There was a spring in everyone's step as the players gathered at Bedok North Secondary School on a brisk Sunday morning. After the usual warm-up routines, the starting line up was read and players took their positions on the pitch. What was not routine though was the formation, Player-Manager, Hafidz, electing to tryout a three pronged attack with strikers; Thomas, Eric & Muhaimin leading the charge.
From the get-go, It was obvious that we would be the more dominant of the two team. In the first minute, Rahul released a dangerous low shot from the left, forcing the Red's keeper into action. FC Phenom had most of the chances, with the forwards getting into good positions but in similiar fashion to the previous game, the hesitation to pull the trigger meant chances went a begging. The lack of conviction infront of goal caused FC Phenom midfield to be overloaded when the Red's counter attacked.
Despite the good flowing football and a tatical substitution to balance the midfield, the Opponents capitalised on an injury to right-back, Mohsen. As their forward broke our offside trap in the 34th min, squaring the ball to his partner in the box to tap into an open goal. Suddenly it was dejavu, as we found ourselves trailing again even though we had better possession. The half time whistle could not have come sooner as it was clear we had to regroup and re-plan the next course of action.
The order of business for the second half was to control the pace of the game, not rushing forward meant that we were able to increase the possession and create better opportunities for the forwards. After several threats from Eric onto the Red's goal, a nice exchange of crisp passes between Harris and Taufiq found combative midfielder, James with a well weighted through ball. James, slammed home the ball from within the box, leaving the keeper with no time to react to his fierce shot
A series of substitution towards the end of the second half saw Izman being brought on. Within 7 minutes of being on the pitch, a cross from right winger, Farhad, found the ever versatile Izman who met the ball at the 6 yard line to tap in the winning goal. Both substitutes, James and Izman had only been on the field between 6-7 minutes before making the changes on the scoreboard, proving that opportunity is made from what you do with the time that is given to you.
The match ended soon after with the Red's failing to breach the defensive line of FC Phenom in the second half. Though the Substitutes may have stolen the limelight, it was the disciplined play of all the players that created the chances. Despite not being ready to play in an unfamiliar formation, the Players gave their all on the pitch to seal the deal in the first half. If not for the composure and teamwork at the back working with the flow and movement up top, FC Phenom would never have been able to complete a sensational comback at the death.
As the players take a well deserved 2 week break before the start of the new season, the Management of FC Phenom would like to wish our players, "Happy Lunar New Year".
Prepared by
Dharman Norms
Secretary, FC Phenom
