We are Comeback Kings once again!

Maestro FC 2 : 1 Veterans Team (Hakim, August)

Match Review by Jeramy

Players : Michael, Jason and Alton (Norris’s friends)
                : Jon (Ahbi’s friend)
                : Norris, Augustine, Khatik, Hakim, Ahbi, Alywin and Jeramy

Today’s Maestro FC intention coming into the match was to build up our attack and Captain Norris to tinker with the players with attacking roles. The concern of the number of players available today without any substitution was a torture to most of us as the Veteran Team has quite fast wingers.

Maestro FC's  form for the past few games under new stand-in Captain Norris campaign had already put to bed their hopes of at least a draw today, but Maestro FC’s work rate won the game once again.

Captain Norris started the formation with Jeramy in between Goal, Norris and Jon (Ahbi’s Czech nationality friend) as main defenders alongside Jason (DL) and Michael (DR). Maestro FC’s midfielders consists of Hakim and Khatik as playmakers with Augustine and Ahbi on the flanks. Alywin and Alton was deployed as forwards.

Veterans Team spice up the match of today’s friendly against Maestro FC with a goal.

Maestro FC was getting used to their passing to build up to their attack but a few poor touches allowed the Veterans to launch a number of counter-attacks. Maestro FC was not looking good for the first half and indeed the Veterans rifled in the opening goal in the last 5 minute of the first half with a fumble from Maestro FC keeper Jeramy. A strong volley was touched by Jeramy but not good enough to prevent it from the goal.

The 1^st half ended with 1-0 to the Veterans leading but Maestro FC has lived up to their reputation of Comeback Kings once again.

The 2^nd half started with Ahbi swopping to be GK and Jeramy as MR with Alton (AM). Alywin was pulled off due to injury and the game started with 10 men. Although a public member helped Maestro FC in CM, he came in for a little 5mins (and left -.- ) to launch some good attacks which Maestro FC failed to capitalise.

The 2^nd half had become scrappy for the Veterans as they waited and soaked Maestro FC onwards attack. Although Maestro FC had a few decent chances when the Veterans failed to cope with Jon, Augustine and Jeramy’s direct running, they were fast to launch counter-attack through the flanks every time Maestro FC pushes up.

Maestro FC first goal came from the corner as the Veterans let loose the ball for Jon’s free header to reach Hakim. Without pulling the trigger, Hakim weaves through 2 defenders before putting past the out of position keeper within 6 yards.

The Veterans suddenly became active again and began rushing down the flanks once again. Their One-Two passing is commendable. There was a thumbs-down from Maestro FC’s stand-in physio (Norris again) for Ahbi after he clashed into Norris with a nudge from the opponent. It left Ahbi with a cut to his head and he stretchered himself out of the field.

With decision to be made, Norris offered to take role of GK and a makeshift defence of Hakim, Khatik and Jason. Playing WB are Michael and Augustine while Jon, Alton and Jeramy leads the Midfield. 9 against 11 for the last 15 minutes.

With a lack in number, the Veterans pounced on their chances to push forward and 2 outstanding saves from Norris kept the game in play. A chance came begging to the Veterans to take the lead from a through ball through the middle. A weak interception from Jon somehow convinced the referee that a back pass done to our GK Norris. Maestro FC felt hard done by. A free-kick in the box was then saved by Norris once again. A few more quick attacks from the Veterans were covered by Norris with the most noticeable incident where the Veterans hit the top right post with a vicious strike.

Out of the blue, Maestro FC launch a counter-attack with a GK ball pumped towards the final third. Building on his last week’s goal and assist, Jeramy closed down the Veteran’s defender in the box before slipping the ball to Augustine with an open goal which he converted.

The last 10mins was a torture for Maestro FC as they were constantly looking for space to pass with the Veterans began to close Maestro FC down as soon as they got the ball. Maestro FC’s effort paid off as the referee end the game with the score 2 : 1 to Maestro FC victory.

High Points

1. Many passes can be seen in today's game.

2. Jeramy, Abhi and Norris for playing keeper.

3. Thank you for Norris’s friend to come down and make up the number.

4. Special commendation to Jon for playing CM and CB with decent closing downs.

5. Special commendation to Hakim and Khatik for controlling the passes and game for midfield and makeshift center-backs.

6. Never say die attitude. Comeback Kings once again. 

Low Points

1. We have less than 11 players throughout the whole match.

2. Referee seems to be bias towards opponents for a couple of weird offside calls and the back-pass incidents.