Final Score: British Exiles 2 : 0 MFC
MFC’s quest to take a third win from their fourth league was stopped by a British Exile after 90mins at Bukit Timah field. Playing in their away Gold kit for the very first time in Bukit Timah was somewhat different for some of the MFCians as the field seemed smaller to the ones in Katong and a lot more crowded.
The prelude to the game shows that MFC had to play a very much experienced team whom had been winning titles and cups in their previous league campaign with Espzen League. The opponent team is certainly no pushover despite being much more senior in age. Based on their past records, British Exile have been doing well in the league as well as having a pretty good defensive record.
The match started with 16 players, leaving Capt Eric spoilt for choices. His starting lineup included centre back Firdaus who is back after missing several games, along with Chris Tan back from his holidays. Kelvin also got his start down the right flank, supporting Guoxian upfront. MFC started with their usual 4-5-1 for the first half with much anticipation since they haven’t played a European team in Sunsports League.
The game began under drizzling conditions accompanied by the support from the 4 faithful GAFS, Tiffany, Rachel, Dawn Chen and Dawn Chan who travelled far to support MFC.
MFC looked shaky after British Exile kicked off the game. The opponents were throwing long range crosses across from defence to their two strikers, often bypassing the MFC midfielders and had several good chances to draw first blood during the first 15mins of the game. Occasionally, MFC did have a few chances to score but nothing really exciting surfaced from them as they seemed to be busy clearing balls instead of passing them well and accurately between the various positions.
Soon, the opponents got hold of the game when their No.10 scored from the left corner of the penalty box to beat Calvin who was caught off his goal line. The goal shattered MFC’s hopes of scoring in the first half as they seemed to be doom for more. However MFCians didn’t allow themselves to sit back and just defend. This time round, they added more pressure by gaining more ball possession till the half time whistle. Alex came close to scoring from a free kick with the keeper doing well to parry it out for a corner. Jonathan, Augustine, Gifford and Kelvin also worked hard on the flanks, to try to provide more crosses for Guoxian to score.
Chris01 was bravely heading the ball forward for the striker as well as Jason trying hard to regain loose balls. Their efforts come to no avail as the opponents defence often seems in formidable to penetrate.
Just before the break, British Exile almost came close to making it 2-0, but a superb save from substitute keeper Gary (Zirong’s friend) helped to keep the score line at 1-0 at half time.
Halftime team talk from Capt Eric urged MFC to press on for a win. The areas being highlighted were to try stop the smooth passing created by the opponents as well as to try to minimize spraying long balls as the opponents are good with aerial balls. With the morale being lifted up, MFC braced themselves for the next 45mins. Silas began his sliding tackles to prevent through balls down the left flank while Chris01 continued with his heading duties. Norris paired up with Guoxian upfront in the 4-4-2formation.
There were times when MFC could have scored but the chances were not well taken especially a one on one opportunity Norris had which was being cleared by the goalkeeper. Alex also came close to scoring another free kick but was just several inches over the bar. Gifford was busy working on the right flank after taking over from Calvin as right midfielder. At times he had to deal with 3 opponent players which often showed that some of MFC players had been not supporting him.
Hairul also came close to scoring his first goal but had his header rebounded off the defender. As the game moved into the 3rd quarter, British Exile made it 2-0 from a corner that was poorly defended by MFCians. The opponent striker leaped and head over the defence to make it 2-0. Zirong could only watch the ball go into the left hand corner leaving him with those words “Siao liao x2”.
Towards the end of the 2nd half, MFC put on more pressure on British Exile but just couldn’t find the final touch leaving the pitch dejected after their first loss in Division 3. All they want to do for now is enjoy Christmas and then concentrate on their next game on the 27 Dec. Cheers.
High Points
1) Good turnout for match
2) Field was abit better than what we expected
3) Good experience playing with an European team for the very first time
4) A much braver MFC in the 2nd half
Low Points
1) Poor ball possession from midfielder in the 1st half
2) Poor passing and ball control from almost all MFCians
3) Lack of final touches and opportunities to score
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