Final score: Safra Team 1 : 7 MFC (Norris 2, Chris Tan 2, HanRong 1, Alan 1,
Guo Xian 1)
Playing under the flood lights for the first time, 20 players eagerly turned up for the much anticipated match at Safra Tampines. The opposition were friends of Alan to whom the match would not have been played without his help. They had a good mix of veterans who worked at SAFRA and youth. For many of the team, playing under the floodlights and full size field for sure going to be a good experience and all were raring for kick off, this was evident as prior to kick off a few members started singing the UEFA Champions League anthem.
MFC started the first half with the accustomed 4-5-1 formation with Walter and Howard at full backs, Alan and Wee Hian occupying the centre back roles, Alex, Gerald and Hanrong forming a formidable trio at centre midfield, Logan and Hakim who started after a long absence at the wings and Guo Xian took the lone striker role. Norris started off as goal keeper while awaiting Gary’s arrival.
MFC were quick off the blocks and pressured the opposition’s goal for the opening few minutes. The first real chance fell to Hakim who found himself through on goal after good interchange play between the front men but shot just wide of the goal. The opposition were constantly on the back foot and the deadlock was finally broken when an inch perfect corner from Alex found Norris who made no mistake with a powerful header. MFC were deserving of their lead and were hungry for more goals.
Minutes after the opening goal, the combination of Alex and Norris bore fruit once again to double MFC’s lead. A deft outer foot pass by Alex released Norris who broke the offside trap and duly converted with a confident finish to secure a double in consecutive games. There was no stopping MFC and raced into a 4-0 lead with goals from Hanrong and Chris. Hanrong’s goal was a clinical finish after a good corner from Gerald but the goal of the match went to Chris. With his first touch of the ball after coming on as a sub, he raced to a lofted through ball from Guo Xian and deftly chipped the ball over the onrushing goalkeeper.
The halftime score was 4-0 and MFC were value for their lead. Gary in goal had nothing much to do as this was a testament to good performances by the defenders, Gerald and Hanrong who worked tirelessly to repel any opposition attacks. Norris and Alex were also a constant torn in the opposition side with Alex in particular treading through many weighted through passes for the attackers.
MFC begun the 2nd half where they left off from the 1st , looking forward to more goals. Within minutes, MFC were awarded a penalty after a late trip on Captain Alan by the opposition’s defender after he made a bursting run from his own half. Alan stood up and made no mistakes with a powerful effort from 12 yards. Guo Xian finally got on the score sheet after neat interplay between Howard, Chris and himself got MFC’s 6th goal. Collecting a return pass from Chris, Guo Xian dribbled through and calmly slotted pass the goalkeeper with a finish MFC are so accustomed to.
Chris got his 2nd goal of the game and MFC’s 7th mid way through the 2nd half with a good finish after being put through on goal. Chris could have completed his hattrick if not for a good save from the opposition’s goalkeeper after great play from Walter and Alywn. Walter dribbled his way down the right flank and cut in and laid off to Alywn whose cheeky back heel released Chris in space but the goalkeeper was quick off his line to deny Chris. The opposition finally got their consolation goal after a miscommunication between Gary and Zirong allowed their striker to sneak in and head past Gary from a corner. The final score remained at 7-1 in favour of MFC.
This was a comprehensive victory for MFC and I’m sure many of us enjoyed playing under the floodlights. Special thanks to Alan who organized the match for us and we certainly hope for more in the future. Here’s to achieving another victory this Sunday at Katong!
High Points
1. Great experience playing under the floodlights!
2. Good performances by many players especially to Norris and Chris with a double each.
3. A free game! Thanks to Alan once again!
4. 6th game in a row unbeaten, let’s keep the run going!
5. Match was played in good stead with both sides playing fairly.
Low Points
1. Some players did not have sufficient playing time due to the big turnout.
2. No clean sheet.
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