| Maestro FC 1 : 2 Jubilee FC (Own Goal) |
| Match Review by Gerald Tan |
| Maestro's opponents this week showed the Bees just how to win at all costs, even only with 7 players starting the game. It was a disappointing result but not uncalled for, given the increasingly weak attendance and shortage of goalkeepers faced. The Bees had 12 players to call upon and it nearly was 11, when Wee Hian was activated for work last minute. His absence was less felt, thanks to Hanrong who answered the urgent request for more players. Norris and Guo Xian volunteered to be goalkeepers for one half each. The opponents Jubilee FC faced even more player attendance issues. At kickoff, only 6 outfield players were present. A seemingly easy win was made much harder when the 6 opponents really took the game to a full Maestro team. Poor passes, lack of communication and failure to retain possession meant that the Bees were really troubled by the opponents. As the game wore on, more Jubilee FC players came and by half time, they had the full 11 players. Despite playing majority of the 1st half with less than 11 players, Jubilee scored when a routine catch by Norris was dropped for their striker to put into the empty net. It was their first real opportunity on goal and Jubilee grabbed the gifted goal. Maestro also had chances through Guo Xian and Alwyn. Alwyn's chance should have been buried at the back of the net but he failed to connect with Abhi's good cross from the right. The second half saw Maestro chasing the game to get the equalizer. Captain Walter volunteered to play as Goalkeeper to allow Norris and Guo Xian to play upfront and it was effective to a certain extent, with better passes and more possession. However, Jubilee was the hungrier team, with fast and effective close down of Maestro players. Their quick counter attacks troubled Maestro and after some missed chances, Jubilee nailed in a second goal through their striker (no. 99). Credit to the Bees who tried harder after the second goal to get back into the game. Abhi and Norris proved to be the main source of forward forays but tight and physical marking from Jubilee FC meant that Maestro had to wait till the dying moments to grab their first goal. A good exchange between Howard and Jeff found Norris unmarked on the right flank and he cut into the penalty box before hitting a good shot which was punched by the keeper but the ricochet hit a Jubilee player and rolled into the back of the net. Maestro went for the equalizer and was almost rewarded when Jeff found himself in a one on one position. His weak shot ensured Jubilee FC walked away with the well deserved victory, and meant more reflections for Maestro FC. It has been about one month since the last X League game but attendances in Maestro's friendlies and futsal have been less than satisfactory. Goalkeeper issues, poor commitment from players mean that it is harder now to arrange for matches. With the X League season starting in May, we need players who are committed towards helping the team do better. Only then can we do well in the X League games. |
High Points
1) Thanks to Norris, Guo Xian, Walter and Jonathan who volunteered to play between the posts
2) Hanrong for turning up last minute, we missed your presence
3) Hope that Howard's friend Thomas from Jubilee FC can play for Maestro
4) Jonathan and Alan in a makeshift centre defence partnership
Low Points
1) Weak turnout once again. Very disappointing.
2) How can we not score against 7 man in the first half?
3) Fitness and commitment to attack and defend as a team is missing. Wingers need to move up and down more frequently to defend and attack.
4) No hunger, no physical strength in some of the players
5) Poor touches, no passing
6) Kartik will be leaving us for 2 months for a work trip to Germany
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