Final Score: BiPC 0 : 2 MFC (Alwyn 1, Howard 1)
 The team, together with Big Eric! Check out Alex's face! | |
 Emotional return for Big Eric! | |
 We know what Hakim is looking for but what is Zirong looking for?? | |
This weekend's match was one which many MFCians looked forward to, not because the Worker's Party was at Katong field giving a rally but because everyone was anticipating the return of Eric, or fondly known to MFCians as Big Eric aka the Rock, to boost our defence. As quoted by Captain Guo Xian, "Eric's return is like an $18 million dollar signing for our defence", all MFCians were glad to have Big Eric back in defence. The opponents were unknown to MFC- except that they were called BiPC and were players from a church team. Though there were about 15 to 17 players for selection, Captain Guo Xian was not able to select a regular striker as Rong An, Gifford and himself were unavailable. Though Norris was later available, Howard got his opportunity upfront as the solo striker and he relished the opportunity. The match started off with MFC pulling all the strings. Perhaps it was the confidence from Big Eric's return but MFC was playing some really good posession football. There was good interplay between the 3 centre midfielders and the left and right backs. The left and right wingers were also kept busy with a few decent long balls down the flank. What was stopping MFC was a certain No. 12 defender from BiPC. The No. 12 player was ruthless (and rash at times) with his tackles, taking no prisoners along the way. Augustine, Alex and this writer all felt the brunt of his physical approach. MFC had numerous good chances but was unable to convert as Howard's presence upfront was minimal. However, he did strike first blood when he converted this writer's long throw into the penalty area with a looping back header which lobbed the goalkeeper. It was a classic Rory Delap special and one which was practiced often by Howard, Chris and this writer. There were a few other chances in the first half. Walter had a good run down the right flank after being released free by Logan (I think). He strode down the flank and despite shouts from MFCians to shoot on sight, he unselfishly crossed the ball for Kartik who headed just wide of the post. The second half began in similar fashion as the first but this time, BiPC started to throw more players forward, putting MFC on the back foot at times. MFC continued to soak up the pressure with good defensive work from Big Eric and the other defenders and started counter attacks from the defence. A second goal was on the cards and this time, it was Alwyn who got a well deserved goal when he reacted first with a tame shot in the penalty box after a MFC cross was not cleared properly. The tame power of the shot was compensated with impeccable accuracy as the ball rolled into the bottom right corner of the net, which evaded the goalkeeper who was standing at the left corner of the goalpost. More chances were to come for Kartik and Norris from set pieces and crosses but both failed to increase MFC's lead any further as BiPC held on for the remainder of the match. The match ended 2-0 to MFC but it should have been more, if the good chances presented were converted. On this occasion, MFC's goalkeeping, defence and midfield did very well. Though the stand-in strikers Alwyn and Howard did well, we sorely miss Gifford, Rong An and Guo Xian upfront to grab the goals we need. Alas, a win is still a win and much praise must be given to the silky smooth passing between the midfielders and defenders in the first 30 mins of the match. MFCians have much to look forward to now that Big Eric is back! High Points 1) The Rory Delap special finally paid off after all the practice sessions! 2) Big Eric's towering header almost got him a goal on his return 3) The referee did well , its a friendly and he obliged by keeping his cards too. 4) Good passing from the midfielders and defenders especially in the first half. MFC should play like this more often 5) Strong support from the girlfriends today! It was a good turnout and this writer is sure the boyfriends all appreciated their presence! Low Points 1) No.12, built like a boxer and screams like a warrior. Scary. 2) No out and out strikers..We need Rong An, Gifford and Guo Xian back asap! 3) NSP party sabo-ing the PAP lorry's announcement by playing their speech concurrently. No fair play there |
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