(Goals from Guo Xian (2), Rong An, Hakim, Chris)
Match Review by Randahl
Much was spoken in the build up to this game where we were warned about their skillful and tricky wingers who can swing in wicked crosses and their sheer speed could have caught many of us offguard. Many of us could also remember our last clash with them two months back when Lil' Eric scored a "fantastic" goal by putting the ball into the wrong net which resulted in a high scoring draw. But none could imagine Maestro firing up their cauldron once more by hitting the net not once, nor twice but five times in the match against Budak Pondok this weekend, securing the second victory of the new year.
Despite missing some regular key players including the captain and vice captain, the match led by Chris, the acting captain on the field on this Sunday afternoon with the disturbing drizzle that almost fully blinded keeper Randahl. Experiencing blurry vision in his left eye for the last couple of weeks, Randahl was back in goal in place of the missing first choice, Gary, who was part-timing at the harbourfront cruise terminal carrying luggages and had to forgo this match. Howard, Big Eric, Brian, Lil Eric started as the back four with the midfield helmed by Hanrong, Chris, Hakim and the formidable strike force of Norris, Wayne and Rong An in the front.
The opening stages of the match was rather encouraging. One of Budak's defender bought down Wayne in the penalty box in the third minute and the latter converted the spot kick with much ease. Well, it's to anyone's guess if wayne had watched the widely circulated video in FB prior to this match of how Barca is being trained of diving and cheating during their matches.
Although Maestro was firmly in control of matters after the lead, they conceded a goal in the 20th minute with much disappointment. With Brian desperately tracking one of their wingers who had the ball, Maestro fell into a stunned silence when the ball was put through to the right despite the hapless diving Randahl. Did the usual reliable Brian have had too much Vietnamese Beef Pho recently or was he busy going through in his mind some Girl's Generation's video for his upcoming trip to South Korea?
Nonetheless, it was a bitter blow for Budak Pondok again who had brought parity 10 minutes earlier. An inch perfect cross from the sidelines towards the post was nodded by Chris into goal. Another classic header by the stand-in captain! Maestro lead 2-1 into the second half.
Well, Maestro's play to get things underway in the second half would certainly lead one to believe that they had the confidence in their ability to win games under bad weather conditions as they poured on the pressure on Budak Pondok. Augustine gave the Maestro line-up a much needed shot in the arm in the second half with the inclusion of Thai teenager Jeffrey Kowarakkul, who was able to provide the pace. But unfortunately, he could not whip up some Tom Yum magic and was soon over-shadowed by Budak's players. Abi too, was not in top form today after some late night partying at Attica. But nonetheless, some alcohol and frolicking at Wavehouse the previous night did some damage to Budak Pondok in the case of local surfer wannabe, Norris, who doubled up as a center back late into the second half. With his heavily tattoed "iron leg", the opponents were either left to stand in awe or wriggle in pain at his timely sliding tackles and even at one point of time, his tackle left a long signature mark in the turf.
As the momentum swung in Maestro's favour, cracks began to appear in Budak's defence that had looked somehow watertight in the first half. A Rong An signature freekick caught one of Budak's hand and the resultant penalty was taken by Rong An himself. 3-1 up for Maestro who had been so desperately hungry for goals so far this season. However, there were a few moments for Budak who threaten to break into Maestro's defence. Their continuing attacking enterprise finally broke through by scoring another penalty of the game when Hanrong's unfortunate mistimed tackle had one of Budak's winger fouled in the penalty box. Truly a controversial one as it was the linesman who called for the foul. This allowed Budak Pondok the opportunity to shake things up and get themselves back into the game by scoring the penalty kick.
However, Paul, Jonathan and Augustine came off the bench and provided much stability in the game. And yet another freekick by Rong An in the next few minutes was deflected to Hakim who ghosted into the penalty box and steered the ball into the goal, allowing Maestro to lead by two goals. And not long after, Budak's pride was finally dented when a goal kick went straight into Wayne who wanted to round the keeper. But obviously, he got his nervy moment when a defender came behind and he had no choice but to fire the ball quickly into the net. A mini goal celebration at the sidelines by him and Rong An ensued as they poke fun at their opponent with their antics. Budak's players finally began to put in some of their best play of the match by throwing in some rough play which came along with a couple of yellow cards and a red card flashed at them. One of Budak's midfielder even bamboozled his way and floored Norris which somehow resembled how he was usually hit and fell by the Flowbarrel at the Wavehouse.
From then on, there seemed to be an inevitability about Budak Pondok's demise who, after failing to capitalise on their few chances were resigned to getting nothing out of this game.
A comfortable win for Maestro as they harbour the move up the table with an expected win next Sunday against K-1-K.
High Points:
1) The risk taken in fielding a 4-3-3 formation by Augustine and Chris paid off with a huge win for Maestro!
2) Our 3 excellent strikers put in much effort despite having a good time at Wavehouse the night before.
3) The confidence and winning mindset that can be seen in each Maestro player.
Low points:
1) Ugly tackles and rough challenges by Budak Pondok.
2) 17 year old referee tried to stop Randahl from putting on Gary's favourite yellow gk jersey.
3) Only 2 supporters for MFC. We should get players like Lil Eric to bring his gf along to support him. :)
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