Our beloved Cuzzins

Time: Be there by 2.20 PM

[West side boys, try to give yourself sufficient time to suit up and be there for the team huddle before the game aite. Appreciate it]

Opponents: TeamCuzz FC

[Link: http://www.espzen.com/teams.asp?teamno=497&leagueNo=87]

Venue: Temasek Sec School (Astro)

[Link to venue: http://www.espzen.com/pitches.asp?id=86]

Attire: White Nike Top, Black Shorts and Black Socks

[For those who do not have the white top, bring any white jersey and that will do. TYVM]

This weekend sees us visit TeamCuzz at our much loved venue of Temasek Sec. Memories aplenty at this venue with varying results over the past 8 months here. Much has been said about how TMS seems to be our bogey ground and how TeamCuzz have always been our bogey team as well. 3 games played and we have registered a sole victory, sandwiched by 2 heartbreaking defeats to Cuzz. Well, the world of mathematics says that 2 negatives makes a positive. I suppose that has given us much hope and the jokers will be looking to build on it, no matter how trivial it sounds. Onward and forward we go peeps! Eyes on the 3 points boys!

Expected Personnel: 16

Allan

Habib, Farhan, Hizam, Huijie, Jason

Rudee, Santosh, AhCool, Law, Mok, Dinietov, Syafiqo, WS, LQ

Juf

Happy Hunting Ground: Woodlands Ring

Woodlands Ring Sec, 1500 Hrs

YSOSRS FC 5 Greats II FC 1

(AhCool x1, Santosh x1, Juf x2, Calvin x1)

*Undoubted picture of the day. Hell yeah!

On a day in which we had redemption on our minds after our humbling defeat to Team Intense last Saturday, the jokers travelled to Woodlands Ring Sec which had been a good ground with positive results on so many occasions. What greeted them was a typical scene from our D2D days. A huge grass field with hardly any grass in the middle portion and a dreadfully bumpy pitch all round. On this occasion, it probably suited our style of quick football better as the uneven ground made it difficult for Greats to settle into their passing rhythm.

Unfortunately for most, it is a reality that we are not gonna be a barcelona type of team in terms of playing style but today's result has just proven that if we stick to what we do best, there is every chance of us carving out a decent name in the social football scene.

Straight to the goals as our 14 men team brought delight to all associated with the jokers today. A splendid 5 star showing allowed us to successfully overcome the challenge of Greats on a hot hot day.

1-0: The start of the game was as open as it could get. With the jokers attempting to adopt a new playing style of 442, we relied much on our attacking four to do the work. Alas, with the ball spending more time in the air, our first goal unsurprisingly came from that very route. Aerially of course. Pardon my memory as I am unable to remember the specific details leading up to the goal. However I do remember Santosh picking up a ball down the left flank, cutting in before sending the ball into the box. Oh, a save from the keeper saw the ball drop right in front of the Greats goal for the gleefully awaiting AhCool to nod the ball home from 3 yards. Lo and behold, there he has finally registered his first goal of the league season. Much joy for our flying winger and for us, hopefully more in the coming games.

We then conceded a sloppy goal from a Greats counter attack which saw our team all at sea and unable to cope with the extra man that our adversaries on the day had in the middle. 1-1 was how it ended at the half with the heat especially taking its toll on our bodies.

The 2nd half saw us play with a rejuvenated spirit as the inclusion of dinietov in the middle meant greater presence that also allowed Calvin to settle down more. Well as the say, the rest is history for our attacking men took the opportunity to put Greats to the sword with some really clinical finishing.

2-1: Juf put us in the lead after running down the right flank and beating his marker for pace (big ass still so fast sia!). Facing only the keeper and an onrushing centreback from a tight angle, our main man atoned for his earlier misses in the 1st half with a confident finish. It was both power and precision rolled into one clinical shot. Hell yeah!

*Our debutant in action on the left + Capt on the day with one of many clearances in e middle and our dearest Farhan attempting to stop our opponents down the flanks on the right.

3-1: Dinietov turned provider as a clearance rebounded off his head and somehow a Greats player tried playing ping pong heading with our towering magician. This time round, the return ball to him saw our magician conjuring up some magic, with his head up top by nodding the ball pass the Greats backline for our fleet footed Toshie boy to take it towards goal. As we have become accustomed to, another clinical finish with his outside foot as the jokers gave ourselves some breathing room in the game.

4-1: In my opinion, a contender for goal of the game. A quick ass break from a Greats corner saw Juf and Tosh facing up against their respective markers at pace. Tearing them to shreds with their movement and understanding, Toshie boy turned provider (special request from our marksman) as he laid off a ball for Juf just inside the penalty box. A neat step to the right and a nice showing of upper body strength (weet weet!) saw half a yard of space open up. That was about all he needed as he slammed the ball past the keeper with a venomous shot. An excellent break plus nice tag team-ing from our foreign talent and big ass boy left the gaffer licking his lips in excitement at the blossoming partnership.

