Final Score: Obese Chaps FC 0 : 1 MFC (Hairul 1)
MFC responded to last week's defeat in the best possible way, by dishing out revenge on Obese Chaps FC, a team which beat MFC 4-1 the last time round.
The team available for selection today was a strong lineup. The defence saw a new look, with Norris, Zhar taking the centre back roles and Hairul, Walter occupying the left and right backs. Zirong also made a return, beefing up a defence which was recently spread thin in the last few matches. The midfield was also strong, with Hakim, Chris Tan, Gerald, Augustine, Abi, Jonathan, Jason all available. Sofian, Guo Xian and Gifford were available up front.
Learning from the last meeting with Obese Chaps, the strategy was to control the midfield and MFC did just that right from the start with a 4-5-1 formation. With the midfield controlling the game and dictating the pace, Obese Chaps could not find a way through the midfield. Credit to the midfielders who were the fast to every loose ball and also tracking back diligently on the flanks.
It was not long before MFC scored the first goal. Hairul's throw in was returned by Abi and his first time cross into the penalty box took a wicked curve and fooled the goalkeeper who was off the line. The goal was a beauty and that motivated MFC to get more goals.
Obese Chaps were fast on the attacks but each time they managed to get a sniff at goal, Zhar and Norris were there to deal with the high balls or through balls. Zhar was in his element, executing timely tackles and timing his runs perfectly. Norris's pace also saw him get the better of many attempts at goal. Hairul, Zirong and Walter also nullified the threat from the flanks with good interceptions. Upfront, Guo Xian, Sofian, Gifford all disrupted the confidence of the Obese Chaps defence, with constant haressing for possession.
It ended 1-0 to MFC at half time and the confidence was high for MFC to get the win needed. Obese Chaps did not even get close to scoring in the first half! The second half begun in the same fashion as the first as Obese Chaps resorted to playing long balls from midfield to have their attackers run onto the balls. Their attacks were again intercepted by MFC midfield and defence. It also helped that Zhar marshalled the defence well, pushing the defence line close to the midfield line to play the offside trap.
As the minutes ticked, Obese Chaps grew more frustrated as they failed to control the game and the late tackles came flying in. The referee was fair in most of the calls but failed to exercise enough authority on the pitch to protect the MFC players. He was right in awarding a penalty midway through the second half; Hairul went on a rampage, tearing the Obese Chap left midfield and left back before being hauled down just inside the edge of the penalty box. The referee's call for a penalty was met with disapproval from Obese Chaps but Guo Xian coolly stepped up to take the penalty. His penalty was well parried by the goalkeeper and though Guo Xian got the rebound and scored, the referee blew for offside.
MFC continued to push for the killer goal right up to full time; though it did not come, the final score of 1-0 went well with the MFC players. Against a good team such as Obese Chaps, the MFC players did well to restrict their goal scoring chances and secured a hard fought victory. The win should see MFC consolidate the 2nd spot on the table but with 3 matches to go, the final push for the championship must surely be on. The run in looks good, with Aang Wolf, Little Flower and Todak FC awaiting MFC in the coming weeks.
Come on you Bees!
High Points
1) MFC's defence is at it finest in this game! The defence restricted the chances of Obese Chaps and gave Calvin his second clean sheet of the season
2) MFC midfield did well to control the game and starve Obese Chaps of their ball possession. The midfield was clearly better in the air and provided adequate cover for the defence
3) MFC players keeping their cool despite some harsh words from the opponents. It is not easy to ignore the comments made but for all the toleration, it makes the players stronger
4) Much improved performance from everyone playing today!
Low Points
1) Referee's hesitation to penalise the late tackles. He even thought it was a friendly game!
2) Our opponents' behavior reminds us of a certain other team we used to play.
3) MFC should have been more prolific in front of the goal
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