FC Phenom started the afternoon with a rigourous warm-up in preparation for their friendly against Kops FC at Naval Base Secondary School. The Boys in White, hit the ground running from the first whistle, dominating with man-of-the match (#18) Azhar Shah orchestrating the game from the centre of the park. However, their threats on goal were neutralised by the resilient defence of Kops FC, whom had initially held the forwards at bay.
It took FC Phenom seventeen minutes to break the deadlock as (#9) Raul Pratap Singh tapped in the ball after (#26) Mohammad Danial Ali drove a dangerous cross to the far post from the right. FC Phenom smelt blood in the water and pressed on. They were quickly rewarded six minutes later when in similiar fashion to the first goal, talismanic striker, Ruzaini Roslan struck a tap in from (#10) Suhairi Suhaimi's pass from the flank.
Kops FC, startled into action by the quick goals, switch their conservative playing style and started to put pressure on FC Phenom's backline. Despite Kops FC's best efforts to penetrate the defence marshalled by (#82) Josh Shaun Lim and Ang Thiam Foo, FC Phenom held fast to keep the score at 2-0 in their favour at the half-time break.
A flurry of changes were made at half time and the fresh pairs of legs proved too much for Kops FC to handle as FC Phenom extended their lead in a 5-min goal frenzy. In the 43rd minute, another low cross by winger (#26) Mohammad Danial Ali led to a tap in by lanky striker Muhaimin Aziz. A minute later, Guest Player, Nelson Kristhaber finished off a dazzling solo effort with a cheeky shot that caught the opposing keeper by surprise. On the 48th min, industrious forward, (#10) Suhairi Suhaimi, capitalised on a fumble by the Kops FC to finish clinically from close range.
As FC Phenom settled into a more balanced formation, the defence was tested time and time again as Kops FC launched numerous counter-attacks. On the off chance that they broke through FC Phenom's defensive set-up, their efforts were thwarted by the safe hands of the man between the sticks, Mohamad Azrul Mansoor. In the dying moments of the match, (#46) Harris Kay struck the final nail in the coffin for Kops FC with a well-struck long range strike to end the match 6-0 in FC Phenom's Favour.
The high spirits observed during the cool down session was proof of the positive effect attained from a good run of form. Though the forwards were the decisive edge for the match, credit was also due to the defenders and goalkeeper who kept a clean sheet, proving once again that the best attacks can only be built on a strong and stable defence.
The question remains, will FC Phenom be able to translate their impressive form during friendlies to consistency in the league.
All evidences from today's performance points to a "Yes."
