Jurong West, Singapore
Final game of Group B of the PowerZ cup with City already qualified faced Soccer Sonix knowing they need to avoid defeat by superior goals to go through as runner ups.
City on the other hand also wish to overturn the tide of sluggish form by getting back to winning ways and welcome back season 1 player, Azhar Hussain, injury hit striker Airul Zahrin and also the unveiling of new defensive midfielder, Danny Yee.
With 5 players turning up late, City started with 11 men in a 4-4-2 formation.
In goal, Fudin starts. Ryan found himself out of position at right back, Parry partners Aleef in centre and Eddy on the left. In midfield, Danny saw himself being forced to work down the right with Riz on the left leaving Azhar and Indra to operate down the middle.
Upfront a milestone for Ridwan who captained the side with Airul Zahrin as his strike partner.
Danny with the ability to roam within minutes spray his passes around well with Indra and Azhar marshaling the centre park.
Ridwan had the first shot at goal, getting at the end of Airul's through ball, his left foot shot was parried for a corner.
Sonix pushes on, they piled on the attack but was lacking a finish. With them not taking their chances, it was City who went in front in the 18th minute and who else found the net non other than Airul Zahrin. Picking a pass from the centre, Airul turns and sends a screamer to the roof of the net giving the goalkeeper no chance.
It was Airul again with the masterplay, not showing signs of rustiness, latched onto the ball nicks it pass the onrushing goalkeeper and with the ball goalbound, Ridwan toe pokes it into the net to claim his 17th of the season.
Sonix did not panic, they pressured City into their own half but could not get past the excellent backline.
Half time stays at 2-0.
Halftime changes saw Aziz coming on for Riz in a move saw Ridwan dropping to the left and a chance for Eddy playing upfront with Airul.
Sonix pulled a goal back with the flow of play. Sonix pushed forward in search of an equaliser but was equaled by the excellent goalkeeping of Fudin whom later injured himself after a clearance.
Xavier who came on for Ryan at right back showing experience and quality to prevent Sonix of getting back to the game, stopping their progress and starving out their flow of the ball.
City had a goal disallowed after Eddy was judge wrongly by the referee for offside when it was clear otherwise.
With City winning, they cemented their place at the top of group B with 100% record.
With their mind off the league, Cup is their only possible silverware this season.
Ridwan commented,"Love was in the air. 50th appearance for the club was a great achievement. Never believe i could have done it. Thank you to all the players who have been here with me since day one and all those who have just come to City. The team was great. We should have kept every performances like this regardless of the opponent. We showed what we are made of. With the cup as the only realistic silverware, I guess the players have their mind at ease when it comes to league matches. Just keeping our fingers crossed for the top 3 teams to falter and results going our way. With we have 1 week off to get our batteries recharged, I hope we will have a full squad come Sunday and it could be the return debut of Syam Arifin."
