Bedok, Singapore.
With Untitled FC not playing, City have the chance to extend their lead at the top with a win against Omerta. Having played pre-season against each other which sees City won the match 7-2, it was a different Omerta side compared to the previous. Both teams had only 11 players and had to do with no subs. With that, City coach Ridwan deployed a rather attacking formation of 3-5-2 trying to exploit Omerta's defensive forray. Amin started in goal, the back 3 was Hafiz, Parry and Eddy with the 5 across midfield saw Bob on right wing while Ahmad allowed to roam on the left, Indra who is making his 50th appearance playing along Riz in the middle while Duncan playing just behind frontline of Ryan and Ridwan.
City had a couple of chance to put themselves in the lead but was equalled by great defensive and goalkeeping by Omerta backline. Ridwan on few occasion might have put his scoring boots at home as he miscaculated Bob's cross which would have opened the account. Ryan had an opportunity which went wide while the excellent display of Bob down the right failed to capitalised by Ridwan whom every player thought would have smashed that in from close range.
Duncan had a long range strike punched into the goal by the goalkeeper but to City players' amusement, referee decide to award a goalkick. The referee was then surrounded by City players who demanded an explaination. City went on with the game.
It took City half an hour to finally get the breakthrough and who else but City's maestro finsihing from outside the box leaving the goalkeeper no chance. City had a penalty turn down when Omerta's right back was all over Ridwan but referee yet again with another dubious decision.
City added another goal stroke of halftime when 2 brothers, Ryan and Eddy combined headers to put City 2nil up at halftime.
City start the second half as they did they in the first. But it was Omerta who pulled a goal back when they caught City's defence napping, which Amin did great by trying to keep it out only to deflect it into the net. Omerta trying to surprise City, thinking they could grab a point but City had other ideas. Bob again influential on the right, playing tiki taka with Duncan and Ryan but their final ball was dissapointing. Indra was helping out the excellent back 3 winning ball with his acurrate tackles.
Duncan explode into brilliance. Evades a few Omerta's player, saw Ridwan free, lays to him but yet again, Ridwan failed to connect with the ball, leaving City players frustrated.
Duncan's final goal was the final nail on the coffin as Bob again came up with another assist laying Duncan for his easiest goal of his City's career.
Final score, City 4-1 winners.
Ridwan commented after the match,"First of all, I would to congratulate Indra for his 50th appearance for the club. Ryan for being named August Player of the Month and Duncan who wrote himself in City's history book by being the first player to win the award 2 months in a row. Well the team did exceptionally well with the numbers we have. We could have win more if we took the chances we have but I must say I've failed to finish some good service delivered to me. I'm not in form today but kudos the team were. That really sums everything, if one player was on his bad day, others must step up and shine and that is what City did today. I'm impressed. 4 points ahead, we still have to wary with Woodlanderz who is making the last dash to the finish line. They would definitely be awarded best offensive team after their 8-2 demolising of Bon Voyage but in this league, points are the thing that matters compared to goals. So I would definitely think that we have one hand on the championship and we will stay focus and will keep winning our final 3 games.
