Final Score: Barcalava FC 0: 2 MFC (Norris, Guo Xian)
Pre match training and tactics briefing | What a great way to start the Sunsports League with the top 2 teams from last season battling it out in the season opener. The opponents were Barcalava FC and having played about 4 to 5 matches over the past year, they were certainly no strangers to us.As for team selection, bar the absence of some players like Alex, Zirong, Chris Tan and defensive rock Firdaus, MFC had quite a strong team available, with a few substitutes. Before the match started, Fitness IC Alan put the team through its paces with a good warmup and some speed and agility training drills. It certainly helped shake off any tight muscles for the match. |
| The kickoff was at about 3.30pm under a extremely hot afternoon sun. The team certainly had their work cut out for them especially under the scorching heat. Early proceedings were cordial, with MFC controlling the game quite well, repelling any possible Barcalava attacks and going fast on the counter attack. With Gifford alone upfront, it was hard to make headway as the Barcalava defence was equal to the task. The first half was a balanced affair between both teams. However, towards the end, Barcalava had a spell where they launched a goal onslaught on MFC though their attempts were thwarted by an on-form defence and good goalkeeping from Cross and Calvin. |
It ended 0-0 at half time and MFC players were relieved for a break from the soaring temperatures. During half time, Captain Eric and Trainer IC Guo Xian readjusted the tactics to a more familiar feel with Guo Xian and Norris upfront. With instructions to Hanrong and Gerald to play the ball long upfront for Norris and Guo Xian, it proved to be a masterstroke for MFC.
| About 5 minutes into the second half, Hanrong provided a pass to Gerald who duly drove the a long ball upfront for Norris. Norris didn't disappoint; he chased the ball, got in front of the defender with his pace and lobbed the ball over the goalkeeper who came off his line. It was sweet reward for MFC who had toiled the whole afternoon. Barcalava was downbeaten and they conceded another goal in rapid succession. Gerald's long ball upfront again found Norris who turned provider this time, squaring the ball for Guo Xian to put the ball beyond the goalkeeper. Guo Xian's goal celebration was one for the memory; a "no violence in football" message under his jersey. |
That message was a testament to what happened in the last match with Barcalava FC. 2-0 up and with about 20 minutes left, it seems that MFC had the match in the bag. MFC did have more chances to put the score beyond Barcalava; Daren's ambitious long range shot almost found the back of the net, Augustine's goalbound shot intercepted by the goalkeeper.
| Credit to Barcalava, though they were 2-0 down, they pushed even further upfront. Their captain deployed 3 strikers upfront to get the goals they need and from then on, Maestro was facing a fight to keep them out. The MFC defence was in great shape; Lil Eric, Eric, Alan, Walter, Howard, Kartik all playing their part to keep them out. Hanrong and Gerald too were all over the place, intercepting passes and committing tackles. With 9 minutes to go, Gerald got sent off for a second yellow card offence and with 10 men, Barcalava turned up the heat on Maestro, setting up a nail biting last 5 minutes to the end of the game. |
They almost got on the scoresheet, through a dubiously awarded penalty. Under pressure, Andrew from Barcalava blasted his shot wide of the goal.
In the end, credit to MFC for holding out the last few minutes to get a clean sheet as the match ended 2-0 to Maestro. It was a morale boosting start to the league season and also one which helped exorcise the demons from the last time Barcalava met MFC.
High Points
1) Good team communication during the match
2) Good pre match training led by Alan, Guo Xian and Eric's tactics worked well for the team
3) Norris' good performance, never give up attitude and excellent contribution to the overall game. His partnership with Guo Xian looks good too!
4) MFC players keeping their cool against some players who were meted out the rough treatment
5) Great start to the season with a win over our bitter rivals
6) Guo Xian making his stand on football violence. We only punch flagpoles!
7) Great improvements from Walter, Gifford and Daren!
8) Turonout was good; The available substitutes helped, especially in this hot weather
9) Calvin's excellent goalkeeping. His dive to tip a Barcalava header off the post says it all!
Low Points
1) The weather was too hot!
2) Gerald's red card was the only blemish in today's game
3) Refereeing were not consistent and accurate; he failed to call for offside on a few occasions and failed to discipline some players from Barcalava who were going for the rough treatment
All photos courtesy of Alan & Eric
Album: http://s333.photobucket.com/albums/m392/maestrofootballclub/Match%20Pics/19_4_09%20MFC%20VS%20Barcalava%20FC/
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