Better late than never

The Bayon Wanderers squad in Kompong Chhnang - I'm front row, 2nd from right

Last Sunday, the Bayon Wanderers football team took their suspect talents into the provinces, Kompong Chhnang to be precise. Our opponents were the province's professional team from the 2nd Division of the Cambodian League and they called themselves Sovanna Phum. The match was a close affair, lots of chances at both ends but the score was not close, the pro's ran out 4-nil winners. The match was played in sun and rain, which is the weather we're experiencing right now, the pitch for the most part resembled Kep beach and the crowd of a few hundred roared with laughter every time we mis-kicked, our shots went wide or as in the photo below, when the pro keeper saved Alex's first-half penalty. The penalty aside, Alex was easily our most outstanding performer on the day, I on the other hand had to keep wiping the raindrops from my new Edgar Davids' football goggles. Don't ask. Despite the result, the friendliness of the locals and the 'experience' was more than enough to look forward to our next trip into the provinces. Photos are courtesy of Nick King.

Alex's penalty is well struck, and well saved. Note the beach-like playing conditions