Match Review by Gary
Today’s game
against Hercules FC is significant as it marked the first match under Interim
Vice Captain Norris. Despite being a friendly match, MFC players were certainly
motivated to put in a wholehearted and splendid performance with the aim of
winning the first match under our new vice captain. The heavy downpour in the
morning was a blessing in disguise as the weather was awesome throughout our
game against Hercules. Norris opted for a 4-4-2 formation, with Guoxian and
Jeremy as strikers, Gerald and Hakim in the middle of the park and Alan,
Norris, Walter and Eric forming a 4- man defence with long term absentee Gary
in goal.
The game
started with Maestro controlling the majority share of the possession, playing
triangular passing in the middle of the park and spraying long precise balls
from left to right. MFC was certainly the better side in the 1st
half as we have the better of chances but we were clearly lacking sharpness in
the final 3th. Credit to the midfielders, Abhi for his tireless running and
Gerald with his Mascherano-like tackles, coupled with the creative dribbling of
Hakim, MFC did create several good opportunities but failed to find the back of
the net. Hercules didn’t have any shots on target at all in the 1st
half, credit to the splendid MFC defence. Several MFC players were asking Gary if
he wants cappuccino or Latte while enjoying the soccer match as a spectator. The 1st half ended a goalless draw
and MFC was feeling disappointed for their numerous wasted opportunities. Vice captain
Norris could be heard screaming for the team to be more clinical in goal.
Norris made
some changes in the 2nd half,with Wee Hian replacing Norris himself
as defender, Chris Yang Sheng, Norris and Aylwin in the middle of the park and
Guoxian assuming the striker’s role. Norris urged the team to break the
deadlock within 15 mins of the second half but it was clearly frustrating due
to the stubborn Hercules defending and wastefulness on the part of MFC.
However, MFC was playing with more urgency and purpose and their effort finally
paid off when Abhi produced a magnificent solo effort which saw his shot curled
into the far post with the splendid Hercules Keeper well-beaten. Hercules did rally with a one and only chance
at goal only for Gary to stick out his leg to produce a reflex save. Credit to
the defence combinations of Wee Hian, Walter, most improved player contender
Little Eric and Walter, Gary hasn’t have much to do. 1-0 was certainly not the
scoreline that MFC was satisfied and MFC was clearly piling immense pressure on
Hercules defence and our effort paid off when Guoxian made it 2-0.
It was not
long before the referee blew the whistle to signal the end of the match. 2-0
the final score but the score line didn’t reflect the performance today as MFC could
have win by a lot more if we have been more clinical in goal. Guoxian was
commenting after the game that it was so mentally tiring to be creating host of
chances but not converting them. MFC would have to reflect on this and be more
lethal in front of goal if we are to be challenging for top spot in the
X-league season.
High points
1.
1st
victory under Interim Vice Captain Norris
2.
MFC
put in a cohesive and convincing performance, dominating the opponents
3.
Awesome
defence producing a clean sheet
4.
Nice
weather
1. MFC was not clinical in front of goal
2. Some players did not have sufficient playing time.
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