It's an old rivalry as Chestercity FC takes on TGA Buffalos in a match where City has won 3 out of the 4 meetings against their opponents. The first encounter was one to remember as City won 8-7 in an epic match where City ex striker Airul Zahrin scored an incredible 5 goals.
TGA on the other hand was full of confidence with results going their way and with a new strip of white, they face City who were yet to find their feet in the competition. Drawing and losing their league games so far, team manager Ridwan is feeling the heat as City are still bottom and winless.
On a good weather at Bedok North Secondary, Naufal was named October's player of the month but was left bemused when only 11 players turning up during kickoff but with 2 goalkeepers for the match, City hadto start the game with 9 outfield players. Ridwan deployed 4-4-1 formation, trying to cope with the 10 players available against a strong TGA numbers. Naming returning Amin in goal and Jelson at left back, the defensive department has Xavier Aleef and amazingly City top scorer Bob as centre back as Anon, Ryan, Afiq and captain for the match Naufal in midfield leaving Irwan Azly as the orthodox forward.
City had only 1 sub in Ronnie and that was not help when TGA got an early lead to a set piece. Failing to clear off a corner, TGA's justin unleashed a screamer to the roof of the net leaving Amin rooted to the spot.
Fred turns up for the game, he did a quick warm-up before he enters the field with TGA one up pushing Bob to right mid and Afiq to forward. Then to manager Ridwan's amusement, Safiuddin turns up for the match, Ridwan ask Safiuddin to don missing Sze Wei's number 12 jersey and went on the subs bench.
Ryan had a shot wide and Irwan Azly who picked up last week man of the match could only shoot straight at the keeper. Then there was a boost when Indra turns up for the match. Amin did well to stop TGA's striker pounce to the ball but referee did not see that he was caught late in the knee. That signals the end of Amin's match as he was subtituted by Ronnie due to injury.
But as soon as Ronnie was brought on, TGA scored. Getting the ball in the middle, Nikhil lobs it over Ronnie to make it 2 before halftime.
Halftime subs, Afiq was rested and taking over his place was Indra. Ryan was pushed to the right and City got better with possession. Bob was running wild on the right but kept losing the ball as TGA shuts City striker out.
Fred and Aleef did well limiting TGA to sniffs of the ball and they never look threaten.
Yet again, City manager Ridwan subs himself in together with the fresh again Afiq in replace of Irwan and Xavier. Ryan slotted in at right back.
City pushed forward searching for that goal they need to boost their confidence but instead TGA sealed the match with their 3rd goal when Andy Walsh was left free to head home from close range.
3-0. With the help of City players and especially Naufal, Indra and Anon, Ridwan was seemingly threatening TGA's half bamboozling his way but only to be foul a couple of times.
Referee did award City with a 20 yard freekick and with Ridwan and Naufal standing over the ball, it looks like TGA knew what was coming as Naufal scores straight from the dead ball set piece giving TGA custodian no chance. Naufal scored from a freekick again against the same opponent on the same pitch. 3-1.
City prowled. They had a penalty protest waved away when Hutton clearly handled the ball of Afiq's flick.
TGA held 3-1 winners.
Manager Ridwan commented, "We are almost there. We need to refocus and start getting the results. The players were excellent. We've lost Amin for the next game but I'm sure with the rest fit and ready for the next game, I see no reason why we can't get our first win. The only thing that we required to do now is believe. I have no doubts that my lads will do. They'll have fun and will surely win the next one even though the team is as strong as Uncaged Elephants. We've lost the reverse encounter 1-0 but I strongly believe the guys will nick it this time."
