Jurong Stadium, 1700 Hrs
SUFI FC 2 Fake Madrid FC 1
(Yas x1 pen, Dinietov x1)
I'm sure that most of you associated with the team must have heard about the result much earlier and while i maintained a face of relative calm after the game, do know that I was literally grinning from ear to ear within me. Almost a year on, what started off as YSOSRS FC and now SUFI FC has fought many battles. However the battle that we won today was probably the highlight of the year so far. 3 crucial points up for grabs, having to cope without out top marksmen and number 1 custodian plus it was a game against formidable opponents in the shape of FMFC. In truth, the stakes couldn't be higher.
And so the stage was set at the grand old dame of Jurong where we have had our fair share of ups and downs results wise. A customary west side shower upon our visit there meant that the field was waterlogged in certain areas and in some ways, the conditions certainly did favour our style of game. This meant that we had help in stopping the free-flowing tippy tappy (?) football that FMFC normally played which gave us much confidence before the game.
After a 15-20 minute sparring spell where both teams operated warily of each other, the sufi boys struck 1st after a defence splitting pass from me [sorry guys, i had to mention my only contribution of the day ;) ] and it found a marauding law bursting his guts down the left towards goal. In an incident which divided opinions, we got the opinion which mattered on the day as law was adjudged by the man in black to have been hauled down in the penalty box. A penalty early in the game and the perfect way to strike first blood. Stepping up, fabreyas sent the keeper the wrong way with a finish of real confidence. 1-0 up but with plenty of the game left to play. Whatever the case, it certainly did give us greater belief.
With the game played out mostly in the middle third of the field, it was inevitable that clashes were aplenty as both sides fought hard to reign supreme in the middle. As the half time whistle blew, the boys trudged off knowing that there was a greater tide to expect from our adversaries on the day. So it was, 1-0 at the half to the boys in yellow.
On a day where there were plenty of negative news on the playing personnel front with late pullouts due to illnesses and etc, the reappearance of our pocket wizard in the 2nd half definitely did provide the guys with a much needed psychological lift.
Events of the 2nd half were pretty much the same as that of the 1st. This time however, the tenacity level was much higher from our opponents but in truth the boys did stay disciplined and compact which restricted them to few clear cut chances. On the other hand, we ourselves registered the odd half chance in our sporadic forays into the opposing half. One in particular was from midfield maestro WS who launched a 40 yard freekick straight at goal which was deemed as dangerous enough for a palm over the bar by the opposing keeper.
This was followed by one such incident where our pocket wizard took on the 2 centre backs of FMFC in a foot race before he was arguably hauled down just as the target loomed large in front of him. The sufi boys did finally get the much needed 2nd goal that allowed us to relax a little. A long deep punt down-field by Heiqal (our stand-in custodian of the day, amazing lad) was misjudged by the opposing centerback which opened up a window of opportunity for Dinietov. Having fought selflessly for the cause of the team in terms of holding up the ball all through the game, he was due that stroke of misfortune and the man accepted it gleefully with both hands. Holding off the challenge of the CB, Dinietov set off on a 30 yard run towards goal before he calmly sent the fans into ecstasy with a sublime finish that was deserving of his efforts for the day.
The game did end nervously for us as FMFC grabbed a late goal soon after and threatened to share the spoils. Thank god for us, we held on and the final whistle soon came.
MOTM: Once again, everyone was amazing in their roles today. However, it has not escaped my attention, the effort that a certain individual has been putting into our weekly games in recent weeks. Dinietov was the undeniable spark today as he put his body on the line all through the game, fighting hard for every ball and also leaving us shell shocked with some dazzling footwork that mesmerized his markers. The man would probably write this off in his usual nonchalant self but it was a pleasure my man. 2 goals in 2 games against 2 of our title rivals. A perfect reward for the hardwork and credit where it is due, he was certainly the man of the moment for the day. Keep it up doood!
Apologies that this is getting abit too long so i will try to keep this part short. We are on a deeply satisfying run at the moment boys and although FMFC are still in the hot seat if they can win all their remaining games, take pride in the scale and manner of our victory. We had the element of luck in certain decisions admittedly but we also fought hard and covered each others ass throughout the game. We won as a team today and like we did last week, i can only salute you guys for making it oh-so-sweet.
Enjoy the feeling for the weekend boys as you guys deserve it. However come the turn of the week, time to refocus on the task ahead as Teamcuzz lies in wait. We may have overcome arguably the best team in the division at the moment in todays clash, however it counts for nothing if we put our feet up and think that the title has been sewn up. The game today was worth 3 points just like any others and lets work hard together to try replicate it each week.
Cheers boys and like Rudee said in his facebook status, I'm loving the team spirit. Thanks =D
- 'Sufi fc 2 - 1 Fake madrid. Even watching frm e sidelines my heart pump like mad. Nv feel so attached to a team like this b4. well done boys. Deserved victory!! Keep it up!'
Personnel:
Heiqal
Farhan, Syafiq, Huijie, Hizam, Jason, Jars
Law, AhCool, Mahdi, Mok, Ws, Yas, Syafiqo, LQ
Dinie
Fans in attendance:
Rudee, Suzie, Jars, Sabrina, Fadilah, Aisyah and Syafiq's friend. (Thanks peeps!)
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