5-1: The icing on the cake definitely for all. Calvin who had shown glimpses of his ability on the ball and at deadball situations as well, had up to this point failed to register a debut goal. With the clock ticking, he received a pass down the right flank. Our man then proceeded to outmuscle and hold off 2 challenges in a lung bursting run before ignoring the calls of the gaffer to pass and subsequently helping himself to a much craved for goal on his debut. Anyhow, the perfect goal to seal an excellent performance especially in the 2nd half from the boys. Yessah!!

*Holey Moley thats a really shitty field yo!

MOTM: Plenty of candidates today but this one would go to Jufri for his excellent 2nd half showing. Clinical finishing plus plenty of off the ball movement that allowed our guys to get into superb spaces. A special mention to Tosh for a good shift on the flanks plus a really decent performance from our defenders, in particular Ronald, Matthew and Alaric who slammed the door shut as quickly as a window of opportunity opened. Kudos to a solid defensive performance boys.

Gaffers words: Much joy from today's performance and despite having another small squad, we were able to convincingly overcome a decent Greats team today. Onward and forward as we look to secure 2nd spot in the league for this season. Next up, Cuzz at our bogey ground, Temasek Sec. Another project redemption week ahead! Cheers for the good game and see you yo!

Personnel:

Allan

Farhan, Alaric, Ronald, Matt, Jason

Santosh, AhCool, Mok, Law, WS, Dinietov

Calvin, Juf

Project Redemption

Time: Be there by 2.20 PM

[Hi guys, most of us are adults and i dont have to come up with stupid fine systems to get you to come early. So kindly try to stick to the supposed timing to meet alright. Thanks]

Opponents: Greats II FC

[Link: http://www.espzen.com/teams.asp?teamno=582&leagueNo=87]

Venue: Woodlands Ring Sec School (Grass)

[Link to venue: http://www.espzen.com/pitches.asp?id=94]

Attire: Yellow Sufi Top, Black Shorts and Black Socks

[For those who do not have the yellow sufi top, bring any yellow jersey. TYVM]

As mentioned, our initial target at the start of the season was 18 points and survival in the division. Right now, the reality remains that we are 3 points away from that target and it is certainly within our reach to achieve that. With another month of tough games coming up in October, we will be looking to garner as many points as we can to gain some decent momentum going into that run. The likely inclusion of our latest signing, Calvin, has seen a lifting of spirits in and around the dressing room which is great news to the gaffer. Reports have also suggested that our main man upfront, Juffie boy has cited that he is licking his lips at finally being able to link up with the new boy after their successful but premature one and only game together almost a year ago now against Coke in our D2D season. Whatever the case, another weekend of football and let us enjoy ourselves kicking some balls, releasing some pent up stress from our weekday commitments and hopefully... celebrating some goals as well. Cheers!!

Expected Personnel: 14

Allan

Alaric, Farhan, Ronald, Matt, Jason

Santosh, AhCool, Mok, Law, WS, Dinietov

Jufri, Calvin

Down... But certainly not outta it.

Queenstown Secondary School, 1500 Hrs

YSOSRS FC 1 Team Intense 3

(Santosh x1)

A feeling of deja vu overwhelmed me as I sat down to reflect on the game before churning out this report. The top of the table clash last season in Div 2 against FMFC saw us capitulate in a dreadful first half performance which saw us trail by 2 goals at the half. It proved too much as we eventually lost 3-1. Fast forward 4 months on and yet another top of the table clash in Division 1 this time, but against high flying Team Intense. A similar showing saw us trail 3-1 at the half despite having started with a bang.

*The brave soul who unfortunately conceded 3 goals. Outfield next week again dude, no worries

There was no sign that we would eventually end up with such a scoreline against us when we started bright and breezy in the 1st 10 minutes. Pretty much just like in our 1st meeting with Intense, we started with a goal. From the same player if I may add. Santosh was the delighted recipient after a sweet interchange of short passes on the edge of the TI penalty box that disected their centreback pairing. Mahdi to Syafiq who eventually laid of an inch perfect pass for Tosh to finish calmly with only the keeper to beat.

Thereafter, it was all down hill as TI's midfield trio took the game by the scruff of its neck. Our first goal conceded was a mistake to forget as we failed to clear the ball, allowing their central midfielder to tap the ball home from inside our 6 yard box. Heh. Their 2nd was after we failed to clear the ball from a corner and the resulting cross was whipped in. With all our defenders sucked into the middle, their attacking midfielder brought it down with a touch and slammed it home with no one able to get close to it. Stunning strike which truly sucked the life out of us. Their 3rd was a case of their players wanting to get on the end of a corner kick more as they thumped home a header from just outside the 6 yard box. We can put it down to the lack of a specialised keeper but we really should have done better in terms of organising.

