Napiri Lane, Singapore
Chestercity takes on Avalanche FC on a cloudy pitch at Bowen Sec keeping the pressure on league leaders Teban Thunder. City are still without Faizal, Syafiq, Aizam. Hafiz out injured. They face numerical decreased as Izzat, Azhar, Tam, Eddy, Stanton, Charlie and Rohaizad all out with personal issues, also missing in action of Afizan was a concern to City but welcome back Yusuf and Safiuddin in the line up. The early kickoff was not what the two sides are looking for as both teams started the match with 10 players due to some late arrival.
City as seen in recent few matches deployed 4-4-2 formation as they did in this match.
Safiuddin captaining the side back in goal. Xavier right back, Sufiyan partners Yusuf in centre and with Syaikhan late, the left back slot was left vacant. Midfield quadruplet was filled up by Eizzul, Zaini, Hakim and Jelson. Upfront Indra starts at supporting striker to Alang with Airul late.
Both teams have fair share of possession with City dominating most of it in Avalanche's half. City tries to pry open Avalanche's defence, create few chances but failed to convert the opportunity. Hakim strolling in the middle of midfield does well along with Indra where passes exchange was excellent but Alang failed to convert it. Syaikhan then enters the fray completing the line up.
In the 12 min, Indra long through ball found Alang but the flamboyant forward shot was well wide.
Alang then take matters in his own hand when he dribble pass few players but shoots wide after the excellent display.
14min
Indra then start where he left off as his work found Alang yet again but again Alang shoots wide. The forward was frustrated.
Then there was a scare, Syaikhan fail to clear te ball left the forward one v one against Safiuddin heads the ball pass the custodian with the ball bouncing goalwards, Syaikhan redeems himself with a clearance of his own on the line. Great save. Then Airul appearance was a boost for the team.
Straight away, City coach put Airul through replacing Jelson in the 25th minute. That saw Indra pushing to central midfield with Hakim while Zaini and Eizzul take the right and left flanks respectively. That prove dividend as 3 mins later Airul found himself free one on one but can only put his shot wide.
In the 34th min, Indra again was the playmaker as he lays it to Alang
but he can only see his effort go wide.
That was the last key moments as two teams were stalemate at the break.
7 mins after the restart, Alang was lucky just to see yellow after he caught the opponent with an elbow.
A minute later, Alang dribbles unchallenged but can only shoots just over.
In the 50th min, Chestercity coach Ridwan replaced Eizzul and played on the left. One move, saw Ridwan picks up the loose ball, lays to Hakim who found Alang but his shot was parried by the goalkeeper. Sufiyan on the other half was excellent, cutting off passes, disrupting play and organize the defence so tight that saw every Avalanche attack foiled.
Then City scored. Picking up a loose ball on the right, Ridwan found Airul on the right wing who dazzles and lays it to Alang at the edge of the penalty box, with time and space, Alang drills an unstoppable shot with Avalanche's keeper rooted to the spot. City celebrated the hard work goal in the 65th min.
Airul then have the chance to put City in the lead but his shot flew inches away from goal. Airul seems to put his scoring boots at home.
Referee then blew the final whistle ending the match with City emerge victorious.
Vice captain Safiuddin commented after the match,"I felt very happy that even though there's some miscommunication and all the mistakes that was made including myself during the match, we somehow manage to get the win with all the hard work and the right attitude shown today. As the captain today in the absence of Charlie, I felt proud to be a part of this team and I'm honored to be playing with my fellow teammates. Even if we failed to win the title this season, I know the lads will be proud on what we have achieved base on the performance we put in and I believe they will not give it up till the final match."
Man of the match Sufiyan added, "Team played well despite taking the foot off the pedal throughout the game. We defend as a unit and very discipline also we were unlucky in a couple of moments. Alang as usual has great understanding with Airul. He pop in a goal at the right time. Kudos to the team. Well deserved win."
