nothing like putting one over your fiercest rivals

1st Toa Payoh Sec, 1500Hrs

YSOSRS FC 1 FMFC 0

(Khairil x1)

Many have said that there is nothing sweeter than working hard and in return eventually seeing the fruits of your labour. It may have been a mere 80 minutes, but for the guys, we left our all on the field as we did battle with FMFC for the 3rd time in the last 6 months and eventually came away with the priceless win.

True enough, our opponents started like I'd known they would. Stroking the ball around with ease and at times making us chase shadows with their quick interplay. Unlike what happened 1.5 months ago though, the backdoor to our goal was shut pretty tightly and despite being without our captain, our defensive line held it's own for a large majority of the game. Much of that credit has to go to the ability of our defenders with young Alan particularly outstanding in his reading of the game and commanding of the backline. The 1st half was pretty much a non-affair for us as we sat back and watched FMFC passing the death out of the ball. The closest either side came to breaking the deadlock was from a direct free-kick just outside the box which was spectacularly repelled by the cat-like reflexes of our Allan-de sar.

The talk at the break was that we had to continue keeping the door shut, restricting any clear cut opportunities plus of course taking any half chance that came to us. The mantra continuously repeated during the talk almost saw immediate results as we came out of the half with more vigour and stroked the ball around with greater confidence. After a couple of threatening runs by Santosh and Habib down either flanks, we won ourselves a series of corners. One such corner saw the ball pin-ball around before Santosh won a header brilliantly that created havoc in the box. Eventually the ball somehow found it's way to the nepalese wonderkid and with not only the goal but the mouths of the fans and gaffer alike gaping in anticipation of what was to come, the deal was not sealed when he could only blast over from the 6 yard box. Tough on all but it was a priceless opportunity.

With the gaffer continuing to hope that another such golden opportunity would come, Khai and Mahdi decided to rewind to their A div days where they would discuss endlessly about setpiece tricks and etc. One such freekick on the right of the FMFC box saw Mahdi dart swiftly to the right which pulled the wall apart slightly and having been accustomed to the Khai specials that we have seen in recent weeks we were expecting another of those blockbuster shots. The man however surprised everyone concerned when he found a gap in the wall and placed a simple lofted shot into the bottom left corner of Sham's net. 1-0 and just what we deserved for the start we had made in the 2nd.

Lots of huffing and puffing ensued and the defining moment of the game came when off a misplaced pass in the middle, FMFC found space on the left of our defense and with the FMFC gaffer bearing down on goal with only Allan to beat, our hearts were in our mouth. And yet, such defining moments are perfect opportunities for a man to stand out and be counted. Thankfully, we saw our experienced custodian stand up big and spread himself eagle-wide before saving the resulting shot with his legs to the cheers of the YSOSRS boys and the groans of the FMFC lads. Top notch during crunch time. 10 minutes remained. But as we all now know, that was how it ended with Khai's goal, Allan's superb saves, Alan's excellent defending and Chi's nonstop hustling playing a major part in our victory today.

MOTM: Alan Teo. Read the game astutely, was a both a presence vocally and physically. Coupled with the assets of the other defenders, I am sure it will only be a matter of time before our defense returns to it's glory days after being much maligned in recent times.

Gaffers thoughts: Check out the fb group boys. Most of what I wana say is already there. Cheers and thank you for your efforts. The season may only be 2 games old, but we have shown that we are up for it. Let's see where we go from here. A weekend's break next saturday which is well deserved for the lads. Regroup, recover and we will be back in a fortnight against another familiar opposition in TeamCuzz at Orchid Park Sec. Fyi, check out Chi's comment in our fb group. He hit the nail on its head with that one.

