CITY HAILS AUSSIE HATTRICK HERO
St Wilfred, Singapore
Chestercity takes on Avalanche FC with a game in hand. With TGA Buffalos not having a game this weekend, City has the possibility of extending their lead at the top with 3 points if there are able to overcome the slick Avalanche FC.
A depleted squad with key players missing such as Faizal and Aizam, City was not help by Tam and Hafiz who did not turn up for the match. Safiuddin then pulled out just before kickoff due to illness. City coach then named Afizan as an emergency goalkeeper. Xavier slotted in at right back, Rohaizad partners Stanton in central and Tushig at left back in place of the benched Syaikhan who’s nursing a knock. Sufiyan was named captain of the match alongside Eizzul, Jelson and Izzat Hashim. Airul has a new strike partner as City coach handed Irfan his first start.
Avalanche started to control the game early on and within 7 minute, they have a loop shot just over the bar. City pressured on, Airul heads past the Avalanche’s goalkeeper only for the defender to clear off the line. A minute later, City was reduced to 10 men. A breakthrough saw the striker one on one with Afizan, he rounds the custodian but Afizan holds on to the striker’s shorts and even though the striker did not go down, referee has no hesitation by showing Afizan the straight red and awards Avalanche a penalty. It’s a blow as City has no back up in goal. Centre back Rohaizad then dons the goalkeeper jersey. Avalanche player then slot the penalty comfortably with Rohaizad guessing the right way. 1-0 to Avalanche FC. City tries to press on and on 17th min Airul saw his freekick goes miles apart.
City coach then did the unthinkable tactical change. He brought off Irfan and brings on an unfit 1st choice keeper Safiuddin and re-instated Rohaizad back to centre of defence but still City can’t find a breakthrough but was stable at the back since Safiuddin came on. City turn to Charlie for more stability in the midfield who replace Jelson In the 32nd min. In the 37th min, Charlie’s cross to the unmarked Airul but the in-form striker had his header tip over by Avalanche’s custodian for a corner. Charlie took and scored a jaw-dropping in-swinger corner which left everybody in awe. 1-1.
First half stays at 1-1.
Second half, Azhar was brought on in replace of Eizzul. In the 57th min, a defensive error in City’s camp saw the opponent player toe pokes past scrambling Safiuddin. 2-1. Defeat staring in the face of City players. With that, City coach yet again came on in the 60th min replacing Sufiyan. Izzat Hashim was deployed in central back where he was flawless, winning headers and clear every single ball that comes in his way. Safiuddin makes strings of saves to keep the scorline intact at 2-1. In the 67min, City players thought they’ve equalized, Charlie whips in a cross to Airul which the sweeper heads away and City coach Ridwan scissors kick shot scraped the bar. Every City players held their hands on their head. Ridwan then began to give away one way to many fouls and finally he was booked in 69th min. Charlie then added his second of the game after a neat work by Airul to find Charlie who knocks it past the on rushing goalkeeper. Ridwan then rallies the team as they smell a victory. In the 73rd min, City takes a lead, after battling a win in midfield, Azhar send s a through ball to Charlie who completes his hattrick in the 73rd min. 3-2. Then City was reduced to 9 men as Coach Ridwan received his second bookable offence for inching away from a wall as referee gave Avalanche FC a freekick.
City held on for all 3 points.
City coach commented after the game,” Well first of all, I’m disappointed to have a couple of players not informing me by not turning up but nevertheless, I’m happy with the fighting spirit of my lads. It shows that we can win regardless of the odds pit against us. It was never a doubt that Afizan deserved the red card. It was a professional foul after all. During Avalanche’s first goal, I joke with hattrick hero, Charlie who was at the bench at that time with me that the opponents will be on the back foot once I unleashed my “Australian Pitbull” and indeed Charlie was unleashed today. With the help of the players, Charlie singlehandedly change the course of the game and I’m happy he repays the faith shown to him. I’m happy. We are at the top of the table with 3 points ahead of TGA Buffalos. Great work by the team”
When ask about his sending off and the missing of action by his defensive duo, he added,” I’m disappointed with the referee’s decision to send me down the tunnel. My tackles are all firm but fair only the referee has himself to answer over his decision. About the players who did not turn up, I’m extremely furious without them informing me about it. I’m still waiting for explanation but if the reason is acceptable one, I will keep them if not, there is no place for them as the attitude shown is unacceptable.”
