Springfield Secondary Sch, 1500 Hrs
SUFI FC 4 Dynamites FC 2
(Ronald x1, Wong x2, Syafiqo x1)
The title of this report was probably supposed to have read something along the lines of 'The return of Wong reaps dividends in the final third' or perhaps 'Wong-ing our way to a showdown with FMFC'. Sadly, our beloved friend bugged me by continually praising himself for that short period of time from Springfield Sec, to Allan's Car and finally to Tampines mrt station. It probably took no more than 10 minutes to have him change my mind, I guess we can probably say that he is one helluva convincing lad for sure.
So having taken a 2 saturday break from league duties, the boys in yellow finally reconvened and converged on Springfield Sec for a potentially decisive clash against the wounded animals, Dynamites FC. Having read about the passing of their teammate from their match report last week, all players who were at the field for the game solemnly underwent a minute's of silence in respect for. From us here at SUFI FC, do know that you have our condolences for your lost.
As the game kicked off and with business on the pitch to be settled, Dynamites came out with the extra oomph in their game. Snapping at every challenge and being faster to every ball. Stunning everyone associated with the team in yellow, a quick burst down our left saw their winger swing in a ball that evaded everyone in the box. Popping up to sidefoot the ball home via a horrible deflection off Huijie which left Allan rooted to the ground, their striker/winger fired Dynamites 1-0 up with the clock probably reading 2 odd minutes or so. A terrible way to return to action for us and a potential hill to climb for us.
And yet, despite the early disadvantage, the SUFI boys pressed on with our wingers, Wong & Law as well as our new frontman Ronald stretching the Dynamites backline with their pace. After much probing, the equaliser finally came on around the 25th minute mark when Mok swung a left footed in-swinging cross from just inside the Dynamites half that evaded the heads of their entire backline. Lurking at the backpost was our predatory striker, Ronald-o who sent a thumping header straight into the back of the net and restoring parity on the scoreline. A sweet finish and just rewards for the invention shown up front thus far!
We finally took the lead when fabreyas got possessed by his namesake and set Wong up with a delightful through ball that sliced through Dynamites' backline. Learning from the mistakes of an earlier missed 1 on 1 chance, our pocket dynamo fired a left footed shot that stung the palms of the keeper and could only see the ball trickle into the back of the net. A brilliant set up and finish indeed, however it wasn't a 'top corner' left footed goal like he proclaimed after the game. Whatever the case, we finished the half 2-1 under difficult circumstances and in front most importantly.
Running the changes at the half, the boys in yellow came out with all guns firing as excellent interplay throughout the field with 1-2's, pass and movement aplenty... We scored twice in quick succession and seemingly carved about our opponents backline at will. Wong scored his second of the day after being put through by a sensational through ball from Vic. Next up, joining the partay was Syafiqo who added another after a booming long throw by our pocket dynamo left the opposing keeper with buttery fingers as he dropped the ball straight onto the head of our midfield maestro who rather sheepishly claimed his 3rd goal of the campaign by prodding the ball into the open goal with his head. Quick fact: Our midfield maestro scored against the same opposition earlier in the season with a stunning curling 30 yard effort that remains a front runner for goal of the season. I guess he really loves those Dynamites!
Well the rest of the game played out to the tune of Sufi boys being wasteful in the final third and Dynamites attempting to hit us on the break. They did narrow the scoreline when an unfortunate mistake by our custodian gifted them with a goal from a soft freekick. And that is how it ended, 4-2 at the final whistle!
MOTM: Despite the earlier whine about him, his performance on the field was definitely refreshing and clinical to say the least. Wong gets the nod today for that. We have missed much about the lad both on and off the pitch and I honestly wish that he returns to us sooner rather than later. NFL has made you a better player lah Wong!
Thoughts: We were an excellent team from when we were 1-0 down to when we were 4-1 up. At the end of the day, we had decent performances all over the field but that tired attitude will have to be improved on come next week boys. The positive certainly was the way we passed and moved our opponents around at will with pace and incisiveness. Very Arsenal or Barcelona-esque. Anyway, personal shoutout to the team. I hope I haven't offended anyone with my shouting at any point during the game today! I'm passionate about the game, the team and of course about your welfare as well. Nothing was personal and I apologise if anyone felt it was directed with intent. You guys should know me, I dont mean malice in my comments as half the time, the pained look on my face is a result of shagness. You guys know my fitness lah huh. Sorry bros!
*PS we will face AFC at Serangoon Stadium next saturday which also happens to be polling day! A personal plea from me is to settle your voting duties in the morning before you come for the game alright. We need everyone's presence to continue our push for the title no matter how difficult the situation is. Let us do our best to finish as high as possible!
Personnel:
Allan
Farhan, Syafiq, Jason, Huijie, Hizam, Amin
Wong, Rudee, Mahdi, Law, Mok, Yas, Syafiqo, Vic
Ronald, Dinietov
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