Match Review by Chris Tan
Final Score: British Exiles 1 : 1 MFC (Hakim)
Everybody including the organiser Sunsports league was buffed on how MFC managed to defeat the ex-Champions British Exiles. MFC fought hard to keep a 2 goals lead against the British Exiles by top scorer Rong An and MFC’s Babel Norris. The finishing touches are brilliant, the defence was solid, the movement was delightful; recognised that period as the golden moment of MFC.
One year passed, the players remained. Some were hurt, some were in duty, some grew stronger, some grew tummy, and some ran out of gas. However, one thing remained; Maestro’s remained in the players’ hearts. Even if you are not playing well individually, you are playing well as a team.
The game today have a poor turnout despite continuous efforts by Captain GuoXian to recall players that the pitch is playable. The rain might have weakened Norris and Aylwin mentality, whose absent was unexplainable, the determination of the rest remained firm: To thrive in the rain and defend the pride of Maestro. Maestro applauds Gary, WeeHian, Zirong, Walter, Gerald, Chris, Hakim, Augustine and Jeffery for the presence in the wet weather conditions today. “I dig mud out of my ears!” – Zirong claimed. A simple comment to show his dedication of the hard work and joy we had today.
The game started off with only 7 players. GuoXian suggested a defensive approach with 4 – 2 -0 formation (Yes, you may rub your eyes and see again: 0 strikers). Amazingly, this 7 players managed to survive the attacks of the 11 strong British Exiles. The Exiles poured in players into the box everytime they obtained possession. Maestro could not hold the attacks without the courageous efforts of Gary. Maestro tried to delay every possible minute when they had the ball, and clearing away whatever ball in the defence area which then saved Maestro the blushes.
After holding out for 20 minutes, the late-comers started to hold back their regular positions. Maestro started to explore the option of attacks, long balls sprayed from the defence puts Exiles defenders busy. A well-earned foul by Walter or Augustine allowed free-kick specialist Hakim to step up. A swirling forceful shot blast towards the goalkeeper, nothing much he could do but to punch it into the net. What a goal! Maestro celebrated for the first time after all the scares, Maestro comfortably won the first half.
“Dunno why today I am not tired” – Gerald told the team during the half-time talk. Certainly this sentence was felt by most players surprisingly. Obviously playing in the wet sticky pitch, and playing without the full team would exhaust all energy had in one’s body. However, the adrenaline kept everyone alert and pushed on as the game progress. GuoXian remained confident that his defensive tactic that worked well in the first half would captivate the players to play well in 2nd half.
Before the start of 2nd half, British Exiles loaned Maestro a player, Nicholas, a young chap that played right- winger position. Nevertheless, his impact on the game was nothing particular to discuss. The generosity of the polite British Exiles captain was more of a talking point, he wanted as much as all players to have as much play time as possible.
The 2nd half started with a messed up pitch, the ball simply do not bounce and got stuck in the mud. The lucky break that British Exiles hoped for came at the middle of the game, when the frantic clearance by Maestro players put Exile midfielder desperate shot out in 25 yard caught Gary out of position to catch the looping ball. The equaliser was a lucky one as the shot was considered more as a clearance rather than a shot. The goal had boasted the morale of British Exiles as they continued to look for a win in the 2nd half.
An instance of goalmouth scrambled came right before the end of the game when British Exiles poured more forwards upfront. Player A ran with the ball along the corner line crossed the ball into dangerous position in the box. No Maestro players able to clear it away, and the ball eventually fell to Player B. Before he could attempt a shot, GuoXian frenziedly launched a double leg slide to block the shot. The shot was well blocked, and the ball fell to player C at the edge of the box covered by Walter. Smartly, Walter scrambled the perilous ball away. Close shave! And what a tackle from GuoXian!
Final whistle. Maestro would take this game.
Good Points
· Despite having the height disadvantage, Maestro had the better of the headers met. Corners were well cleared; Zirong and Chris almost head in a goal during corners; A long throw to Chris’s head almost find the net when the keeper could not bring the ball down.
· The strong physical presence of British Exiles did not stop Maestro from getting even tougher on them. Jeffery (Smallest and Youngest player) showed composure, and even shrugged off twice his size in attempt to earn the ball.
· Due to the poor pitch conditions, mistakes of control were often. However, Maestro fought to cover each other position. Imagine the injured captain sprinting down to defend every lost position, wonderful stuff!
· Gerald had a good game, he is everywhere on the pitch.
· Man of the Match: Hakim. His recent form is very good. 2 goals in 2 matches. GuoXian and Gary also had a good game of rating 8.
Bad Points
· The absence of promised players* put Maestro’s to cover the duties in the field. The rain has dampen their spirits but not the rest. By the way, Maestro are not appreciative of the absence. I spent 2 hours washing my own clothes/boots/socks/bag deepen in mud, but I never regret that I played this match, the tremendous triumph feeling cannot put me to bed.
· Luck was not on our side today. Referee decision was siding towards British Exiles. Jeffery more of a spectator. If Hakim bicycle kick find the net, that would be a superb goal.
· Overall FIFA fair play was observed by British Exiles except some players from British Exiles who stamped on Maestro’s players. And those players were not British. I think being Singaporean have a lot more to learn.
· Despite having more players that could create magic, possession was poor as usual and the attacks were rare.
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