Final Score: Team FATA 3 : 2 MFC (Norris, Guo Xian)
In terms of anticipation, nothing can beat the build up to today's match against Team FATA. It has been a rollercoaster week for Captain Walter due to the "Wee Hian Incident" and that certainly spiced up MFC's appetite for the game.
In terms of turnout, MFC had a strong lineup. With a total of 17 players, the return of defensive rock Alan, speedster Zeng Yi and the turn up of Daren Jay and Hanrong certainly was a boost to the team. Guo Xian led the tactics briefing today and he certainly put in a lot of work, thinking through his briefing to the team. MFC adopted a new style of play and it certainly bore fruit in the first half.
| The early proceedings indicated that both teams were willing to go head on. There were lots of long passes intercepted, wayward passing and of course, plenty of shouting prevailed as both teams looked to settle down. It was MFC who settled down first, with some staunch defending and hard running from the team. The first opportunity fell to Zeng Yi. A brillant low cross from Alex found its way to Zeng Yi but his final shot was sky high. The defence was also in excellent form, with Eric and Firdaus leading the way, Team FATA could not break through the defensive wall. Right and left backs Norris and Alan also shut out Team FATA's main source of attacks from the flanks. |
The first goal came close to the end of the first half. Guo Xian won a freekick just a little after the halfway line and Gerald took it; his freekick floated above Team FATA's defence and into Norris' path as he bore down one on one with the goalkeeper. Though Norris' first shot was blocked, he made no mistake with the rebound, blasting it high into the goal.
It could have been more, Guo Xian breaking free of his marker and his attemped lob over the goalkeeper was just a little too high. Daren Jay almost made it two, his clever run into the box resulted in a one on one with the goalkeeper but the goalie managed to kick the ball away in a nick of time.
The first half ended 1-0 to MFC and the mood was high as the players knew the game was there for the taking. It seems that way till the heavens gave way; storm clouds had gathered and the rain began pouring, escalating into a storm. The 2nd half was put on hold and the continuation of the match was pending the referee's decision. After the rain had stopped, the referee strangely decided to cancel the match due to an unplayable pitch. What happened after that was one for the memories, a pissed off referee who did not want to continue the match but wanted to fight with MFC players and get paid for his services. That was certainly a let down and that incident disturbed the team's morale.
Luckily, there was a replacement referee (Xiao Li) and he got the match underway. After being caught flatfooted by MFC in the first half, Team FATA almost gifted MFC a second goal when one of their defenders lost possesion of the ball under pressure from Hanrong. Chris Tan grabbed the shooting chance but his shot was too high.
| Slowly, Team FATA begun to live up to MFC's expectations and started playing in a more aggressive fashion, troubling MFC's defence on a few occasions. MFC's one goal lead lasted a few minutes into the second half before Team FATA scored with their first real opportunity. Their second opportunity also resulted in a second goal; a lovely cross in from the left which was put past Cross into the goal. MFC tried hard to push forward but was faced with a stronger Team FATA midfield who controlled the game with their possession. With lady luck shining on Team FATA, they were gifted a third goal when a routine clearance from Cross was scruffed, leaving a lone Team FATA striker to score. |
2 goals down and with more than pride at stake, MFC began to run their legs out to score. Team FATA repelled whatever was thrown at their defence and their goalkeeper was in inspired form, helping to maintain their lead. MFC soon got their reward; Calvin who charged down the flanks into the penalty box was clumsily brought down and a penalty was rightly awarded. Guo Xian coolly putting the ball into the extreme right corner with a low but powerful shot to make it 3-2.
Just when a fightback was sensed, the referee blew for the final whistle. It was a cruel result for MFC who played their hearts out and had numerous chances to score throughout the game. As said by one MFCian, "We lost not because they(Team FATA) was stronger but because we failed to make the most of the scoring chances presented to us." However, it was not all bad, the agility drills conducted, the camaraderie among MFCians and a good overall performance point to a match full of positives and fun too.
Hopefully the result can be used positively for future matches. "For what? Maestro!"
High Points
1) 3 cheers for Daren Jay, Jonathan, Chris Tan, Chris Lau! They waited patiently for their turn to be involved in the game even though the 4 of them played the least.
2) A good aerial battle displayed by MFC. Heading ability has improved!
3) Guo Xian's drills were very helpful and fun. More please!
4) GAFs, thank you for showing your support even in the rain and mud. Your boyfriends will surely appreciate you for this.
5) Norris' performance at left back was impressive.
6) Guo Xian, for spending effort to do the tactics
7) Alex, for buying water for MFC
8) Sacrifices made by MFCians to come for this match eg. Hanrong and Zeng Yi
Low Points
1) Numerous scoring chances but no still lack of goals
2) The 1st referee..Bizzare..
3) When footballing comments on the pitch become a pariah personal insult
All photos courtesy of Chris Lau (www.chrisjhpixels.com)
Album: http://s333.photobucket.com/albums/m392/maestrofootballclub/Training%20Kickabouts/29%20March%202008%20Friendly%20MFC%20VS%20Team%20FATA/
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