*Devastating from Ashwin of TI (Prominent man from our spy cam)

The 2nd half started with us just attempting to give our all in hope of some sort of a lifeline. It has to be said that with Intense comfortable enough to sit back, it allowed Habib, Santosh, Mahdi and Rudee to put pressure on their backline who was expertly marshaled by their angry man, Jerry. We had our chances as Tosh was a constant threat down the left although the final ball at times still eludes our young one. Rudee on the other flank caused problems with his excellent crosses which were calling out for someone to throw a body part at it. But of course, the best chance fell to Habib who thumped a shot with only the keeper to beat that reportedly skimmed off the keeper's head onto the bar and out. We got a goal kick from it so obviously the referee thought otherwise. Anyhow, 3-1 was how it ended.

MOTM: Santosh. Good goal, lots of threatening runs but tough luck. Like u said, the team's result matters more than individual glory. We will try harder next time round.

Gaffers words: We lost to a better team in my opinion even though we did more than hold our own in the 2nd half. I believe today's game showed that we have to be stronger mentally. We seemed surprised that we could score against Intense but we never truly believed that we could get a result as the game went on. I continue to reiterate that we are a decent side. Communication is needed all over the pitch and we have to play as a team plus help each other out. Some heads dropped as the goals went in.. There is always a chance if we have faith in it boys. 6 more games to go and although Intense are truly in the driving seat, we will do what we always do best. Never give up. Keep on going boys and let us have faith.

Players:

WeiSheng

Farhan Ronald Huijie Matt Jason Jars

Santosh Rudee AhCool Mok ZL Syafiq Dinie LQ

Habib Mahdi

Here we go again...

Time: Be there by 2.20 PM!!

[We were early the 1st time round which allowed us to start fast for e game. Let's look to do it again.]

Opponents: Team Intense

[Link: http://www.espzen.com/teams.asp?teamno=675&leagueNo=87]

Venue: Queenstown Secondary School

[Link to venue: http://www.espzen.com/pitches.asp?id=122]

Attire: White Top, Black Shorts and Black Socks

1st vs 2nd. Everything to play for. Let's go boys. We know how the first one ended so let's try to make it right this time round.

Expected Personnel: 17

WS

Farhan, Ronald, Huijie, Matthew, Jason, Jars

Santosh, AhCool, Rudee, Mok, ZL, Dinietov, LQ, Syafiq

Habib, Mahdi

Clinical performance downs Nova.

1st Toa Payoh Sec, 1500 Hrs

Supernova 1 YSOSRS FC 2

(Law x1, Juf x1)

As the cliche goes, 'Rome wasn't built in a day'.

True enough, it has been a long time coming. But 3 seasons in and almost a year and a half as a football team, the boys at YSOSRS FC are gradually showing that we can win games solely based on team spirit. Our very own colosseum has painstakingly been built from scratch by the very members who grace the pitch in white these days. That winning feeling has ever so silently crept into our game play. And for all, the game today at 1st Toa Payoh was a perfect example of it.

13 players turned up on a gloomy day to resume league duties after a 2 week enforced break. Yet despite that, footballing conditions remained perfect with light trickling of rain drops falling throughout the period of the game. The initial signs were that Supernova with whom we have faced 4 times over the period of the last 8 months, were suffering from their usual late-syndrome issues. 7 players with 5 mins to go and then 9 before they eventually started with 10. Their 11th came soon after but the numbers did not stop there to the bewilderment of the gaffer for the jokers. It eventually came to a stand still with 15-16 Nova boys as compared to only 2 subs on the bench for the jokers. Backs to the wall stuff indeed as Nova who were renowned for their midfield 2-some of Ubai and Saifee who have tormented the jokers in the past, now had the additional advantage of strength in numbers.

The early word from our side however was to go for the jugular from the start. True to the word, the jokers burst out of the blocks and pressed all over the pitch with a 442 formation. Half chances came and went but it also meant that there were spaces aplenty for Nova who gradually flooded their midfield. As per our past 2 meetings, the jokers were able to take the lead after a corner from AhCool saw the ball ping around the Nova penalty box for quite abit before the 'lethel' Law pounced on it and slotted home the loose ball.

Fun fact: Law is our highest chinese (race again siol) goalscorer with 22 goals in 3 seasons. It is imperative to note though that the bulk of it came from our 1st season in D2D. Season 2 was a really dry one for the lad but he has finally broken that drop spell. The floodgates are open. We truly hope.

Despite the goal, Nova continued to put in the hardwork and began to win the midfield battle. Neat short passes in the middle saw the jokers having to clock up extra miles in an attempt to keep pace. Yet with that tactic, meant that Nova were lacking an option up front as their striker frequently dropped deep to collect the ball. Half chances at best as it ended 1-0 to us at the break.