Personnel:

Allan

Farhan, Ronald, Huijie, Alan, Jars, Yas

Santosh, AhCool, Mahdi, Mok, Ws, LQ, Dinietov, Khai

Juf, Habib

Fans in attendance:

Sabrina (Jar's GF), Aisyah (Yas' GF)

its FMFC. need i say more

Time: Be there by 2.20 PM

[It's a derby, so be there early]

Opponents: Fake Madrid FC

[Link: http://www.espzen.com/teams.asp?teamno=720&leagueNo=87]

Venue: 1st Toa Payoh Sec School (Astro)

[Link to venue: http://www.espzen.com/pitches.asp?pitch=88]

Attire: Yellow SUFI Top, Black Shorts and Black Socks

[For those who do not have, bring any yellow jersey please. TYVM]

It would be a disservice to our newer boys if I did not include a match preview for this mouth watering tie.So here goes.. Well boys, Fake Madrid or more easily known as FMFC are our friends and big time rivals in the social football world. The irony huh. I would say it is somewhat like a derby whenever we play them. And it all started last season when SUFI FC or YSOSRS as we are now known triumphed in an epic league game early last season. 2-1 was the scoreline on the day but what was more amazing was that it was only the 4th/5th time in a couple of years that FMFC had tasted defeat in competitive league football. This made many sit up and take notice of SUFI FC and in the process it also made us, FMFC's number 1 target. In the return leg for the league which was dubbed the title decider just over a month and a half ago, SUFI FC produced an insipid showing and were downed 3-1 to basically hand FMFC the Division 2 title on the day. I am not going to lie, but the bitter taste of that poor showing continues to haunt me. The way we were outclassed then also hurts.

But here we are now, in the top most division of Espzen's Saturday League football, locking horns again. Although the personnel have changed, the agenda has not. We will still attempt to get at FMFC but we should all know that it would not be an easy task. Our friends have kickstarted the league in emphatic fashion, beating reigning division 1 champions, ISA 2-1 in their opening game. So that is all the background information you would need going into this game. Let us have fun boys.

Expected Personnel:

Allan

Yas, Farhan, Ronald, Huijie, AlanTeo, Jars, LQ

Santosh, AhCool, Mahdi, Ws, Mok, Dinietov, Khai

Juf, Habib

clinical finishing proves the difference

*Pictures courtesy of Fadilah

Queenstown Sec, 1500 Hrs

St Andrews FC 1 YSOSRS FC 3

(Habib x1, Rudee x1, Juf x1)

The way we sat down in the middle of the pitch and chilled out after the game said it all. It painted a picture of what was a relatively odd day of football for the boys. For one, we were prepared for a tough physical battle against our scottish compatriots and I suppose we got it. The loud brash nature of our opponents were also evident throughout the game. Yet the oddities began in the way we got our goals that explained the eventual scoreline on the day.

Aside from the obvious chances where Khai rocked the bar early in the game from way out, Rudee missing narrowly from just inside the box after being put through and Habib sending a half volley whistling pass the left post, clear cut chances were at a premium today. That being said, our defense was mightily impressive especially in the 1st half when Ronald and Hizam did an excellent job of marshaling the backline. Anyhow, I will attempt to describe the goals for those who were not there.

1-0: After much probing, YSOSRS finally scored it's first goal in division 1 in the 20th minute after a mix up at the back by the scots letting in our 2 youngsters who were able to sort out who wanted the ball more quickly. Habib got it and then proceeded to set himself up nicely before sidefooting a delightful finish past the despairing dive of the SASFC keeper. Our young marksman continues to impress with every passing game. Well done.

2-0: With the boys in white in the ascendency after the goal, a bizarre sequence of events once again let our nepalese boy burst through on goal from the left flank. Despite being faced with a similar situation earlier on in the game which was not converted, our boy opted to do the exact same thing and unselfishly laid it off for our veteran winger, dee who calmly sidefooted the ball home from just inside the 6 yard box. A smash and grab of sorts but a good comfortable lead nonetheless. And that was how the half ended. 2-0 to the good.

3-0: The 2nd half kicked off with YSOSRS wanting to kill it off with an early goal, and SASFC coming at us hard in a do or die manner. Eventually a beautiful defense splitting ball by Khai released Juf whom despite not getting much space throughout his time on the field, raced onto the ball and tugged it past the onrushing keeper without much hesitation. A predatory finish as we are constantly reminded of his ability. Awesome.

