Match Review by Chris Tan
The last match of the season ends with the gods throwing up their wealth of water. A match that was easily forgotten – but a celebration that would last a lifetime. Who on earth has the guts to drink beer in the school’s toilet in front of the eyes of naggy uncle? Worst – spilling half of the beer on the floor in celebration like a Champion’s league winner. What are we celebrating? – Relegation? No. A terrible lost? No. Its a FRIENDSHIP that will last a lifetime! YEAH… That’s what Maestro spirits are for.
As mentioned previously, the match was easily forgotten. So the details were not clear, but I did have memories of how we actually threw the match away. Firstly, they were superior in techniques, skills and speed. It was like watching Arsenal fluent football VS Laos football team. Everyone had the ability to pass effectively, moved to an open space, and finished like a pro. Secondly, no doubt we were a hardworking team, however we seems liked novices playing amateur to big guys. We could not string one effective pass, we could not hold the ball for 5 seconds. Lastly, their ability to pick out our weakness was vital to their scoring spree in first half.
The first half goals looked typical. A long ball to pick out the wingers, moved into the box and finished the keeper. The second goal was scored by the winger by the centre midfielder picking out the right winger which found himself free and scored against the helpless keeper. The third goal was also swung into from the winger to the other winger on the other side which managed to put his leg just in front of our defenders for the goal.
The second half was focus on defence. First, cutting the wingers was the priority. Second, pulling back the defence line was pivotal not to be caught offside. Third, with a good defence would provide the confidence of the ball control required upfront.
First strategy, cutting the wingers game – track the movement and provide required support for wing backs. Always foul when required, make the game uninteresting for the wingers. Rather than allowing a free run, playing dirty was also a strategy. I was sure Little Eric was fanciful at that.
Second strategy, pulling back the defence line – Fazil was an offensive defensive player; Wing backs Aylwin and Eric were definitely not the faster of the wingers of opposition. By recalling them back and cut the offensive line by careful positioning, the chances of opposition striking would be limited.
With the 2 strategy discussed before and during the game, the midfielders were more comfortable in the operations. They were winning the ball required, and GX, Abi, Gerald, RongAn was having very good game by the runs and ball control.
Too bad, after holding for more than 20 minutes, the pitch was unplayable due to the water logged pitch. I was glad that we played well in the second half despite the early end. Additionally, the water logged pitch might not be the necessary reason that we kept the clean sheet in the second half. Everyone had a part to play, including deputised Norris for the injured keeper. Several heroic saves and reading of the game has saved several attacks attempt.
High Points
1) Good performance of Aylwin and Eric. Everything went according to plan.
2) Celebrations with beer is the first ever for Maestro match!
3) Even the lost, everyone has smiles on their faces… Supporting each other despite the goal concedes
Low Points
1) We miss Calvin – Is he oki?
2) Injury to a few of players – leading to 10-men first half.
3) We need to improve!!!
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