Maestro FC 0 : 4 Grampus Rise
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Match Review by Gerald Tan
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A valiant effort which ultimately resulted in a loss. That sums up the top of the table clash between the unbeaten Grampus Rise and title pretenders Maestro FC. While a draw seemed feasible at half time, it was the loss of key players and Grampus Rise tightening their hold over Maestro which resulted in the goals conceded.
The starting lineup had an unfamiliar look to it due to the absence of key regulars Rong An, Guo Xian, Joel, Walter and Big Eric. Fresh from his goal exploits from last week, Jeramy led the attack, supported by Thomas, Augustine, Abhi while Hakim and Gerald sat deep in midfield. Alan's return to centre-back with Norris was a boost and Alwyn got a starting spot at right back. Calvin and Gary shared keeper duties.
Maestro busied themselves throughout the first half, absorbing Grampus' attacks and chasing, closing down the players. It was effective to a certain extent as Grampus' attacks were thwarted multiple times, passes became misplaced. Whenever Maestro's defence was breached, Grampus were let down by poor finishing.
It was not a one way traffic though, Maestro came close to scoring on a few occasions but were also let down by weak finishes. Kartik and Augustine had half chances while Hakim came closing to breaking the deadlock when he latched onto a cleared corner and let fly from just inside the penalty area only for the ball to be read by Grampus' keeper well.
At half time, it was all even, a hard-earned 0-0 and it was a satisfactory outcome. Comments from Norris at half time were directed at the need for Maestro to play as a unit, defending and attacking as one. Hakim was also replaced at half time as he suffered an ankle injury just before the end of the first half.
Hakim's absence only added to the seemingly impossible task of holding out against Grampus, as they turned up their game a notch and pressed harder in midfield. With their tough tackling style and silky skills, Maestro were second best all over the pitch. It was not long before they got ahead when their left winger got onto the end of a mis-cleared header, beat Howard at right back and finished coolly past Calvin. That goal deflated Maestro and the second goal soon followed. It was scored in a similar fashion as the first.
Maestro were pedestrians at best for the rest of the half as Grampus tugged the right strings and dictated the gameplay. They added two more fluke goals; the third was a cross from the right which swerved into the goal at the last minute. The fourth was directly from a corner as the corner kick curved into the far post, leaving Calvin stranded.
Maestro's eight game unbeaten streak came to an end to a team who were good value for their win. While the loss is painful, it gives each player some impetus to think about how we can all improve on our own game. It is also important to remember that Maestro FC is not built on victories or outstanding players but on the relationships and brother-hood between players. We need to celebrate victories and defeats together, to allow our team to grow stronger and closer.
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High Points
1) This writer felt that Abhi and Alwyn have both improved their overall gameplay this season.
2) The first half was a good show of defensive excellence
3) Calvin's one on one save- the best save of the season?
Low Points
1) Everyone needs to be more calm on the ball and improve our first touch, technical skills
2) Absence of Guo Xian, Rong An, Big Eric was keenly felt
3) Last minute withdrawals from Walter, Wee Hian and Joel due to injury or work
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