Final Score: MFC (OG) 1 - 0 Singh FC
Venue: Katong Field
MFC Starting 11: Guo Xian(Capt, GK), Alan, Chris Tan, Howard, Lil Eric, Alex, Gerald, Jonathan, Kartik, Hakim, Rong An
Subs: Logen, Augustine, Norris, Wee Hian, Walter, Jeffery, Pom, Jarryl
This week’s matchup was between MFC and Singh FC (not sure of their actual name). It was a great way to start the game against familiar opponents as we were well aware of their capabilities and we had at least 6 substitutes to rotate the players with. Captain Guo Xian started with a fairly strong attack minded lineup and it was evident right from kickoff.
Kartik was at the end of a slide rule pass from Rong An but just couldn’t apply the finishing touch needed to score. Minutes later, he was at the end of a superb cross field pass via Hakim. Continuing his rich vein of form, he out jumped 2 defenders and flicked his header just over the crossbar with the keeper beaten. Sensing that Singh FC was ripe for the taking, MFC’s midfield pressed forward and created a whole lot more chances that just went begging. Singh FC was virtually outplayed in almost every department and could only rely on some speedy counterattacks that never really threatened MFC’s stand in GK aka Guo Xian. Kudos to the efficient backline well marshalled by the ever reliable Alan.
As the first half wore on, 2 more chances presented itself via corners that Singh FC conceded. Firstly, the Singh FC’s GK spilled a routine catch into a onrushing Alan’s path and he blasted his shot over the crossbar, point blank in front of the goal. These things do happen to the best of us, especially when being so pumped up from adrenaline from rushing over directly from MFC’s backline. Next, an inswinging corner somehow evaded all the Singh FC defenders and fell nicely into Chris’s path. Shielding the ball from an onrushing defender, he turned and skilfully volleyed his shot which crashed off the crossbar. You could practically see relief written all over the GK’s face. Play got a little scrappy after that miss and frustration was evident in the whole of MFC till the half time whistle.
After the half time break, Guo Xian reshuffled his pack and started with 2 strikers to go for the crucial goal. Young talent Jeffery, who seems to improve with every game was pushed upfront as the target man with the ever dangerous Rong An playing in the ‘hole’ behind him. This tactical switch almost paid off straightaway when Norris embarked on a mazy run after a good pass by Rong An and took on almost the entire backline himself with his close control. Facing the goal, he unselfishly chose to square the ball to the lurking Jeffery who placed his shot just wide of the post. Agonising was how the writer felt looking at the shot hissing past the far post. Singh FC stepped up their game and became a lot more physical with their challenges. Suddenly the possession was more even as compared to the first half when Guo Xian had practically nothing to do. But thankfully MFC’s backline held firm and sprung the offside trap pretty well on several occasions to thwart their lone striker.
Guo Xian started making some substitutions as the 2nd half wore on and still no goals scored. Another glorious chance that was wasted was a free header by Norris from a corner. Somehow, the shaky Singh FC GK managed to throw himself across his goal and palmed the pinpoint looping header away to safety. That was the turning point for the game as MFC threw caution into the wind and everybody starting pressing forward with a greater sense of urgency. Even the fullbacks like Walter and Howard(with his stepovers) started bombing forward to assist on the wings.
It was from 1 such run down the flank by Howard that found the writer ghosting in behind his marker. Pushing past the right back, he cut into the box and spotted the GK covering the near post and no one else in line with him. Taking the chance, he chipped a shot across the goal that came off against the far post and bounced off the shin of the backtracking centre back. The ball crossed the line as the GK couldn’t get down in time to save. What a timely own goal! Boosted by the lead, MFC kept their shape and launched a couple more forays into the opponent’s half but that was the final score. Guo Xian suffered an injury scare when he bravely dived to cover a low shot but had his hand trampled on by the onrushing attacker who couldn’t stop in time.
The game had nothing much to offer by then as it was a matter of defending the lead to wind down the clock. Overall, it was a well deserved victory after dominating the opponents for most of the game. MFC showed great team spirit and character, constantly pressing forward in search for the elusive goal and tenacity does payoff eventually. Good game guys!
High Points
1) Great team performance, everybody played with fire in their bellies and gave their very best.
2) Strong turnout as usual, enough substitutes to rotate the players.
3) Team played in a more assured manner, stringing more completed passes together as compared to previous matches.
Low Points
1) MFC needs to be more clinical in front of the goal, converting the numerous chances created is essential to victory.
2) Make full use of the substitutes on the bench, call for a substitution when you know you are feeling fatigue
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