Maestro FC 3 : 1 Atlas FC (Guo Xian, Jeramy, Augustine)
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Match Review by Gerald Tan
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Maestro FC announced their intention to be promoted from Tier 2 of the X League with a convincing 3-1 win over new boys Atlas FC. A stunning performance from 4 Maestro debutants and a first half 20 minute blitzkrieg on Atlas FC, which saw all 3 Maestro goals being scored, was sufficient to see off a determined but a little unlucky Atlas FC.
With the players all expecting a match under sweltering noon heat, the heavens had other plans when play was called off due to a sudden thunderstorm just 5 minutes into the first half. By then, Maestro had already taken the lead courtesy of a penalty from Guo Xian. A good through ball from Maestro debutant Eugene found Augustine down the left flank. Augustine supplied the ball to Guo Xian coming from the deep and he won a penalty due to a tackle from behind, just inside the penalty area. Guo Xian placed his penalty just beyond the keeper to open his goal scoring account as well as Maestro's account. Sadly it was his last contribution as he suffered a heel injury due to the tackle.
The match resumed after about 20 minutes of stoppage for the weather to clear up and Maestro pushed on immediately after. X League debutant winger Joel was flying down the right flank relentlessly and he put in a few good crosses which should have been buried home. The second and third goals came amidst a 5 minute period of attack. First, Joel's deep cross from the right found Augustine who came in from the left. Just when Augustine was about to shoot, he was brought down but the ball found its way to Jeramy who bundled the ball over the line from close range. Augustine then made amends by scoring the third goal ala a goal poachers' goal. A corner from Gerald found X League debutant Thomas, who flicked the ball towards the goal. His effort was thwarted by the keeper on the line but was not held onto. Augustine's toe poke on the loose ball ensured a 3-0 lead.
Just when the match threatened to turn into a rout, Maestro conceded a soft goal. A corner was headed by an Atlas FC player and it ricocheted off Gerald's face. The resulting ball provided to be an assist for the an Atlas FC player who calmly headed home. 3-1 to Maestro and game back on!
That goal got Maestro a bit jittery while it spurred Atlas to put Maestro on back foot. Thankfully the make shift defence pairing of Big Eric and Jon held the line well and on the attack front, Thomas and Joel continued to pressurize Atlas with some good exchanges.
The second half continued in similar fashion but with more balanced play between both teams. Joel's calf cramps early in the second half ruled him out for a while but his replacement Jeffrey did well to create problems for Atlas. He displayed some vision and good ball control throughout his time on the field. The frontline did well to feed off what few chances they had as Maestro sat back defensively. X League debutant Thomas did well as a holding striker as he distributed and controlled the frontline. His on-field guidance to other less experienced players such as Jeramy and Jeffrey also helped them work as a team. He almost got on the scoresheet as well, through a well worked play which started from the right flank but his shot from outside the penalty box just whistled past the cross bar.
There was to be no further goals in the second half but it was really a good defensive display from Maestro. Eugene's role at centre midfield was nothing short of an "Energizer Bunny" display as he was all over the pitch, tackling and winning headers while Jonathan, Big Eric, Howard and Walter did well to stop attacks from reaching Norris. Atlas FC did have a few chances in the second half but poor finishing let them down. Lady luck was clearly not on their side even as they were awarded a late penalty after Captain Walter brought down caught their Captain number 23 just inside the penalty box. The resulting penalty was blasted just over the bar.
That was the last piece of action from the X League Tier 2 opener. With fellow relegated team Vipers FC securing their first X League win with a 4-1 scoreline over Coast West FC, Maestro find themselves sitting alongside Vipers FC at the top of the table for now. The push for promotion has started so c'mon you Bees!
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High Points
1) Thanks to Norris again who volunteered to play between the posts
2) Great debuts from Joel, Eugene, Jeramy and Thomas. The team is definitely stronger than last season thanks to their commitment and contributions
3) The weather turning out well to allow the match to carry on
4) Playing in the X League again! I think most players missed the competitive yet friendly league spirit as well as the astro pitch, 3 FAS officials and committed organizers
5) Joel's new boots seem to have spurred some players to feel the "buy boots" itch
6) Post match short talk cock, makan session at White Sands. More players should join in makan
7) Thomas' guidance on the pitch was useful, as feedback by some Maestro players.
8) Good opponents in Atlas FC. Despite falling 3-0 down, they never gave up and played sportingly.
Low Points
1) The scoreline could have been more if Augustine and Jeramy had put away some good chances
2) Our keeper situation needs to be resolved soon. With Gary in Korea and Calvin being uncertain due to weekend work, we need another keeper to allow Norris to play upfront or at centre back
3) Maestro was lucky at some moments today. Defence at the wings needs to improve
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