As the servettiens (minus one notable exception) slowly gathered at the station they knew another long trip lay ahead, four hours, two trains and a bus journey later they arrived in Wettingen. Due to the lack of a goal keeper some frantic phone calls and discussion amongst one another lead to a plan that technical director and one time goal keeper Nicolas “Chambéry” Chambet would take to the field in borrowed kit (a large thank you must go to Rotweiss Wettingen for the loan).

All set with a full complement of players Servette started the match in fine style, carving open HC Wettingen and creating some good opportunities orchestrated by Philippe Bernhard and Rob Hemingway. However disaster struck, a heavy handed challenge on Fred Huber left him reeling in agony on the floor, he was taken to hospital and returned with a diagnosed fractured clavicle. A slight restructuring tactically by coach David Smith left nothing changed in the attacking department and Servette continued to dominate and create chances. It was their quest to score the perfect goal that lead to the 0-0 half-time score.

Following a re-grouping at half-time Servette started the second half much the same as the first and created a number of good chances, a fortunate rebound found Ian Roberts at the top of the circle and he duly dispatched the shot into the bottom corner. Servette were now playing a much simpler flowing style which led to a second goal after a good shot from Rob Hemingway up popped Alexis Pierard to calmly finish over the flailing goal keeper. Servette piled on the pressure and showed good mental strength after a number of poor physical challenges, namely on Philippe ‘Ronaldo’ Seminck, to piece together a flowing move from defence to attack finished off by Dimitri Gisin. Good work ensued from Nico Ferreria culminating with Raphael Bes receiving a well timed pass from Laurent Neri and setting up Philippe Bernhard to finish the move and cap the display off. However a late charge from HC Wettingen needed good work at the back from Pascal Zimmerman, Captain Patrick Montalbetti and Nicolas Chambet meant Servette recorded their third clean sheet of the season.

Lets hope Servette can take the confidence and successful patterns of play through to the final game of this half season next week away to HC Olten.

Ian Roberts