Final Score: DPMM Fans Selection 2 : 2 MFC (Alex 1, Terence 1)
As MFC approaches the 3rd friendly in as many weeks, the opponents were new faces, a DPMM fans selection team, made up of Malays. Facing the unknown, MFC had about 14 players for selection, including Chris Tan's friend Alwyn and Lil Eric's friend Terence.
If last week's performance against Black Knights was an indication of what MFC needs to do to win matches, this week's match was to reaffirm that thinking: to pass more passing and retain possession as much as possible.
The match started off on a hot afternoon and it was MFC who should have gone ahead by at least 3 goals within the first 15 minutes. Howard, playing as a makeshift striker, missed a couple of decent chances and MFC continued to rain attacks on the opponent's defence. MFC was left to rue the missed chances when DPMM Fans scored with a close range shot through a poorly cleared corner. Instead of dropping heads, MFC dug deep and pressed for an equalizer.
The equalizer came, via a fantastic free kick by Alex. Alex's freekick was a beauty, an effort which went over the wall, before heading for the far left of the goalpost. MFC was rejuvenated and continued to press on till half time.
With the sweltering heat affecting both teams, the half time break was very much appreciated and MFC emerged from the break refreshed and motivated to get the win.
The next half was a more dour affair, with chances few and far between for both teams. MFC did get the lead, through Lil Eric's friend Terence. A clever midfield interplay between Alex, Gerald and Chris Tan led to a long ball to the right flank which Calvin did well to chase down. His cross into the penalty area was good, with a tightly marked Gifford getting a touch on it. The ball deflected to Terence who's first shot ricocheted off the arm of a defender. He did well to react fastest to the rebound, putting it beyond the goalkeeper from close range.
DPMM Fans did have a few chances of their own, but everytime they broke the defence, Chris Lau was quick off his line, keeping MFC in the game.
From then on, MFC tried to play the possession game, to hold out for a win. However, the match turned scrappy at times, with some bad refereeing decisions for both teams. One such decision resulted in an equalizer for DPMM Fans Selection. A DPMM Fans striker dribbled into the penalty box and Norris, playing at centre back, did well to get in front of the striker to shield the ball. In the process, the striker clashed into Norris' back and fell. The referee awarded a penalty which was put away, despite Chris Lau's best efforts.
MFC tried to reinstate the lead but it was a little too late, as flared tempers on the pitch reduced the match to a start-stop pace. Alex did have a free kick near the end and he took it well; his shot packed with power going for the far corner. The goalkeeper this time was equal to the effort, his punch cleared the shot from the goal. The was the last effort for MFC as the referee soon blew for the final whistle.
Though the match ended in a disappointing draw, MFC players were happy at the performance delivered and everyone had a relatively enjoyable time on the pitch. It was certainly a good performance from MFC and it extends an unbeaten run to 2 matches. Let's keep it up!
High Points
1) MFC played well, maintaining the formation and playing more possession and passing these days
2) Fantastic performance from Chris Lau. Many MFCians recognised an improvement in his goalkeeping and he just needs to work more on consistency.
3) Alex's free kick was a beauty, fluke or not:0)
4) MFC defence held up well in absence of Eric. Well done to Walter, Eric, Norris, Howard and Lil Eric.
Low Points
1) Poor referee decision which resulted in a penalty against MFC
2) The attendance for this week was poor. If not for Terence and Alwyn, MFC would only have 12 players.
3) A disappointing draw
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