Final Score: CSB Marine 0 : 2 MFC (Guo Xian 1, Gifford 1)
MFC extended its unbeaten streak to a run of 8 straight games. This time, the opponents were chinese team CSB Marine who put up a credible performance but was faced with a strong MFC team.
MFC started the match with only 12 players. Regulars Norris and Alex were absent and Calvin was hospitalised. The 12 players were determined to extend the unbeaten streak and they were up against a fit looking CSB Marine team. Midfield maestro Hanrong made a return to the team and so did Gifford who was placed upfront in a 4-5-1 formation. Guo Xian dropped to a winger role while Silas took over the goalkeeping duties.
The match started under hot conditions and the weather made both teams sluggish. MFC had the better of the opening exchanges, as a few chances were presented to Gifford. The opportunities were there but each time the goalkeeper was fast off his line to intercept the ball. However, Guo Xian soon helped MFC get on the scoresheet with a brillant assist. Running down the left flank, with a drop of his shoulder, Guo Xian dribbled his way past 2 defenders and his low cross evaded the oncoming goalkeeper. Gifford was well placed and he reacted first, bundling the ball over the goal line. 1-0 to MFC!
Guo Xian himself had several chances from long range but his shots went begging. As the game progressed, CSB Marine started to control the midfield and played decent football created decent chances. In one situation, a CSB player was on a one on one but Lil Eric made a last ditch tackle from behind and was lucky to only get a yellow card. MFC also suffered a scare when a CSB player's shot hit the post but luckily the MFC defence was fast to bundle the ball out for a corner. Under the extreme heat, MFC held on to the 1-0 lead till halftime.
The second half was better as the temperatures started to cool. MFC, revitalised, played with more vigour and held more ball possession. The central midfield of Gerald, Hanrong and Jason were playing some slick one touch passing and opening up the gameplay to include wingers Chris and Guo Xian. The partnership between the midfielders bore fruit when the central midfielders weaved their way into the CSB half with some slick one touch passing. Jason was released by Guo Xian and he did well to circle the goalkeeper and his shot from an acute angle was stopped only by a handball from a CSB defender. Penalty duly awarded and Guo Xian made no mistakes from the spot to make it 2-0 to MFC.
CSB did have a few chances of their own, they had 2 freekicks on the edge of the penalty area. One was duly cleared by the MFC defence, the other hit the cross bar. CSB had a penalty of their own nearing the end of the game and the stage was set for keeper Silas to show what he is capable of. He did a great job, diving to his right and producing a firm punch to deflect the ball and deny CSB a goal.
The referee blew for the final whistle and it was a hard fought but thoroughly enjoyable match. More importantly, it showed that MFC was capable of controlling the game and grinding out wins and clean sheets.
High Points
1) Enjoyable match with a relatively strong opponent
2) Hanrong's return to the central midfield was influential as he helped to link up passes and made critical interceptions.
3) Silas, keeping a clean sheet and making critical saves, including an excellent penalty save
4) We now know why the ball always sticks to Jason's boots...:0)
5) Referee Lao Li for his decision to spare Lil Eric the red card
6) A clean sheet!
Low Points
1) None that we can think of. It was a good match!
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