Match Review by GX
Despite having good attacking options in the final third, MFC's patch up defense comprising of GX, Jonathan, Lil Eric, Howard and Walter could not prevent the cup favorites from comfortably booking their place in the semi finals.
Maestro got off to the best of starts when Anthony (Rong An's brother) scored in the 5th minute of play after some good interchanging of passes in the final third.
Newton Health, with a healthy team list of 18 players, began to stamp their authority on the game after conceding the early goal. The equalizer came via a well work corner when the forward sneak in at the near post to score Newton Health's first goal. The second goal came soon after when NH's Joy score with a weak shot, which in my opinion, should be well saved by X cup hero keeper Calvin.
MFC, with a host of attacking players such as Yang Shan, Jinde, Hakim, Kartik, Abhi, Rong An, surprisingly just could not find a way past the well marshaled NH defense. There were moments of brilliance and at times, MFC play like Arsenal. Beautiful passing along the lines and just could not finish it off in the final third.
Half time MFC down by a goal. 1-2. Again, MFC dream of being the comeback kings. The message was simple at half time - to get the equalizer and bring the game to penalties, which MFC has been victorious in the previous rounds. The scoreline could have been different if not for the referee leniency. Rong An was through on goal only to be brought down by on of NH's defender. Under the Laws of the game, it should have been a red card shown instead of a yellow.
However, it was not to be MFC's day as Newton Health came out stronger in the second half. Despite the best efforts of two defensive midfielders in Hakim and Gerald to try to break down NH's attacks, they came at us in numbers and scored three goals in a ten-minute spell. NH counter attack well and the goals were conceded in a similar way where we were outnumbered in a 4-on-4 or 3-on-4 situation.
With about 10 minutes left to play, and with the hot noon sun bearing down on all players, both teams were contented to pass the ball around. Referee soon blew for the final whistle. Maestro FC was well beaten by the cup favorites and the fairytale has ended. It was MFC's first adventure in a cup tournament and we should be proud to be in the top 8.
Good Points
1) We can all see that with the attacking players we have, if the defensive trio of Norris, Alan and Chris were to play today, we should give Newton Health a tough fight.
2) No nonsense, well respected, professional opponents. Winning the game by playing real football.
3) Newton Heath brought almost two teams to challenge the Bees (with about 18players). This shows how strong the bees are.
3) Newton Heath brought almost two teams to challenge the Bees (with about 18players). This shows how strong the bees are.
4) The bees are in the top 8. Something to be proud of.
Bad Points
1) The weather is not suitable for playing football.
2) Need to convert chances. Play like arsenal but finish it off like Man Utd.
3) Where are the linesmen as stated in the xleague rules?
4) Did the referee drop his red card while on his way to the match?
No comments:
Post a Comment