CNY, as most people are busy with their celebrations, City take the time and get their pre-season on the way. First up, was Stamford FC.
City had a mere full strength squad and before the game, it was a moral booster to all players as City manager Ridwan unveiled the recaptured Gabir "Gabirtov" Nabil from Boca SCF.
Against familiar faces like Saiful who was a trialist with City before, Bob had a nod from Ridwan to play as their opponents today.
Naming 13 players for match, Ridwan played 3-5-2 formation. Naming Amin captain and in goal, the back 3 was made up by returning Jelson and Eddy together with his brother, Ryan who made 50th appearance in a City's jersey.
The dominant City midfield was full of confidence. Zaza Bahri and Indra was deployed at defensive midfielders, Anon and Mizan was at the wings while Duncan had a free role between 2 main attackers Airul and Gabir. On the bench, City had only Ridwan and Xavier.
Both teams start the game laid back but within 3mins, goal came by Stamford FC. A great team effort.
That was certainly a wake up call for City.
2 mins later, Gabir had a chance but he miscue his shot while being one v one with Bob who at this time played in goal for Stamford FC.
In the 9th minute, City had a chance to equalised, but unlike Duncan, he missed with only the goalkeeper to beat.
6 min later, Gabir found the net. Receiving a wonderful pass from Duncan and much to do, Gabir showed why he was last season top scorer when he slot it past the goalkeeper.
1-1.
In the 19th minute, City had a glimpse of the strike force when Airul and Gabir combined for the Egyptian second goal.
Then City pushed forward, Airul was again the provider slotting a great ball for Duncan who makes no mistake by putting City 3-1 up.
Stamford pulled a goal back in the 24th minute by 1 after a miscommunication between Ryan and Amin for the easiest goal of the match.
Zahrul Bahri had one golden opportunity as he raced down the opposition unchallenged but amazingly shoots straight at the keeper.
Duncan excellent work down the right saw him free of the left back but he was cynically brought down in the penalty box. Referee points to the spot. Anon sends the penalty straight down the middle with Stamford keeper parrying it away.
28th minute, City added a 4th, with Indra scoring after beating the offside trap, from an excellent Duncan's through ball.
Xavier then came on for the unfit Anon.
Mizan added a 5th before the halfway break and it was 5-2 at halftime.
Half time changes, Ridwan came on for Jelson and played left wing with Xavier dropping to one of the back 3.
Straight away from the kick off, City picked up where they left off and went on to add a six when the strike force again combined with Airul yet with another assist for goalscorer Gabir who return to the club with a hattrick.
But 2 quick goals from Stamford are within a shout when the scoreline showed a respectable 6-5 in favour of City.
Gabir then return the favour to Airul sending his strike partner for the goal he deserved.
Airul was again having the game by far his best, assisting yet again. Ridwan receiving a great ball from Duncan turns his marker lay a beautiful thru pass to Airul who unselfishly lays to Ridwan for a simple tap in to make it 8-5 and his first goal for the club.
Then as City laid back, Stamford start pushing forward, Amin showing great reflexes saving 3 one on one but was unable to prevent 3 great team goals from Stamford, one which come from City player Bob to make the score and epic 8-8.
Ridwan commented, "It's good to see Gabir back in City shirt and my word with him and Airul, I can see a formidable force. I hope Duncan will stay and if I were to have all players fit, there is no reason why we can't win games. Anon's penalty miss wasn't an issue. I hope it will not destroy the boy's confidence. We are playing well. We just need to bond quickly as we know we can play. Everyone deserved this credit. We would definitely look forward to the challenge cup game against Triple X United next weekend.
