It's local United vs City as Assumption takes on Chestercity in ESPZEN division 5 league match at Orchid Park Secondary. It's 4th vs the last place as Assumption looking to extend their points on the table after winning their last game 4-3 against Outlander Smurfs. City on the other hand took a point from their last outing in their league match against Sporting Olympique. With several key players back got this encounter, City is still missing a hitman upfront.
Starting the match with a new 4-3-2-1 formation with Safiuddin in goal, City back four has a change of strength, Xavier was given the nod at right back with new pairing at central back of Aleef and Parry. At left back Frederick kept his place. The 3 central midfielders were Naufal, returning Anon and Kim started as a holding midfielder. City deploy 2 attacking midfielders of captain Ryan and Indra playing just behind lone striker Irwan. City bench consist of Amin, Ridwan, Tam, Hafiz and trialist Sze Wei.
First half starts with a couple of chances from both teams who started at a slow pace and had a couple of decent chances.
It was United who took the lead first. Winning the ball in the middle of the park, the forward was put thru after beating City's last line of defence. Xavier does well to put the striker off however he manages to sink it pass the onrushing Safiuddin.
1-0 to United.
Ryan and Indra had freekicks grazing off the crossbar while another effort from Indra was excellently parried away by United's custodian.
Half time stays in favour of Assumption.
2 substitutions was made during halftime when Sze Wei and Amin was brought in for Safiuddin and Irwan. Eyebrow were raised when Coach Ridwan decided not to bring City's leading scorer Bob on.
2 mins after the restart, Assumption scorers again. Picking up another thru ball, the forward hits a first time shot from outside the foot which end up in the bottom corner giving Amin no chance.
2-0. It looks like City is crashing to another defeat. Coach Ridwan decided to make 2 changes bringing off Xavier for Tam pushing Aleef to the right back and Bob enters the fray replacing Anon in a change formation of 4-4-2.
Then of all a sudden the tide change. City was controlling the game and had better possession which led up to the first goal. Naufal playing the game of his life saw the run of Bob, sends a delicate long ball into the path of City striker who digs it above the goalkeeper to pull a goal back. A goal against his old club.
City knew they can get something out of this game.
Another change was made, Hafiz came in for the departing Sze Wei.
With still lack of option upfront, Ridwan subs himself in for defender Parry and change the formation to 3-4-3 with Ridwan and Hafiz supporting Bob upfront.
With one thru ball, Bob was set free and with only the keeper to beat, his shot went crashing onto the crossbar. It's was a golden opportunity.
United had tired legs out there and it paid off for City when Naufal's corner was headed in by Hafiz from close range. City drew level and went for a final onslaught but the stubborn United defence hold on for the point.
City coach commented after the game,"The lads prove they are not pushovers. I'm happy with the point cause we are 2-0 down. The fight back was excellent. Fred shows again what a character he is on the full backs, Kim marshaled in the centre limiting United point of attack. Xavier showed some promising play today as well. Parry and Aleef was excellent at the back and with the introduction of Tam, it settled some nerves. It's great to see Hafiz getting his first goal of the season and I can sense there's more to come. Naufal was influential in the draw and I hope all the lads can produce the same performance cause next week it will be a tough opponents as we face our old foes JFC."
When ask on his decision to drop few key players, he added,"No player is safe from the drop, if they don't play to my expectations, then they are drop even they are are a quality player. Once your form is poor then your place is on the bench. We want a win and we try to get it this Sunday."
