Pasir Ris Sec, 1500 Hrs
YSOSRS FC 4 SCFC 2
(Izwann x1, Ronald x1, Mok x1, WS x1)
For a team that has gained a decent amount of reputation in the amateur football scene in it's 2 years of existence, the recent record of 4 defeats and a draw from 5 games in league and cup competitions has been unheard of ever since the inception of the joker's. The barren run began almost a month back, with our last victory coming on the 19th of Feb against Team Spirit in the Champions Cup. There looked to be no light at the end of the tunnel from where we stood.
Thus coming into the game against SCFC who were 2nd from bottom, spirits remained jittery at best. Despite pre-match estimates of a huge squad for the game, we only saw a bare 10 players by the time 3:10 game along. Worringly for us, SCFC had seemingly infused a whole host of new blood and the team really did resemble a United Nations outfit. With familiar faces such as Robert and his african counterparts plus a couple of french, italian and russian dudes. Say what~!
Anyhow, the game kicked off eventually with a few last minute faces just making it before the start for us. Although we passed the ball around the small pitch of Pasir Ris Sec crisply, there seemed to be a lack of confidence and initiative about the team play. So it proved as the exuberant SCFC team rallied their players to press up high. This exuberance in their play meant that they were almost always first to 2nd balls which resulted in their 1st goal. A nice game of ping pong football eventually found it's way to their bespectacled frenchman who executed a quite stunning half volley that nestled into the back of our net. 1-0 SCFC after 20 minutes. Shell shocked and the morale of the team gradually ebbed away.
It certainly did take us by surprise at the manner of the goal and the jokers were rocking with SCFC pushing forward at every opportunity, hoping to catch us on the break. Well, they did just that when Mok was robbed of the ball in the middle by Robert who then accelerated forward into space before releasing a sublime through ball that had both our centrebacks and goalkeeper with a decision to make. In the end, none made a decisive one thus allowing the Ramires lookalike dude to steal in between and make it 2-0 after 30 minutes. Boy oh boy were we looking down in the doldrums.
We did rally thereafter with a succession of corners causing some real havoc in the SCFC box but we were unable to capitalize on the nervy looking SCFC keeper. So it was 2-0 down at the break and a 4th consecutive defeat looking likely.
The half time talk focused on fight and communication plus the need to have belief. A couple of changes later plus of course the inclusion of our long lost Scottie Pharker in the side meant a more balanced look to the squad.
Well, the cry was for an early goal and the chance came really early on when Izwann aka Torres' bestfriend, found himself one on one with the keeper but could only somehow divert his shot wide. Confidence was definitely not something that our hotshot was high on at this point.
1-2: That crucial break through eventually came down via route one. A thumping long goalkick by Hafiz saw it missed the head of Mok who had intended to flick it on (sure you guys will like this part. Urgh). Anyhow, that little bit of luck favoured us when the miss deceived both the DM and the 2 CB's allowing Izwann to slip through and this time finish with aplomb. Just like the man from our 1st 6 games in which he scored goals by the bucketload. 5 minutes into the 2nd half and we were back init.
2-2: After more huffing and puffing but this time with the jokers playing a much more direct game that seemed to work wonders, a layoff from Izwann found mok in the middle of the pitch who was surrounded by a whole host of players. A through ball was then relayed out wide into the path of the onrushing Ronald who had beaten the offside trap. Hope soon turned to fear as the lad looked 2nd favourite to reach the ball with the goalkeeper closing in fast. We all stood in hope as time seemed to slow dramatically. Thankfully, our captain who was similarly low in confidence managed to tap the ball past the keeper and it trickled slowly but surely into the back of the net. Back from the dead we were!! (The through ball was meant, can't believe our captain said it wasn't. URGH!)
3-2: Anyhow, vindication eventually came on the day for the much maligned gaffer who was having one of those topsy turvy performances that was in line with the season he had been having. Law who had been shackled for most of the game by the tenacious and occasionally violent rightback finally burst past his marker. And reminiscent of the flying winger of the past, he cut past yet another defender only to find himself crowded out. Somehow though, the ball was poked into the path of the gaffer who had kept up with play and it was swept left footed into the back of the net. A confident and clinical finish that had not been seen in forever? Well we were back in front and the comeback, was almost complete.
There was still time from a corner which was well met by the head of the towering Izwann, yet so unsportingly cleared off the line by their big russian winger, via his arm. Bollocks. A red card and a penalty it was. Sorry Fiq, but our Vice Captain took over pelanty duties today only to see his shot saved by the keeper. Annndddd so our search for the next regular penalty taker continues... Heh.
4-2: With time almost out, a freekick just inside the SCFC half was taken by Scottie boy who had been quietly effective for his duration on the pitch. Encouraged by the gaffer to have a pop, Scottie boy rolled back the years to his secondary school Beckham days with a peach of a shot that floated over the keeper who was poorly positioned and found the top left hand corner. *The opposing centre mid, Indian dude commented that it was the least we deserved*
Some comeback it was for us. And finally the sweet taste of 3 crucial points again.
Personnel: 15
Allan
Farhan Hafiz Kavic Huijie Hizam Jason Eugene
Ronald Eric Mok Syafiq WS Law
Izwann
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