Match Review by Gary (MFC vs West Coast)

Match Review by Gary  (Khatik, Rong An) MFC 2: 1 West Coast

This week match is between MFC and West Coast, held at Coral Secondary School with a strength of 16 MFC players. As this game is the first game of the new season and the last game under the leadership of Captain Walter and Vice Captain Gerald, MFC was all geared up to take all 3 points and start the season brightly. The appearance of long absentee Zi Rong and return of several MFC players such as Rong An and Chris serves as a morale booster for the rest of the team. With 16 players at his disposal, Captain Walter decided to adopt a 4-5-1 formation, with Brian in goal, Alan, and Norris in defence and Thomas, Guoxian and Ahbi leading the attack.

The game started off at a fast pace, quite possibly due to the desire of both teams to snatch the first goal of the opening game. With the scorching hot weather, MFC had to work extra hard to chase the ball and get into good positions to trouble the opponents. Credit to the perseverance of the team, MFC managed to win a couple of loose balls and piled immense pressure on West Coast. Ahbi certainly demonstrated his pacy qualities as a winger as he turned defenders and run at them confidently. For the first 15mins, the scoreline was 0-0, with MFC creating a few half chances. Khatik has a right footed shot saved by Coast’s keeper and Brian having to make a couple of routine saves. However, midway through the game, MFC managed to get their first goal. Khatik’s free kick found the back of the net, courtesy of a huge deflection of one of MFC players(Possibly Guoxian). The writer vividly heard Guoxian shouting “Smelly” to Khatik. Well, smelly it might be, but MFC was certainly glad to be ahead at halftime.  

Second half saw some changes to the starting lineup, with Gary in goal, Brian at right back and Rong Ah as a supporting striker. The momentum of the game changed as West Coast pile immense pressure on the MFC’s defence. They were pinging in crosses into the penalty box, but it was well defended by MFC. West Coast’s desire and hardwork paid off, as a short corner found one of their players having the opportunity to place a looping shot pass the “out of position” Gary. MFC was simply tired out due to the scorching weather and it was not helped by several bad refereeing decisions. There was an incident when Rong Ah was brought down but the decision was given to the opponent instead. It was one of several bad refereeing decisions and a poor performance by the referee. 

However, hardwork and perseverance have been the driving qualities of MFC over the past few years and that certainly paid off as a smart pass by Gerald found our Number 11 who took the ball brilliantly before unleashing a venom shot past the goalkeeper. Not long after, the referee blew the whistle and MFC was certainly delighted to get the 3 points for the first match of the season. Well Done MFC! 

High points

1.       MFC managed to win their first league game of the season

2.       Positive attitude shown on the pitch by MFC players

3.       Rong An get on the score sheet again

Bad Points

1.       Several bad refereeing decisions

2.       Scorching hot weather left several MFC players feeling rather lethargic