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Match Review By Gerald Tan
Final Score: MFC 3 : 0 Moranger (Guo Xian, Calvin, Norris)
This St. Valentine's weekend, Cupid's arrow must have struck Maestro FC as the team carved up their most convincing win of their pre-season preparation so far. With a good attendance turnout, MFC had a strong defence and attack at Captain Walter's disposal against a relatively young but fast opponents.
Whatever tactics that were tried the week before was again reiterated by Walter and Eric for today's match during the pre-match briefing, including "Corner A: Far Post". MFC adopted a 4-4-2 formation, Walter again stressing the need to play wide through the right and left flanks.
Once the match got started, MFC gained control of the midfield and was comfortable with the early proceedings. It could be the scorching weather or respect for the opponents but exchanges between MFC and Moranger were brief as both team adopted a cautious approach to the game. However as the first half drew on, it was clear that MFC was putting on the pressure on Moranger; their defence was constanly on the backfoot due to Guo Xian and Norris' intelligent runs.
MFC had a chance to score in the middle of the first half, Guo Xian unfortunate to hit the crossbar from a few metres out, with the goalkeeper well beaten. He made up for his miss soon after late in the first half. Cross' long goal kick found Chris Tan and he won the aerial battle for a well placed header to Gerald. Gerald's first time lob found Guo Xian who broke away from his marker and with the goal keeper way off his line, Guo Xian expertly lobbed the goalkeeper for the first goal.
That goal was critical as it was vindication for the players who ran their hearts out to keep out the opponents. Guo Xian had another chance to extend the lead but the goalkeeper was in inspired form with a brillant one handed save.
With renewed belief among the players, MFC poured forward in the second half in a 4-5-1 formation. Calvin soon put the result further out of Moranger's reach with a second goal. Winning the ball on the right flank with his pace, he held off and outran Moranger's left back. From the far right corner, his well hit cross-shot evaded the strikers and more importanly, the goalkeeper at the top corner of the goal.
Credit to Moranger who did not sit back as they tried to get back in the game with a period of pressure on MFC. Determined to earn a clean sheet, goalkeeper Cross read the game well, coming off his line to intercept a series of through balls. MFC's defence was also rock solid, with Alan, Eric, Firdaus, Kartik, Walter, Zirong all taking turns to deny Moranger's attacks. After Moranger's wave of attacks were denied, MFC put the game beyond them with a third goal. Guo Xian was the creator this time as he evaded Moranger's defence who were appealing for an offside. He squared the ball for Norris who made no mistake from a few metres out.
The match ended 3-0 to MFC and in all honesty, it could have been more, given the many missed opportunities. The clean sheet was also sweet reward for the rock solid defence and clever goalkeeping. This hard fought result validates many things; most importantly that MFC is capable of winning in style, if the players are communicating and work hard for each other.
High Points
1) Team kept ball possession well
2) Good interplay between some players (Eg. Guo Xian, Chris and Norris)
3) Defence was rock solid, nothing was getting past them today(Alan, Firdaus, Walter, Eric, Zirong, Kartik)
4) Cross' good positiong and reading of the game resulting in a clean sheet
5) Improved show of aerial battles from defence and centre midfield
6) MFC players working hard; defending and attacking as a team
7) Improved control of midfield by centre midfielders
Low Points
1) Occasional lapses in communication
2) Occasional lack of support for corners and throw-ins
3) Scorching heat
4) Lack of drinks; Where's Hassan? We want Hassan!
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