With no wins out of 6 games, City faced an uphill task facing their opponents today in Outlander Smurfs.
With City kept leaking goals at the back, manager Ridwan decides to line up a strong squad against their opponents who had only 12 players for the match, the same number as City.
Still missing in the squad was Zahrul Bahri, Safiuddin, Jelson and was not help by the withdrawal of Kim Sun and Parry Lim as Xavier and Amin also sits this tie out.
Playing a 4-4-2 formation, Ronnie kept his place in goal, Aleef had a runout at right back yet again. And with only 1 recognise centre back in Afian, Indra was forced to partner him at the back with Fred cementing his left back position. In midfield, Anon was the right winger, Naufal and captain Ryan in the middle with returning Eddy slotting at left wing. Upfront a rare start for Jeremiah as he partners Irwan Azly. On the bench, Afiq, the late turn-up of Bob and team manager Ridwan was ready to be call upon.
As City tried to settle down, it was comprehensive that Smurfs took the lead as early as the 5th minute. City back four look stunned as a rather routine stop for Ronnie bobbles past the custodian with no pressure. 1-0. It was a wake up call for City but as soon as nerves settled, they found themselves 2 goals down 5 minutes later. Track backing Indra who was not 100% fit failed attempt to tackle the onrushing forward who slots it past the rooted Ronnie. 2-0.
Ridwan pressed the panic button, bringing on Bob for Eddy pushing Jeremiah to the left.
City was still full of nerves and that proves when Smurfs scored a third in the 33rd minute. Mistakes at the back with little communication proves costly as Smurfs forward loops over Ronnie to make it 3. Ryan and Ronnie then had a heated argument after this goal.
City did not pick up and that left them with a daunting task in the second half as they go into the break 3-0 down.
Second half, Ryan went MIA, Ridwan brought on Afiq for the captain.
Still, City was on the back foot until one stroke of genius, Boh saw the goalkeeper of the line. 20 yards out, he send an audacious lob which strikes in off the post. 3-1.
As City prowled forward, Smurfs restored their 3 goal advantage. Indra could only head away a freekick towards a Smurfs' player and it was the easiest goal as the striker taps in for Smurfs 4 goal.
Bob then took off his jersey looking dejected. On comes, Ridwan pushing Irwan to the middle of midfield and partner Afiq upfront. City picks up their tempo and with Ridwan pressurizing the left back most of the period, Afiq picks up his loose ball and send a long range effort catching Smurfs keeper unaware. Its 2 goals in 2 consecutive games from the youngster.
4-2. City pushes on. Stubbornly Smurfs denied City any shooting chance. Aleef was excellent moving forward, Indra and Fred lkept Smurfs striker at bay, Naufal dangerous crosses gave problems for Smurfs defence. Miah had an effort going inches wide, Ridwan and Eddy was seen exchanging heated words over a move. and Smurfs held for all 3 points.
City team manager Ridwan commented, "I'm disappointed with the performance. Their early first goal was supposed to give us a wake up call but instead of it, we crumbled and did not recover after that. We gave them a scare towards the end but we are fighting a losing battle. The players knew it and they really have to pick themselves up or I have to make drastic changes to the lineup, one which would cause some raised eyebrows."
