Match Review by Alan Chiang
Final Score: Aldersgate 3 : 2 MFC (Rong an, Augustine)
Fairfield Secondary School – Maestro took a break from the league and played a friendly match against Aldersgate Methodist Church. But it was a great game against an established side boosting school team players and regulars. Both teams enjoyed a fair share of chances at goal but it was Aldersgate who went on top of the bees with a closing-minute effort.
Maestro started the game brightly with several good attacking chances. Norris, Alan, Howard and Alwyn formed the backline, while Han Rong, Hakim, Augustine and Jason took the midfield with Rong An and Gerard (Howard’s friend) playing upfront. Gerard, Hakim and Rong An went given the green light to take a shot from range. And it was a truly good decision from Captain Guo Xian. Rong An took a shot from distance and Aldersgate goalkeeper was dumbfounded, allowing Maestro to take a goal lead.
Soon after, Aldersgate popped in a goal with a quick free kick. Captain Guo Xian then made a change, with Norris pushing forward as Firdaus and Walter took over the defence. And towards the end of the first half, their striker sped through on goal and lopped the ball into the net. It was 2-1 to Aldersgate by half-time.
Maestro pushed hard for the second half and Augustine managed to find the back of the net after he was put clear at goal mid-way through the half. Aldersgate goalkeeper was not able to keep out his volleyed effort. The goalkeeper was put to more real tests as Rong An and Guo Xian, who made a 7-minute cameo appearance, tried their shots at goal.
But Aldersgate, who boasted two full team players, had the strength in depth and made Maestro worked hard towards the end. This time, another free kick outside the penalty box was swinged in towards goal. Calvin managed to keep the ball out but the rebound fell to an Aldersgate player whose shot was goal-bound. Lil Eric (Gaga), who was still recovering from injury, and Alan managed to clear the ball off the line but Aldersgate players were at bay to nick the ball towards the back of the net.
Howard squandered a good chance late on to level up for Maestro after a good-looking cross from Gerard. Maestro pushed harder but their goalkeeper was equaled to the attacking efforts. Rong An had a goal-bound shot well saved by the outstretching goalkeeper.
Maestro might have lost the game, but they could have gained valuable pride having to face tough tests from a reputable side. Furthermore, Maestro had broken the four-week scoring drought with two good goals. It was an improved all-round performance from Maestro with so many promising efforts. The future is bright again! Come on bees!
High Points
- Two good goals (From Rong An and Augustine) after 4-week scoring drought
- Gerard (Howard’s friend) provided great ball control
- Hakim put up a good performance (great vision to move the ball around the field)
- Han Rong had to play the “dirty” man
- Guo Xian’s and Lil Eric’s commitment on the pitch (though they are still nursing injuries)
- Great all-round performance
Low Points
- Pitch filled with “Mi-Mo-Sa”!
- No lines drawn on the field, so where’s the out, penalty box, half-way lines?
- Quickly-taken free kicks for Aldersgate, how about Maestro?
- Maestro needs to pump up intensity towards the end of every half. (Needs to build stamina to withstand pressure)
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