Yusof Ishak Sec, 1500 Hrs
YSOSRS FC 1 Team Intense 0
(Syafiqo x1)
Hard work gets you places. I guess that is one way of describing our match winner in our huge matchup against Team Intense. Having been doing his jogs during the week and also positively exclaiming about fighting for a place in the 1st 11, Syafiq duly rewarded the gaffer's faith in him by toe poking him a classic poachers attempt 12 minutes into our game.
What a goal and how befitting that he was the man to get it.
Starting the game at an Intense pace to try and unsettle our opponents, the sight of the Intense players scolding each other and getting at each other's throats was a sign that the jokers were sticking to the game plan well.
After threatening in the early exchanges without really placing a strong enough assault on the Intense goal, a mesmerizingly run down the wing by Santosh saw him beat his maker and a centreback in the process before smashing a delightfully inviting ball across goal. What followed next was just beauty. The gangly figure of our very own Yaya Toure sliding in at full speed before meeting the cross with his toe end. With the momentum he approached the ball at, a sweet connection meant that his shot was always going to be unstoppable. And so it proved as the ball hit the back of the net before the keeper could even dive and we were 1-0 up again. As it had been for the last 3 of 4 games with the very same opponents.
The question now was if we could maintain full concentration at the back, and also find a goal up front from somewhere.
Cue the moment for heroic defending and goalkeeping. On the one occasion in which Khai was beaten, Ronald was there to save the day. Bursting back at full pace, he successfully cleared the ball against the base of our own post as it bounced to safety, before smacking into the post himself. Fine margins there but it all went well for us.
2nd half and the game plan was to hold our own in midfield plus hopefully nick a crucial winning goal on the counter. That, we almost and really should have done with several chances spurned by our hardworking forwards whose application was spot on, but execution unfortunately failed to match it. Well of course, the heroic defending by our entire backline was certainly inspiring, coupled with the assured presence of Khai behind them and the clock ticking down ever so slightly, things were looking positive on a hot hot day in the west.
The defining moment of the game was probably not the one on one save Khai had to make but instead the double reflex save he did make after seeing a stinging long drive late. The image of him clawing the ball from almost on the goal line definitely did provide with the guys for more motivation to end the game on a high. That we did as we finished up the game 1-0 winners.
MOTM: Alot of possible candidates with Izwann & Habib taking turns to lead the line well, Syafiq for his industry and winning goal, Santosh and Wong for their penetrative runs, Law in particular who was effervescent in his approach to the midfield battle as well as our entire backline who held their own magnificently throughout the game. Yet, in my eyes, the 3 points would not have been possible without our stand in keeper, Khai and the boy duly gets the nod this week for some top notch saves and kicking as well. Splendid work khai! I'm sure the rest would be even more impressed should you turn out for us as a defender. Haha. Kudos!
Gaffers words: Pleased at the way we notched one over our rivals. Friendly off the pitch but a good competitive game on it. Cheers to the jokers for making the 3 points possible and it definitely puts us in good stead! Hopefully we start on a good run with plenty of tough games to come as well. Enjoy the weekend for now boys and for most of you, I'll see you at the friendly game next saturday. Y SO SRS!
Personnel:
Khai
Farhan Amin Ronald Hizam Dinie Jason
Wong AhCool Mok Law Syafiq WS Ubai Santosh
Izwann Habib
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