t's first vs third in ESPZEN Division 7 league match at Woodlands Secondary where we saw Royals taking City. With the match official late by 10mins, it turns out to be the South African / Nigeria referee City does not wish to be officiating.
Flashback Season 18 Division 9 game against Teban Thunder at CIS, it was the same referee who made such terrible calls which cost City the game and the title.
With that put aside, City tries to concentrate on the match and with 16 selected players turn out for the match, City coach really means business.
Safiuddin restored in goal due to Amin's injury, Fred start at right back for the first time, Indra and Aleef in centre and Jelson at left back. In midfield, Ryan and Naufal started in centre of midfield, Mizan kept his place on the right and Miah on the left wing while Bob has a free role behind top scorer and captain for the match, Gabir. Hakim, Hafiz, Anon, Tevez and the returning Brahim was on the City's bench.
With both teams playing each other for the first time, they look very curious on how the team have been put out. City started as they always do trying to get their momentum going with Gabir spearheading the attack but it was Royals who took the lead within 10 mins of play through a set piece. Winning a corner, it was send in the 6 yard box and with all the City players missing their headers, Royals captilised with a well taken headed goal past diving Safiuddin.
That's a wake up call for City, they pushed forward and soon send Royals defend back paddling. With Bob orchestrating the play, he releases the onside Gabir who beats Royals goalkeeper with a well place shot.
Then suddenly, referee was on it again calling offsides and every freekick was against City when Royals started to dive and fooled the referee. That left City fuming especially the coach when he screamed at the referee to get hold of the game. The referee then charge towards the touchline and confront City coach Ridwan only to be held back by City players.
He then restart the match and Miah had 2 chances one goes begging the other hitting the woodwork. The referee then blew for halftime.
Second half saw just 1 change as Hafiz was brought on to replace Jelson.
10 mins later it was 2-1, Royals scored with another header after their striker was left free to put Royals in front.
City was devastated, pushing their man infront and making a couple of changes of their own. Bob yet again prove to be City's gem with fancy footwork, releases Gabir on the wings, the striker send the ball to the penalty box which found Miah who evades the defender and with whole City camp jumping in joy, Miah sends the ball over with only the goalkeeper to beat. Every single player held their hand to their heads. It could have been the equaliser.
Royals began to panic and that proves as City make it 2-2 in the 66th minute. Gabir started on the right, skips past their left back sends an inviting cross to Bob who scored with a wonderful scissorkick.
City thought they have what it takes to win. As they try to search for another goal, it was City's backline who commit suicidal move when Indra lost possession at the back and letting Royals to scores the winner in the final minute of the match. City pushed forward in 3 mins of stoppage time but still failed and Royals record victory.
Coach Ridwan declined to comment after the match.