Unfortunately, this very in-house writer failed to catch what happened as SASFC scored a goal 15 minutes from the end. They could have made it more uncomfortable if not for the heroics of Phileo whom if I may add abit of exaggeration to it, did a Gordon Banks type of save from a stinging drive just outside the box that was destined for the bottom right corner of our goal. It even got our Scottish friends praising. Well, Phileo was back at it soon after as SASFC tried half volleying from way out to get past our determined keeper. 3-1 was how it ended eventually as it signaled a good start to our maiden season in the top flight.

MOTM: Phileo. Reminded us all of what a good shot stopper he is and the man also displayed plenty of confidence in commanding his backline. Unfortunate that we will not be seeing him much from now on but what a save eh. Top class and well worth the accolades showered on him after the game. Cheers and I hope to see you back with us sooner rather than later.

Gaffer's thoughts: As we continue to find our feet and get used to the new around the team, it is imperative that we maintain a certain level of performance. Today we were able to balance both of that and I am pleased. We will get stronger as we all find our roles in this team, mark my words on that boys. Anyhow, judging by the results elsewhere today, it is going to be anybody's game in this division with all of the teams capable of beating each other. FMFC upset ISA 2-1 today so it will definitely be an interesting game come next Saturday. Let's take it 1 game at a time and cheers to all for your efforts today.

Personnel:

Phileo

Farhan, Jason, Ronald, Huijie, Hizam, Alaric

Santosh, Rudee, Law, AhCool, Mok, WS, Syafiq, Dinie, Khai, Mahdi

Juf, Habib

Fans:

Suzie (Rudee's Fiancee), Fadilah (Dinietov's GF), Allan (Our beloved custodian)

A New Chapter Awaits

Time: Be there by 2.30 PM

[First league game, let's be prepared for the game so be there on time boys]

Opponents: St Andrews FC

[Link: http://www.espzen.com/teams.asp?teamno=620&leagueNo=87]

Venue: Queenstown Sec School (Astro)

[Link to venue: http://www.espzen.com/pitches.asp?pitch=118]

Attire: White Top, Black Shorts and Black Socks

[Those with the yellow SUFI tops. Please bring them as back up]

P.S: Phileo, our opponents are likely to be in their Argentina-like jerseys but it could be different. So bring an extra keeper jersey just in case it clashes with your blue one.

Alright, here is a brief preview on our upcoming game. The 1st game in our division has actually already been played. Supernova overcame our opponents for the coming weekend, St Andrews FC 4-2 in a tough, physical encounter. Feel free to check out the match report on the Espzen website yourself. And we should expect more or less the same. We ourselves have faced SAFC once before and we know exactly what we will be up against. Do know that they had a couple of key players that did not play in our MBFP game back then. Well, we have strengthened significantly too that being said.

It is absolutely important that we stick together as a team and not let anything SAID during the game affect our concentrations alright. Well that is about it and hopefully we are able to kickstart the season with a good result. See you boys there! As per normal, confirm attendance either via the chatbox in the blog or simply sms-ing me by Tuesday night latest. Adios.

Expected Personnel:

Phileo

Naqib, Ronald, Huijie, Hizam, Alaric, Jason, Farhan

Santosh, Rudee, AhCool, Mahdi, Mok, Ws, Syafiqo, Dinietov, Khai

Habib, Juf

Back from the dead

*There was much huffing and leaping in our attempts to break down the Fate goal.

Temasek Sec, 1500 Hrs

YSOSRS FC 3 AC FATE 2

(Habib x1, Mok x1, Khairil x1)

A helluva day. A roller coaster of emotions. And plenty for the gaffer to think about at the end of it all. But thank god. Thank god our prayers were answered.

Heading into the game held probably at our least favourite venue at the moment, YSOSRS FC were made to push all the way till the last kick of the game to avoid an early cup upset. Having settled the administrative issues, we were determined to kick start our season with a good result however AC Fate were doubly determined in making us work for it.

