16/8/2009 MFC Vs Barcalava FC Match Review

Match Review by Gerald Tan
Final Score: Barcalava FC 2 : 2 MFC (Augustine 1, Jason 1)

Its back to league fixtures for MFC and the hopes to continue a 2 match unbeaten run were high. This week's opponents were old foes Barcalava FC. MFC beat them comprehensively in the season opener and it was about time for both sides to cross swords again. MFC had a good turnout this week, with about 3-4 substitutes for rotation. The match also saw the return of leading scorer Guo Xian to lead the attack. With a strong squad, MFC started in the 4-5-1 formation and it paid off. The 5 midfield across the centre pitch helped to cut off Barcalava's attacks and allowed MFC to control the proceedings.

Barcalava was also having some coordination issues with their defence and there were various opportunities for MFC to take the lead. MFC did get on the scoresheet courtesy of Augustine's first goal of the league. A clever cross ball by Guo Xian fell nicely for a marauding Augustine who beat his marker and nicely lobbed the ball over the oncoming goalkeeper.

Jonathan then had another golden opportunity to extend the lead but his finish just went over the bar. The first half ended 1-0 to MFC and the team was confident to pocket all 3 points. The formation was switched to 4-4-2 to push the Barcalava defence. Barcalava emerged for the next half with tactical changes of their own; they put an extra man in midfield to stop the onslaught from the first half. It worked and Barcalava was bossing the second half with some excellent possession. With MFC on the backseat, Barcalava went ahead with 2 well taken goals in quick succession to put them ahead.

MFC, shellshocked, switched back to a 5 man midfield and the game took a turn, with play becoming scrappy at times. MFC searched for an equalizer and it soon came, from a well positioned Jason. A cross into the Barcalava penalty area was not cleared properly and it fell in front of Jason whose light shot just made it into the goal from close range.

From then on, it was all MFC launching counter attacks on Barcalava and it could have produced more goals, if only the finishing had been better. The final whistle came soon after with the final score being all square. MFC certainly showed better play this week and hopefully, that will translate to a much needed league win soon.

High Points
1) Birthday boy Augustine's first goal was well taken
2) MFC playing a more fluid game these days
3) MFC defence and midfield did very well especially in the first half where Barcalava was pinned back

Low Points
1) Mistakes by MFC which allowed MFC to score twice
2) A win was there for the taking had the finishing been better
3) The fight between Eastchester and SWAT FC from the other pitch showed how violent the beautiful game can be

All photos courtesy of Chris Lau (www.chrisjhpixels.com)
Album: http://s333.photobucket.com/albums/m392/maestrofootballclub/Match%20Pics/16_08_09%20MFC%20Vs%20Barcalava%20FC/