Final Score: Black Knights 1 : 3 MFC (Guo Xian 1, Gifford 2)
| MFC kicked off Division 3’s first league game with a precious 3 points, thanks to the 13 courageous MFCians who turned up, of which consisted, Norris who flew back from Thailand and went straight to the field with his “barang barang”, Silas and Jonathan returning from their school exchange program in China. However, the regular defenders like Capt Eric, Howard, Firdaus and Lil Eric didn’t make it to the game as they were busy with exams and NS. The game started off under a hot, scorching weather and the chances that both teams had did come as early as during the initial 5mins of play. |
Gerald and Guoxian were the only 2 substitutes on the bench, waiting anxiously for their turns to turn on the heat.
During the 1st half, chances were plentiful but goals were few. The opponents started off well, playing long balls down the centre, bypassing almost all of MFC midfielders. With only 3 defenders, MFC had to learn to deal with these long balls with composure and confidence. Soon, the midfielders were found playing deeper into our own half to assist the shaky defence. Silas was also busy re-tracking back to help keep the score line 0-0. Cross did had a couple of saves though the shots weren’t that threatening.
A tactical substitution was done which saw Gerald and Guoxian coming in to replace Jason and Gifford. It took MFC’s number 9 about 10mins before he smashed home his 1st league goal in Division 3. Guoxian received the ball in an awkward position from Chris Tan after his quick cut back from the right corner, and then Guoxian did a 180 degrees turn to curl the ball into the top left hand corner of the net. His goal was what one can simply describe as “stunning”.
The score line was then 1-0 to MFC. However the opponents continued to press on and MFCians did see the threat coming when their defender Patrick had his shot rattling across the goalpost and their striker Dinah missing 2 open goal chances.
The 2nd half begun with more excitement as MFCians saw Black Knights bringing on a few more pairs of fresh legs. The formation remained at 3-5-2 but this time round, Chris played a more defensive position, Calvin, brought up to take right midfielder position, Jonathan, pulled back to left back and Guoxian swapping with Norris as centre back.
After a tight 1st half, MFC managed to squeeze 2 more goals from Gifford in the 2nd half. The first goal from Gifford was well received from a long goal kick by Cross, which saw him dribble pass a defender and then finishing off the ball confidently. This goal really shattered the opponent’s chances of trying to steal the 3 points from MFC.
MFC continued to add pressure on their defence and the third goal came courtesy from Gifford again. This time round Guoxian provided the assist and he passed a perfect through ball for Gifford to slot the ball pass the keeper again. Such confidence from Gifford really showed he had the right mentality and skills to score more goals in future matches. The opponents eventually pulled 1 goal back through Dinah who scored a thunderous goal with only Cross to beat.
The final results proved to be a good start for MFCians and we can only hope this is the beginning of our reign in Division 3. Cheers!
High Points
1) Norris coming straight from Changi Airport to Katong field, showing his passion for MFC
2) Jonathan, Guoxian and Calvin’s willingness to help out as defenders
3) Cross slowly, but surely showing more match confidence
4) A win to start the league
Low Points
1) A lot of shouting and confused instructions from MFC players showed that many of us were confused with this new formation
2) MFC failure to score more during the 1st half
3) Game not starting punctually
4) Calvin’s “kindness” to let Augustine score instead of taking the clear chance himself was really “noble”?
All photos courtesy of Rachel
Album: http://s868.photobucket.com/albums/ab244/maestrofootballclub2/Match%20Pics/15_11_09%20MFC%20Vs%20Black%20Knights/
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