Final Score: Black Knights 1 : 1 MFC (Gifford 1)
This weekend's friendly match was against familiar opponents, Black Knights but what was unfamilar was the performance of MFC. What used to be a sure win fixture for MFC turned out to be quite the opposite, with MFC struggling to keep the Black Knights out. Kudos to Black Knights though, they have come a long way since MFC beat them 7-0and have shown improvements in their overall gameplay.
The match begun in a relaxed mood, with a few missing faces such as Eric and Guo Xian. Turning out for MFC was a few new and some not so new faces- Jeremy Song (Jason's brother), Khairul (Norris' friend), Daby(Jonathan's friend) and Kelvin (Augustine's friend).
Black Knights stepped up to the plate right from the whistle, they showed more tactical awareness since the last time MFC beat them 3-1; their midfield was controlling the gameplay and they pressed hard at MFC's midfield, causing unneccesary loss of possesion. With MFC struggling to string passes, Black Knights took advantage and keep possession very well, with Dinash orchestrating the gameplay.
The only bright side so far for MFC was the defence which kept Black Knights out. Khairul and Norris' partnership at centre back was fantastic; their understanding helped to prevent the opponents from breaching the defence. MFC did have chances too via counter attacks. Augustine was tormenting the Black Knight's caucasian right back whenever he had the chance by beating him with his pace on a few occasions. However, his crosses into the penalty area was mostly intercepted by the goalkeeper.
MFC badly missed Guo Xian in attack; his runs into the box and the ability to conjure something out of nothing was missed as MFC created a few chances which went begging. Just as it looked like a stalemate during half time, MFC gave away a needless corner which the Black Knights scored from.
MFC attempted to start the second half better but failed to do so as the same issues persisted. The Black Knights were controlling the ball possession and the midfield. MFC's midfielders could not keep the midfield shape and were in a disarray from the one touch passing by the Black Knights. Black Knights continued to throw everything they had forward and on more than 1 occasion, Khairul was called upon to make last ditch tackles to stop the damage. Besides the defence, MFC had to thank Calvin for doing well between the posts to keep out a few good attempts on goal.
Against the run of play, MFC scored via a good strike from Gifford. A good long ball by Jason was miscleared by the Black Knights defender and Gifford was on hand to pounce on the loose ball, bring it near to the goal before a good low finish to the left of the goalpost. Score now: 1-1!
That seemed to spark some life into MFC as they pushed forward again via Augustine's flank runs. It was hard to score another, given the absence of regular scorer Guo Xian but MFC should still have done better to create even more chances.
The match ended 1-1 but truth be told, MFC was lucky to get a draw. Though this was a friendly game, everyone would tell you that it was not, given the rash tackles and pushing that was going around during the match. Black Knights certainly surprised MFC with their improved gameplay and MFC would need to reflect back on learning points from this game to avoid a defeat in future.
High Points
1) Thanks to Walter for arranging this Friendly, without his help and coordination, we would have had to wait till next week to put on our boots
2) Man of the Match surely goes to Khairul and Norris for some many good interceptions and tackles!
3) Gifford has improved and his goal scoring ratio is something to be admired about too!
4) Good to see familiar faces after a long time, like Jeremy and gasp! Alan!!
Low Points
1) MFC midfield could have been better in breaking up the Black Knight's possesion
2) Absence of Guo Xian was so keenly felt
3) The referee..must I elaborate?
4) Some rash tackles from the Black Knights.
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