Right from the word go, our adversaries on the day set up store to nullify our attacking threat with 2 banks of large men situated in front of their keeper. This, coupled with their speeder attackers proved a good option for although the boys in white were comfortable for large periods of the 1st half, Fate did threaten with a couple of counter attacks. 0-0 it was at the break with frustrations galore.

In the 2nd, we came out determined to stick to the game plan from the start. Our knocks on the Fate door grew louder as the Fate keeper was called into action on more than one occasion to keep the score at 0-0.

1-0: Finally. The boys in white got the goal they craved for as debutant Habib, responded fastest after a stinging drive by Dinietov was initially saved by the Fate keeper. The young man composed himself and finished sweetly with his left peg into the roof of the net putting us a goal to the good. Awesome goal from the young lad.

*Our young prodigy opening his YSOSRS account with a sweet finish and enjoying the aftermath of it

Unfortunately for us, the feeling of uncertainty together with a degree of over-confidence crept into our game as we conceded an equaliser about 15 mins into the 2nd half after some poor defending from a deadball situation. Things got worse as whilst pushing to win the game, a poor pass from Mok allowed Fate to play a through pass over the top of our defense that caused mayhem. According to the players involved, the penalty decision was questionable however the word of the man in black is what counts and we had that sinking, disgusting feeling of potentially falling to the TMS hoodoo as we trailed 2-1 with 5 minutes to go.

* Fighting to the end epitomized by the facial expression of our stand-in captain. *A rare goal. A crucial one at that by the gaffer

2-2: Another debatable situation as Tosh who was having a hit and miss day drove into the box for the umpteenth time causing havoc in the Fate defense. Tackling both the ball and the man (according to our boy) as a Fate player attempted to sweep up, the ball fell kindly to Mok who faced up to a crowded penalty box with Fate players closing in on him fast. Taking a step to the right, the gaffer unleashed a shot through the bodies that stood in his way. A feeling of immense relief was followed by the eruption of euphoria as the ball flew past the keeper and nestled into the back of the net. Coming hardly a minute after Fate had gone 2-1 up and with the clock ticking down, we had given ourselves a priceless lifeline. Ooh boy.

*It is amazing that the moment was caught on camera. And the joy especially on the faces of the lads, okay more of the gaffer himself showed relief and ecstasy all rolled into one. Some goal, with it being literally the last kick of the game.

3-2: Sensing that our equaliser had demoralised our opponents and with extra time fast looming, the YSOSRS boys pushed forward one last time in search of the winner. The crown jewel in terms of goals eventually came as a ball was laid across from the wing by Tosh to the middle for our latest addition to the team, Khai. I swear the next few moments proceeded as if someone had slowed down time and it was also accompanied by a deafening silence that descended upon the pitch whilst the ball trickled to the eventual fate that awaited it. Taking 2 strides onto the ball and from 25 yards out, our man struck the ball so sweetly that it whistled straight into the top left hand corner of the goal and past the Fate keeper who didn't move a muscle. The goal was even more awesome considering that it played pin ball with the inner regions of the goal frame before coming to a rest where it mattered. Probably an early contender for YSOSRS Goal of the Season and certainly deserving of a game winning goal.

So that was how it ended, a cup game through and through of which we thankfully came up tops. A game I would have paid to watch on the teevee as well. And yes it did make my balls shrink. Sweet.

MOTM: On a day where we were frustrated on many occasions, I personally felt that debutant Khai slotted into the team seamlessly despite not knowing too many of the guys around him. His experience and calming influence in front of the backline gave us an opportunity to build our attacks and as the game wore on, his influence was more evident as the lads entrusted him with more of the ball. Oh, and what a goal to cap off a sweet debut. The man joins Jason and Jufri in being one of a select few to have outstanding performances on their debut in our team's history. Kudos to you Khai.

Gaffers thoughts: A very good lesson from today's game. Fate gave us a tough game and they were possibly unlucky to lose at the end. But take nothing away from the efforts of our lads as we put in a good shift and the experience gained would be priceless as we take that into the new season. I'm genuinely proud of both the old guards and the new boys. Let this be a fruitful season folks. Cheers on qualifying for the next round.

