The JS Hercules first team travelled to the end of Gulf of Bothnia to meet with FC Kemi in Hercules' second league game of the season. FC Kemi fielded a slightly weakened team due to injuries, but still had plenty of experience and quality on the pitch with ex-RoPS striker Huusko starting for the home team. Hercules travelled to the game on the back of a disappointing opener at Kajaani and improvement was necessary to take anything from this game.
Herkku-Papat, JS Hercules reserve team, draw again in the 5th division. Two easy scoring chances were give to the opposing team Pattijoen Tempaus which didn't hesitate to use them. Papat eventually managed to score a couple two to make the score even.
The opening game of the season for Js Hercules was an away trip to Kajaani to face Spartak. Both teams were no doubt aware of the significance of the match, but unpredictable May weather and unfortunate scheduling problems at Kajaanin liikuntapuisto seemed to affect the visitors' preparation. The match kicked off in cold weather which soon turned to snow, making any kind of attractive football a difficult proposition.
First match of the season is always a celebration, especially for Herkku-Papat reserve team. Season's opening opponent was this time IVFC, which Papat beat at 2011 season ending thriller in Castren. This time teams met in smallish Talvikkipuisto stadion. Game started with two quick goal, one in both end. Arto Oikarinen made his come-back to Herccu shirt after last played in 2005 by scoring two nice goals.
Weather was nice, and that is about the only positive thing one could find from JS Hercules Regions' Cup 2. round match day. Visiting from Lapland, Sodankylän Pallo, didn't have many chances during the match, but they did all they could and eventually won 1-2 on goal scored on the 2nd half over time.
Swedish teams are coming more and more familiar for JS Hercules. Earlier this year in Friendship City Tournament JS Hercules drew 3-3- with Bodens BK. This time it is JS Hercules turn to go abroad. Actually, it's gonna be the first match for Hercules to be played on a foreign soil. Haparanda FF is the host and the match kicks off at 15:00 on Sat. the 14th (16:00 in Finnish time). All the JS Hercules fans shopping in Ikea this Saturday are wellcome! 😉
JS Hercules played against Haukiputaan Pallo reserve team late Saturday night in rather cold condititions. Matti Verronen gave something to cheer about for the brave spectators (all 8 of them) scoring a solid hatrick. The match ended 4-1 (1-0) for the home side.