It was a devastating news for City camp before their game against Omertà FC as most of their key
players are out due to commitments.
With the late withdrawal of Hakim, City had to start with 12.
4-4-2 formation was preferred by Ridwan as he reinstated Nol in goal, Captain Jelson had his first start as right back, Parry partners the returning Fred with Eddy, a candidate for March Player of the month on the left. In midfield, Mizan returns, slotted in as right wing with Xavier taking the left while the centre midfield was covered by Indra and Ryan. Upfront the lethal strikeforce of Ridwan and Bob Ashura continues.
With key player Duncan missing out, the team looks to create something without his services.
Both teams took precaution to their approach but it was City who tried to capitalized first. The bumpy ground was the decision factor for both teams as they failed to control their passes well.
It was a precision cross from Mizan which nearly led to the opening goal. From a set piece, Mizan sends a wicked cross to the back post and with most players missing, Ridwan thunderous goalbound header was excellently tipped away by the goalkeeper. Ridwan was astounded.
In the 7min, it was City who went a goal down when a wonderful shot to Nol's corner crept through leaving everyone in aw.
As City been trying to get their feet on the ground, Omertà added a second in the 20th min courtesy of an error at the back. A simple tame shot crept in pass the diving Nol's legs.
2-0. Ridwan had 2 chances to equalise. Bob who made excellent run down the right flank escape his marker and sends a telling low pass to the unmarked Ridwan but the forward can only shoot straight at the goalkeeper with a tempting open goal scoring opportunity. Ridwan held his head.
2nd chance came to him again and after a wonderful work effort by Ryan who sends Ridwan through, saw the goalkeeper off his line but scuffed his shot wide. That prompt a heated argument between Bob and Ridwan.
With Ridwan dropping deep, it was Mizan who pulled City back to contention after a great work again by Bob on the right leaving the winger an easy tap in.
2-1 score stayed till halftime. With only 1 sub available, City brought Safiuddin on for Nol in goal. A very wise move by City as they started the match with more confidence and desire. Indra and Ryan were marshaling the middle of the park while Fred and Parry kept the backline tight leaving space for Eddy to press forward.
9mins after the restart, it was 2-2. Mizan scored his second goal of the game but it was meant to be a cross but the goal matters to City camp.
4mins later, City took the lead. Bob caught the keeper by surprise with a wonderful acute angle goal.
3-2.
Omertà FC by then up their tempo with most players pushing up but their number 7 was still upbeat as he mesmerized down the right flank a couple of times causing problems.
But yet again City did what they did best. Exploiting the gaps left by Omertà, Bob ran wild and unselfishly lays to Ridwan for the simplest goal of the game in the 58th min which saw Ridwan refusing to celebrate.
4mins later, it was game set and match when Indra was brought down in the penalty box. He picks himself up and sends an excellent penalty to the roof of the net.
Then off all a sudden before Omertà can lay back, City added a six with Xavier getting his first goal for the club with a close range finish. Bob with yet another assist.
Ridwan nearly added his second of the game but his freekick hit the post before going out.
Omertà thought City were done but was shell shock when Eddy ran with the ball from his half beating 3 players before shooting low for a remarkable goal. Certainly a candidate for the goal of the season.
City ran out 7-2 winners.
Ridwan commented after the game, "It's a great comeback from the players, they didn't let their (Omertà FC) goal to kill them off, instead they picks themselves up and found their way back. Mizan's goal before halftime was crucial as we need some moral boosters before going to halftime team talk. Every department was great today and I'm sure we'll go on as strong favourites right now. The reason I did not celebrate my goal is because I'm disappointed with my performance as a whole. The lads deserves the credit and hope they can continue this excellent form."
