Final Score: Raven FC 1 : 2 MFC (Gifford, Augustine)
With the team elections being the main highlight of the weekend, there was little fanfare around this week's game against Raven FC, opponents who was virtually unknown to MFCians. What MFC also did not expect was a cracker of a match.
With a strong team lineup of 17 players, MFC was well prepared for the game against Raven FC. The first teamers included: Calvin in goal, Norris, Firdaus, Howard and small Eric in defence, Alex, Silas, Augustine, Jonathan in midfield and Gifford partnering Guo Xian up front. A strong bench was also available for selection: Gerald, Big Eric, Walter, Alan, Chris Lau and small Eric's friend Terence.
All photos courtesy of Chris Lau (www.chrisjhpixels.com) Album: http://s333.photobucket.com/albums/m392/maestrofootballclub/Training%20Kickabouts/5%20April%202009%20Friendly%20MFC%20VS%20Raven%20FC/ | After the kickoff, Maestro set forth on seeking an early goal and it came after the first 10 minutes via an opportunistic goal by Gifford. Guo Xian, dropping deep to a playmaker role, drifted far right and provided a high cross into the box. With seemingly no danger, the Raven goalkeeper tried to tip the cross out of play but was unsuccessful, leaving it for Gifford to head into an open goal. 1-0 to MFC but the team was not about sit back and defend the lead. MFC continued to push forth for more goals and the second came soon after. Guo Xian, again the supplier of the second goal, held the ball up well before threading a wonderful through ball past Raven's defence and into the path of Augustine who made a brilliant run into the box from the right flank. Controlling the ball with his first touch, Augustine's second touch was a shot which went beyond the keeper and into the net. |
2-0 down but the opponents were not willing to throw in the towel. They had their share of possesion and chances but each time, the MFC defence was up to the task, with Firdaus heading the central defence. Norris in particular was everywhere, his timely sliding tackles and headers were instrumental in keeping Raven FC at bay. Alex's influence on midfield was also telling, his interceptions at the centre of the pitch helped ward off any potential attacks. However, Raven FC got a lifeline close to the end of the first half. A long ball from midfield was played to the feet of a Raven FC striker who sprung the offside trap and put the ball beyond Calvin.
Before the half ended, MFC had more chances to put Raven to the sword; a good cross from the left flank found Guo Xian but his acrobatic volley was off target. The first half ended 2-1 to MFC but the players knew that there was more work to do if they want to finish as winners.
The second half began with Raven continuing to add pressure on MFC. MFC's midfield and defence was having some difficulty with the pace of some Raven players who attempted to penetrate through the flanks. The game play was scrappy at times, with the game stopped on a few occasions to tend to the injured. Keeper Calvin was one of them, coming out to claim a Raven through ball but was accidentally injured by the Raven attacker's trailing boots when he jumped over Calvin.
Chances for MFC in the second half were limited as MFC struggled to create the openings as they did in the first half. Augustine almost got his second goal when he run onto a long ball from the midfield. After running close to half the pitch, he was outshouldered by the Raven FC defence and the chance went begging. Alan also almost got on the scoresheet; his long range shot was deflected off the back of a Raven defender. Just as the rain started to get heavier, the end of the match was signalled by the referee.
The game ended 2-1 in favour of MFC and it was a hard earned victory over an opponent who was organized in defence and quick on the flanks. It was the perfect way to end off the pre-season training as Captain Walter announced that the Sunsports League will start next weekend.
High Points
1) A hard earned victory for MFC!
2) Guo Xian's 2 assists showed that he is just as good in the playmaker role as he is in a striker's role
3) Gifford's good positioning and predatory instincts which got MFC the first goal
4) Augustine's first goal for MFC; his overall gameplay has been improving according to some MFC players and it was about time he broke his duck.
5) With Norris and Alan at right and left back, we are reminded of Bacary Sagna and Gael Clichy
6) Thanks to Walter, MFC did not have to wear the green bibs
7) The referee was outstanding and controlled the gameplay which was threatening to go astray at times
Low Points
1) Both teams kicked off in the same jersey color: Gold
2) MFC should have scored more goals
3) Injuries to some players, including Guo Xian and Calvin
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