Match Review by Gerald Tan
If last week's match with Barcalavaii FC was a testament of Maestro FC's determination, today's performance against Sunsport Sino FC was very much abysmal.
Due to absence of some regular players, MFC had to do a makeshift team for the 4-1-4-1 formation. The defence was a also bit on the light side, with regular left back Howard absent. Their main defensive rock Vice Captain Eric Ng was missing in action due to exams and centre midfielder Hanrong was also absent due to fatigue. This resulted in a less physical defence facing some of the fastest and trickiest attackers in the league from Sunsport Sino FC. Debutants Chris and Silas made their first start in left midfield and left back respectively. Daren Jay made his second start at right midfield with Gerald, Alan across the midfield line. Alex sat deep in midfield and behind him, Wee Hian and Firdaus took centre defence, Walter at right back. Guo Xian resumed the role of lone striker.
The main talking point before the game was the condition of the pitch. It was badly water logged, with regions of mud.
The match started off brightly for both teams as they had chances to break the deadlock. A freekick by Alex was headed into Chris's path but the muddy pitch prevented him from shooting. The first goal soon came, for Sunsport Sino. It was a soft goal, with the wet ball squirming under the body of stand-in keeper Norris. The rest of the first half was a scrappy affair, with Sunsport Sino giving the MFC defence trouble with long balls from midfield. Alex was the first line of defence and he revelled in the role, clearing most long balls. When the ball breached the midfield, MFC defence cleared the loose ends with some excellent backtracking. Goalkeeper Cross was also on form, making a few crucial saves from long shots to keep the scoreline down.
The first half ended 1-0 to Sunsport Sino FC but the worst was yet to come. Guo Xian was down with leg cramps during the break and he was unfit to start the second half. With no more available substitutes, he had no choice but to continue the match.
The second half begun in similar fashion as the first but this time, Sunsport Sino grabbed 2 goals within minutes of the second half. Some of the referee's calls were debatable; the fourth goal conceded by MFC was a clear offside. With the score line at 4-0, MFC became demoralised and Sunsport Sino sensing blood, poured forward for more goals. They scored 3 more in quick succession as MFC continued collapsing. With the score at 7-0, MFC had an opportunity; Guo Xian's advance into the opposition's penalty box was halted with a great sliding tackle from the opposing defender. Referee Koh had other ideas though, awarding MFC a controvesial penalty. Showing sportsmanship, Guo Xian declined the penalty and play resumed.
That was certainly not a missed opportunity as Guo Xian soon got his name on the score sheet through some clever play between him and Silas. Silas played a clever one two with Guo Xian that spilt the opposing defence. With only the goalkeeper to beat, Guo Xian put the ball beyond his reach, a low grounder which ended up at the bottom right corner.
The match ended 7-1 to Sunsports Sino FC but it really was MFC's match to lose. A less than satisfactory pitch and dubious refeering could be factors for the loss but MFC has to realize that they could have done much better if they had all worked harder for the ball and each other. MFC is not about individuals and personal glory, it is about character, tempo and teamwork. Only by working hard for all your team mates will you win matches. It would be sad if it takes another 7-1 thrashing to remind MFC players about this.
High Points:
1) Silas and Chris making their debuts with respectable performances
2) Cross's excellent first half saves which kept MFC in the game
3) Guo Xian's sportsmanship exemplified by refusing to take the penalty
4) Respectable performance from Wee Hian and Firdaus's defensive partnership
Low Points:
1) Referee Koh's dubious calls and comments
2) The pitch, muddy and unplayable
3) No support from centre midfield during the second half, allowing opposition to stamp their authority
4) MFC's dismal performance after the third goal conceded
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