Fine margins

Temasek Sec School, 1500Hrs

St Andrews 3 YSOSRS FC 0

Another belated match report here but for the benefit of those who were not at the game as this very writer is finally in the mood to churn something out.

The game if you believe or not looked highly unlikely to go ahead when at 3pm, both sides were still locked out of the venue due to the flickering lights of the lightning warning system within Temasek Secondary School. The overcast weather owing to the passing showers from an hour earlier remained and perhaps contributed to the moody nature of the field warden.

Thankfully common sense prevailed as both sides were eventually allowed into the venue and boy oh boy did we suit up fast. A huge squad was available for the jokers and an even "larger" St Andies side seemed ready for selection.

The game turned on several decisions and moments. The first one was when a harmless lofted ball over the top saw the St Andies winger make his way into the joker's penalty box, yet danger never seemed likely. Sadly, Eugene our left back made a hash of a decision when a rush of blood saw him bundle over the winger and no one could complain when the referee pointed to the spot. As expected, the big lumbering striker tucked home the penalty comfortably. 1-0 down when the game was very much finely poised with the jokers looking comfortable. Tough luck there.

Fastforward to the 2nd half as we came out all guns blazing in an attempt to quell the Scottish physicality that was experienced by our jokers. True to the gaffers words, the boys were fired up and started an assault on the scottish goal. That one moment to get back in the game eventually came when captain Ronald sprinted down the right before sidestepping the leftback and bamboozling him with a cutback. Instinctively, the leftback brought Ron down in the penalty area and again, there was no doubt about the penalty decision.

Dusting himself down, our captain stepped up to the plate and attempted to bring us right back into the game. However, as it would later prove to be a pivotal moment in the game, he was only able to drag it wide. Oh the horror.

Someone up there was certainly intent on making a mockery of the team as St Andies went down the other end and somehow scored when our defense parted like the Red Sea (How apt that we were clad in red on the day). 2-0 and almost certainly game over with the red momentum gone and morale at a low.

Late in the game, miscommunication between our full back and keeper allowed a St Andies player to sneak in at the far post to thump home a header and added gloss to a scoreline that we scarcely deserved for our efforts.

However this season in particular, we have been punished on our off days and the fine margins in such a competitive division have left us licking our wounds. A demoralising defeat but lessons to be learnt as always. Better luck next week!

Personnel:

Khai

Farhan Kavic Matt Ronald Hafiz Eugene

Eric Law Mok WS Syafiq Ubai Santosh

Dinie Andrew (GP)