Bedok, Singapore
A match between old rivals from Division 9 with City taking on TGA Buffalos on a drizzling wet Bedok North Secondary. City started the match fresh from the 3-2 win over last weekend and they face today's opponent full of confidence.
Pre match highlights was when Frederick, City's centre back was announced as April's Player of the Month.
City started the match deploying 4-5-1 formation with no goalkeeper in sight, Mizan was called upon as an emergency replacement between the sticks. Right back position goes to Xavier, captain Indra partners Fred as usual and Hairull back from missing the last game filling up the final defensive spot. Anon, sticks to the right wing position and midfield trio saw a change as Faizal, Sufiyan and Gabir played in dispense of Ibrahim, Hakim. Naufal started at left wing with Syam Tevez as lone striker.
City started off at a slow pace but TGA move a gear up from the whistle causing problems City failing to cope with the physical build of the opponents in the drizzle. They had a goalmouth scramble cleared off and Fred was forced to be subtitute after the centre back falls arkwardly and had to be replaced by Hafiz.
Within 14th mins, TGA unleashed their aerial presence and their long throw setpiece one found the head which crept past the despairing Mizan. 1-0 to TGA Buffalos.
City at most of the time was on the back foot, never gave the ball away eventually TGA effort had no profound effect on City. That proves dividend when Yan wins a freekick 25 yards out. Naufal stands over the ball, send a dipping freekick beating the tall TGA custodian to make the scoreline even in the 28th min.
City pressed on but TGA was too strong for the away side but not a single attack came fruitful. Halftime stayed at 1-1.
Halftime saw a few changes made by City with Gabir, Faizal, Anon and Mizan coming off for Miah, Brahim, Hakim and the returning Safiuddin in goal.
City started on the back foot yet again and once they settled down, they were most dangerous on the counters. Pressuring the opponents pretty well, in the 57th min, Tevez found himself free, saw the goalkeeper off his line, sends a lob shot giving City the lead to the jubliant of his teammates in the goal celebration.
Safiuddin then showed why City missed him when he made a couple of magnificent saves to keep City infront.
City then was awarded a penalty and it was a dubious decision when Tevez was brought down in the penalty box. Referee waving away the protest of TGA. Indra steps up but only manage to sends the spotkick wide. That leaves City coach furious at the dugout. He knew that it was a chance to put the match beyong doubt.
City then keep defending, Anon coming back on replacing Xavier, Jelson replacing Hairull with Yan dropping back to the heart of defence partnering Indra.
City had one final chance in the 3 on 1 counter attack, when Miah wins the ball in his own half lay a through ball to Tevez and with only the goalkeeper to beat, he squares it to Hakim but TGA custodian does well to stop City's progress.
The final whistle was music to City's players' ears as they completed the mission and went 2 wins out of 2 in a week.
City coach commented,"It was sad to lose Fred early in the game. He has just picked up April's player of the month award but kudos to the players they cope well with the physical threat of TGA and was on hand to take their chances and never looked back. It was a great win for the players and I can't ask for more. It was a well deserved win and its good to see Tevez opening his account for the season. He was nicknamed 'Tevez' not for nothing"
