It's 1st vs 2nd as Chestercity FC welcomes league leaders Untitled FC at Bedok Green Secondary. A victory will see City pip their opponents today and City deployed a rather safe 4-5-1 line up with experience and young talents in their ranks. Amin, who make a u-turn on his decision to quit the club last week was named in goal, The back four was a surprise as Xavier and Jelson, too young blood taking the full back slots with Parry and returning Aleef at centre. In midfield we saw, Mizan pushed forward on the right wing from his usual right back position, Ahmad starts on the left leaving Indra and surprising Fred deployed as defensive midfielder. Duncan Elias had a free role behind lone striker and captain Ryan.
On the bench, it was filled with talents the likes of hitman Gabir, Riz, Anon, Aziz, Safiuddin, Ashura, Danial and Ridwan himself ready to be called upon.
It's was a rather slow start to the match as both teams took precaution going forward, it was only in the 18th min, City abandon their defensive shape with star player Duncan opening up Untitled defence with mesmerizing runs. Ahmad nearly opened his account for City but his shot was well saved, yet again another telling pass from Duncan. Amin was called into action twice as he stopped two inbound shots from Untitled's team move. City got their deserving lead in the 37th min when Duncan who was given the free role to roam, sends a measured pin point cross for Ryan to score from close range. 1-0 to City.
Halftime stays at 1-0.
Ridwan then make multiple changes at the interval bringing on Gabir for goalscorer Ryan. Anon, Bob, Aziz on for Mizan, Xavier and Jelson in a change formation of 4-4-2.
City had a far better possession and with chances goes begging for both side. Untitled had a chance to equalise but their striker can only put the ball over from close range with only Amin to beat.
Danial was brought on for Ahmad and the youngster was off form and had only one shot which the goalkeeper comfortably saving. Anon was running wild on the right skipping past players as if there are not there. Anon had one scissors kick saved by the custodian as well.
Gabir also had a couple of sniffs at goal but their goalkeeper was up to every shot with saves after saves.
Ridwan decided to bring himself on in place of Parry dropping Indra to centre back and Bob in the centre of midfield.
It was finally over when Anon burst down the wing after an excellent through pass by Duncan, who unselfishly lays it for Ridwan for City's second and his 14th of the season. It was wild celebrations as City knew they sealed the 3 points.
Gabir had other ideas, with no goals to his name last weekend, City's number 9 was desperate to put one for himself. Collecting a rather soft clearance from the goalkeeper, the Egyptian dances his way past 2 defenders with trickery but only manages to see his shot saved by the goalkeeper.
Final whistle, City celebrated. It was a hard fought win.
Ridwan commented, "It was a victorious battle. I can't really ask for more from the lads. They want the win more than anything else. It was a great win and a bonus that we kept a clean sheet. With 4 more games to go, I guess we must stay focus to seal the championship. We need to have everyone coming down for games and continue this wonderful run of ours."