Personnel:

Phileo

LQ, Farhan, Naqib, Ronald, Hizam, Jason, Jars

Rudee, Liang, Santosh, Mahdi, Mok, WS, Khai, Yas, Syafiq, Dinietov

Juf, Habib

Fans in attendance:

Aisyah, Fadilah, Alan T, Allan

ESPZEN Sat League Cup (Round of 16)

Time: Be there by 2.20 PM

[We will be taking a team photo for the new season. If u wana be in it, be there on time aite]

Opponents: AC FATE (Division 3)

[Link: http://www.espzen.com/teams.asp?leagueNo=83&teamNo=684]

Venue: Temasek Sec School (Astro)

[Link to venue: http://www.espzen.com/pitches.asp?pitch=98]

Attire: White Top, Black Shorts and Black Socks

[Pls bring our yellow SUFI Jerseys or just any yellow jerseys as a back up]

Expected Personnel:

Phileo

LQ, Farhan, Jason, Jars, Naqib, Ronald, Hizam

Rudee, Law, Santosh, Mahdi, Syafiqo, Mok, Yas, WS

Juf, Habib

Alright boys, we have had 2 games of preparation and with a couple of new additions to the team, we will look forward to pitting ourselves against the might of AC Fate. Up for grabs will be a spot in the Quarter-Finals of the Saturday League Cup. We are currently in the Last 16 of the Cup if you were wondering. Temasek Sec may have held mixed feelings for us in the past with indifferent results on this patch but we should have no fear going into this game especially since we are now armed with the experiences of those failures.

Sticking together as a team is imperative and not getting flustered should things not go our way would be the key. The joy from our passing game in the last 2 friendly games could be seen on the faces of you boys. When you enjoy playing alongside each other and you trust the man next to you enough to give him the ball in tight spaces, you will eventually see us grow into a more cohesive footballing unit. Have faith boys. And let us aim to kick off the season with a positive result. See you boys at the stated timing!

Wrapping up pre-season with a bang

*Shaolin football style of playing from our veterans in e team plus a peek at our up and coming nepalese monster*

Woodlands Ring Sec, 1500 Hrs

YSOSRS FC 11 BNP Paribas SC 0

(Juf x4, Habib x2, Santosh x1, Law x1, Syafiqo x1, Dinietov x1, AhCool x1)

In all honesty, the game was nothing more than a good run out for the lads. Despite the huge scoreline, it was nothing much to shout about. It has to be said though that we did eclipse our previous record of highest number of goals scored in a game. Well done boys!

*Check out the man in green. An unorthodox replacement but a decent one nevertheless*

The lads were business-like in their approach with particular standouts in dinietov who excelled in his new role and also huijie whom we hope is back to his lucio-like best for good. Everyone stuck to their roles well despite the relatively obvious lack of a competitive nature to the game (No disrespect to our opponents here). At the end of the day, I must applaud the team on maintaining their concentration throughout the game plus of course obtaining the much cherished clean sheet which was attained with WS filling in for the 2nd half as the guardian of the posts. This surprising turn of events was a result of a freak incident involving our custodian during the half time entertainment show which got out of hand. O well.

This concludes a short pre-season session for us and it is back to business come next week. Although points or qualification for the next round will be at stake from now on, it would be best that we stick to our mentality of treating each game as a friendly. It is without a shadow of a doubt that we tend to loosen up more and move the ball with greater conviction when we hold that mentality. Do know that we are genuinely a decent team boys. And you may be sick of hearing this from me but have greater confidence in your ability!

*Connected in e way they strike a futbol*

Come next saturday, our season officially kicks off with a cup game against AC Fate. We will definitely not be taking it lightly and with hope, we can kickstart out season with a positive result. For those who suffered niggling injuries today, rest well. For the rest, do what you need to do during the week and we will reconvene at Temasek Sec for our upcoming game. See you boys!

Personnel:

Allan

LQ, Jars, Alaric, Huijie, Hizam

Santosh, AhCool, Law, Mahdi, Mok, WS, Syafiqo, Dinietov

Jufri, Habib