Robbed at the Death

Ang Mo Kio Sec, 1500 Hrs

YSOSRS FC 4 Stamford 4

(Izwann x1, Habib x1, Dinie x1, Mok x1)

All right, I'm finally in the mood to talk about the game. Relatively belated I know but hey, 8 goals, 4 apiece and what a thrilling match it was. I guess most would like to know exactly what happened during the game.

To the details now! As a squad of 17 was trimmed down to 14 by match day and the gaffer was certainly shocked when only 10 were at the pitch by the time the referee was all set for the game to kick off. Thank god, Mr fashionably late and the enigma of the jokers saved the day by suiting up for the game just on time.

Against what we have come to know as a very skilled and technically gifted side, this was to be no easy task for the jokers.

And so it proved as we went down 2-0 in the space of the 1st 15 minutes to bring back the horrific memories of our 1st match up against Stamford. A stunning direct freekick from just outside the box and then a penalty kick after our backline was caught too high up saw us down... but not out.

Cue the music for an epic come back!

1-2: Winning a freekick just outside the Stamford box, Izwann stepped up and unleashed one hell of a rocket that had the overconfident clasping at air as the ball overpowered the keepers outstretched arms.

2-2: After missing a great chance just moments earlier, a fired up but slightly injured Bib found himself in a great position after a left wing cross from Mimi eluded everyone in the box. Taking his time to bring the ball down, Bib thumped home from close range to leave the very capable opposition keeper grasping at air once again. Back from the dead and 2-2 it was at the half!

3-2: On the hour mark with the game now wide open, the jokers pushed forward and some neat footwork in the middle of the park released our enigma, Dinietov. Pushing forward, our magician outpaced the Stamford backline with some very intelligent running before cooling slotting pass the keeper who had been left in no man's land.

However as fate would have it, a laser guided truely stunning shot from outside the jokers box saw Stamford level with 10 minutes to go.

4-3: The goal that had us all believe: Having gone more than double figures in games without a goal, the gaffer finally stepped up and slotted home after brushing aside Izwann to get to a cross from Mimi. Surreal feeling for all and with 3 minutes to go, surely we were going to hang on.

Playing against a 12th men team did not help us though as with Fergie time in play here, Stamford got a controversial penalty in the dying moments of the game. The last kick quite literally as Hizam was penalised for a handball in the box after a mix up from a high ball by the gaffer gifted Stamford the opportunity to play the ball into the box. From hero to zero in 180 seconds or more. Sadly, the very accomplished striker stepped up to send the Stamford boys into a state of euphoria.

FT: 4-4.

Gaffer's Words: The scoreline did not reflect the entire story. We had at least 4 other clear cut chances to score yet we failed to put it away. No blame attached to our forward players and neither are there any for our defensive unit as we tried our very best. Thank you to the 12.

Next week we have St Andrews in what would be a bruising encounter for sure. Those who will be turning up, brace yourselves. I'm hopeful for a good turnout guys.