Our plan at the half was to keep it tight and to put our chances away when we had them.. This has been an art that the jokers have been perfecting for a season and a half now in our foray into Espzen and lo and behold, it proved effective in the 2nd half today. The ball was given to Nova as they passed and probed in an attempt to breach our goal. The biggest scare came when their right winger/striker wriggled free of 2 challenges and only had Allan in goal to beat. Amazingly, our lumbering Syafiqo, clad in his oh-so-awesome new purple boots put them to great use as he dived at the incoming shot and was able to block it with his legs. In a way, that reignited the team as we woke up from our slumber to regain concentration. A certain goal but for his last ditch challenge. Fantastic there dood! Play continued to flow from end to end as both sides threw caution to the win in an attempt to make their Saturday footie worthwhile by running themselves to the ground.

Toshie boy who had been threatening without truly having a clear opportunity then proceeded to conjure up a piece of magic by himself down the left. Cutting past the Nova rightback, who was at centerback in the 1st half and beared an odd resemblance to a certain Chris Smalling (ran in a similar way to if i may add, hurhur), our foreign talent burst past his marker and towards goal with ease. Facing only the opposing keeper from a relatively acute angle, our boy wonder confidently side footed it but.... could only see his effort bounce agonizingly off the post. Nova's pre-game mantra must have been, 'Anything you can do, I can try to do it better'. Cause one of their midfield generals unleashed a rocket from 30 yards that went airborne for so long. So so long. It eventually took to landing itself on the frame of our goal as time ticked with us only holding a slim lead.

Well, as we have done in the past 2 games with Nova. We scored on the breakaway nearing the end when Tosh showed amazing spring to win a bouncing ball and set our hot shot, Juf away and through on goal. Well, needless to say, our man finished it. With a delicate chip or lob over the keeper. Game, set and match. Or so we thought. Ubai, the Nova captain duly got his team back in with a shout when we really should have closed for business for the day. A dipping one from just outside our box that left Allan gasping for air. Figuratively of course. Alright too tired to go on. Oh... And the ref blew for the final whistle after a couple more punts of the ball.

MOTM: Farhan our returning fullback. Missing in action for almost a month but he showed no sign of rustiness. Lasting the entire game and he was an immovable object at the back. Seriously, unpassable on the day. Watta a player to have. Well done han, and lets keep it up aite!

Gaffer's words: I may be exaggerating here but a certain part of me felt that we were possibly there for the taking especially with Nova having strength in numbers unlike in previous games with the very same opposition. It was not an easy result to obtain today but we were and we did. Kudos to the entire team for playing their part. The defense was rock solid on plenty of occasions and together with a very assured looking Allan, I honestly couldn't see Nova threatening us too much. The midfielders put in a real quality shift today as we ran our legs to the ground. Plus of course, our attacking unit who put away the chances when it mattered. Thank you lads for a memorable afternoon of football. Enjoying the game is what I want and i got it today. The 3 points were an added bonus for us. Anyhow, take care during the week and we will think about Intense in abit. Cheers boys!

Personnel:

Allan

Farhan, Huijie, Hizam, Jason

Santosh, AhCool, Mok, Law, WS, Dinietov, Syafiq

Juf

Moving on...

Time: Be there by 2.20 PM

Opponents: Supernova FC

[Link: http://www.espzen.com/teams.asp?teamno=681&leagueNo=87]

Venue: 1st Toa Payoh Sec

[Link to venue: http://www.espzen.com/pitches.asp?id=36]

Attire: White Top, Black Shorts and Black Socks

After the debacle of last weekend's postponed game which forced the jokers into 2 saturday's without a game, we finally and hopefully get to go back to league action again this weekend. In our way, stands the always impressive Supernova whom despite being rooted to the bottom of the table, have always played football in a positive and refreshing way.

For the jokers, this weekend represents a real opportunity to catch up in terms of games and points as we currently hold at least a game in hand over our rivals. A perfect opportunity to prove ourselves as contenders for the league indeed. A small but quality filled squad has been assembled for the weekend's game and the gaffer hopes that the boys turned up more refreshed and raring to go.

For the boys, a repeat of the performance against Intense is needed for all our remaining games if we truly want to show what we are capable of as a team. Defying the odds as our former player has mentioned, truly describes us. No one expects us to be the best and neither does anyone else expect us to beat the best. However, we have shown how capable we are in recent months so it's time to step up and truly unleash that competitive nature in us.

8 more very tough games to go but let's give ourselves every chance of being there and abouts come the end of the season. See you boys bright and early tomorrow and be ready to show effervescence from the get go.

Expected Personnel: 14

Allan

Farhan, Matt, Huijie, Hizam, Jason

Santosh, AhCool, Mok, Zl, Dinietov, Syafiq, WS

Juf