleasure of executing to Nestor. Don Fabian did not make a mistake and blasted the ball into the left bottom corner.

  An Argentinean was simply insatiable and forced his smashing hat-trick couple minutes before the end of the game. This time it was Drzewucki who passed the ball to the middle where it found Nestor’s feet of fire. Fabian did not waste the time of his teammates and launched a cracking shot to the keeper’s right top corner. It was a fantastic goal that did not leave any doubt who was better that Sunday.

  Once again we would like to express our appreciation and friendship to Nestor Fabian. To his person and all that he gave to Kaohsiung 100 Pacers. You will be missed but not forgotten. Hasta la vista amigo!

By Adam Drzewucki