Pasir Ris, Singapore
After losing out 7-1 to Division 1 team FC MYK in ESPZEN FA Cup round 2, City was drawn against Division 2, Tusser Rangers FC in ESPZEN Plate Last 16.
With a downpour casting over the Meridian JC's skies, Doubts in whether the kickoff will be on time. As most players still strolling past 15mins past 1, it finally started when referee blew his whistle. A pre match handshake between the 2 captains brushes off the intense between the two clubs.
City currently in mid table of Division 7 takes on their opponent who is currently rooted to the bottom of the Division 2 table. With coach Wan naming his lineup, few was surprise when Safiuddin's name was not in the team line up due to work commitments. City coach called upon Jelson for a second time between the sticks in what seems to be an attacking 4-4-2 formation. Hafiz at right back, Indra partners Ryan Sufiyan for the first time in centre defence in the absence of the injured Fred while Hairull back was at left back. The 4 across midfield saw Hakim on the right wing replacing Rome bound Anon, returning Bob partners Brahim in central and Miah retains the left wing position. Upfront a first time partnership of Gabir and Syam Tevez. Few raised eyebrows over Coach Wan's decision to drop Naufal to the bench alongside Faizal, Mizan and Xavier.
The downpour was a factor as the ball prevented the flow of City's attack as seen in a few team move. The waterlogged pitch was a daunting task for City players as they can't find their feet in the first 10mins. Bob was instrumental in central midfield as he picks up a couple of decent passes to his teammates. Hakim also outrun his marker and a few of his crosses didn't get to his target as expected due to the pitch condition. City had a couple of chances which saw Tevez only manages to chip the ball high and wide with goalkeeper stranded. Rangers also had a couple of decent efforts going wide. They also had a goal ruled for offside.
City then began to prowled. Winning a freekick at the edge if penalty box and with Naufal at the bench, Tevez can only managed to sky his freekick.
Soon after it was 1-0. City captain Indra steps up caught Rangers' striker in an offside position but referee failed to spot it and with an acute finish to the bottom corner, it was 1-0 leaving City players fuming over the decision.
City decided to attack but was most countered by Rangers impressive wing display. Hafiz then burn himself out and had to be replace by Xavier.
City thought they equalized on the 28th min when a loose ball was pickup by left back Hairull who hits it first time only to see his effort being tipped into the crossbar by Rangers custodian. A great effort equals a great save.
Referee then brought the first half to a close. Second half saw Faizal, Mizan and Naufal coming on for the departing Gabir, Brahim and Bob in a change formation of 4-5-1 with Tevez as lone striker. That proves dividend as City match Rangers play per play but still City has no final product in the attacking half. Stray passes was not what City needed as thy search for an equaliser.
Rangers started to play hard football and their tackles was over the top which City lost the plot when captain Indra gave away yet another penalty in a fortnight. City players looked dejected knowing that a goal now will kill off City's hopes of progressing into the quarterfinal.
Referee blew the whistle and Jelson pulled off a good save from a rather direct penalty to keep hopes alive. City beginning to feel they can grabbed something out of the game.
They threw everything, desperately, coach Wan deployed 3-4-3 formation trying to get the lone goal they needed but was backfired when Rangers put the game beyond doubt when their right winger low cross found the unmarked Rangers player who shoots past Jelson to make the score 2-0 to the good.
City knew that they don't deserved to lose and held their heads high despite the final whistle results.
Coach Wan said after the match,
"The lads put up a brave battle. It's was tic for tac. The referee did not spot the offside and that was a hurdle for us and I don't blame him really cause he has no assistants on the far side to make the call. I hope ESPZEN do install extra officials. Jelson kept us in the game and even though Indra gave away a penalty, he was exceptional. Bob was another gem. His display of good ball control was missed when Aizam left the club last season. He may be the jigsaw puzzle we need. Miah also showed good character as his quick thinking along with Hakim's burst of speed down the flanks really took the game to Rangers. It's sad in this night, we lost the services of Fred, Anon and Safiuddin cause I know what they will bring if they are in the team list. Focusing on the lads today, they really need to forget about this game and focus on the league match encounter against Goorgoyo in a fortnight and my forwards must start finding their feet and get the goals banged in."
