It's a final game before City takes a month break due to fasting month which is a few days away from commencing. They take on Gogooryo FC which City was awarded a walkover due to clash of kits. With City joint top scorer, Syam out in Hafiz engagement ceremony alongside Hakim, City saw a dip in numbers as Jelson, Safiuddin, Faizal, Mizamura out due to commitments. Xavier who sprained his ankle sits this one too.
City on the good side welcome debutant See Jian Hong, a left back who complete the back four of Frederick, Aleef and captain Indra in a change of 4-4-2 formation ditching the 4-5-1.
Anon was at right wing, returning Naufal at centre with Ryan and June's player of the month Jeremiah retains his left wing position.
Upfront a first rare start for City coach Ridwan partnering Egyptian Gabir.
On the bench, City has Bob, Brahim who flew in from other country just to make for the match and Izzat who returns from injury.
The first 10 mins, City dominated. With good passes exchange between City's midfield and strikers. City also kept it tight at the back limiting the Koreans attacking play.
12 mins after dominating play, City take the lead. It was Gabir yet again who open the scoring. A pass to Miah down the left bobbles to the feet of Gabir. With the latter taking a slight touch, he volleys it past the diving Gogooryo custodian. 1-0.
It soon look to be a one sided game 7 mins later when Amin's long clearance found Gabir who toe pokes it beyond the onrushing goalkeeper. 2-0.
City controlled their defensive department well and also the midfield was much far superior as Naufal, Anon, Ryan and Ridwan link up play mesmerize their counterparts.
Then Gogooryo change their way of tackling. They go in very hard and also targeted Ridwan who was at the end of every tackle but referee failed to award in favour of City.
Things started to get boiled over when Ridwan yet again was a subject of a 3 on 1 tackle which left the forward with studs marking his thigh.
City did not want the incident to bother them. Instead, they grabbed a 3rd. Fred was the provider this time round squaring a delightful cross to the path of Miah who's shot crept the goalkeeper right hand post to the delight of City camp. It was a wonderfully crafted goal.
City took the pedal of the gas and was soon hit by Gogooryo quick counter. Getting the ball towards the right, their forward scores after his shot came off the bottom post. 3-1.
That was the end of first half action.
No subtitutions was made in the second half.
The start of the second half was similar to how it ends in the first.
The tackles was flying from Gogooryo and referee failed to award a few clear cut fouls.
Then it went ugly, a Gogooryo player fell injured at the touchline, Ryan went over and tried to help him up instead, he was slapped on the arm and other Gogooryo player joined in the scuffle. Ryan stood up but their number 22 threw a flying kick forcing Ryan to tumble over and then ran for his life as few City players chased after him which saw the attacker left the pitch with his boots and jersey still on. The commotion and scuffle lasted for 10 mins before referee restored order by flashing yellows to Ryan and Indra and a red to the unknown location of the number 22.
Naufal had a couple of chances but can't find the target.
In the end referee calls the ugly match to an end with City victorious.
City coach commented,"It was simply chaotic. That (flying kick) does not deserved to be on the game. He (player number 22) should have been banned for life or have the team dejected from the league. Its simply ridiculous. We came to plau soccer and their actions deserve to be in other sport but not in soccer. JFC players warned us before of their tackling and we experienced it today. They were over the top. The referee could have flash 2 or 3 red cards but kudos to him he restored the situation but what he failed is to award the freekick where it should be given.
The lads want to be second so badly and we applaud JFC whom I think will be the champions without a shout of a doubt. They deserved to be. But back to today's game, we see that even we are short in numbers, we play our hearts out and 3 points was good as we pushed for the final onslaught for second place. I know we can do it. The back four with the debut of Hongo was excellent and the guys who showed commitment by even flying from other country just to get to this match was unquestionable. This has been a reason why City is currently 3rd and current in the hunt for automatic promotion. The lads believe and I believe we can go all the way. There is only 1 concern, we should all be team players instead of individuals. That is the only way the team can strive."
