We convened at Pasir Ris Crest Sec again this week. The weather was much better but the opponents (Blackbird FC) seemed more ready than our opponents for the past 2 games. They were already warming up while our players slowly streamed in. Referee was late and that allowed us to have time to get our team ready.
Starting lineup.
SK
Jiunn Ben Roger Clarence
Daryl Harold Jeffery Damian Yiong
Yew Boon
Subs:
Colin
Siong
Stan
Bee
Henry
Blackbird FC were a young team, with a few talented individuals. They were definitely looking fitter and speedier than us. However, we got the game going and quickly went into the lead. Yew Boon feeding Colin with an exquisite through ball which Colin managed to reach and slot into the bottom corner. We then seem to take our foot off the pedal and allowed them to come back strongly into the game. Our passes were not connecting and we were losing out in key challenges. This resulted in a quick breakaway where their key player skipped past a few challenges, burst through and placed a shot beyond SK reach. Then they scored a second goal when we failed to cleared the ball. Changes were made and this seem to freshen up the team. Harold then equalized for us with a shot from outside. Half-time 2-2.
There seems to be a general consensus that we were too casual with the play. We did well in the first half. But we could do better and we should. But alas, we failed to kick into gear and gave away a penalty when SK brought down their striker. 2-3. We were 2-4 down when we again failed to tackle the striker and he slotted into the bottom corner. Frustration began to kick in but credit to the team for not letting their heads go down. We stepped up our game and went 4-4-2. Colin lofted a through ball which Yew Boon lobbed into the goal, repaying him for his earlier assist. Good pass, good goal. This drove us even further and we were well on top. We were encouraging each other and worked really hard for the team. A loose ball broke to Jeffrey at the edge of the box and his shot somewhat squirmed through the goalkeeper’s hands (no gloves) and went in for a well deserved equalizer. WE were certainly the better team now and could have snatched a winner but desperate defending and luck prevented that. Final score 4-4.
Thoroughly ecstatic with the performance. We showed a different character now when we went behind. The passing was better in the second half and our guest player even said that it was great to see us play. Composure and commitment brought us an excellent result and it is only with this kind of attitude that we can enjoy the game. I am not just the only one pleased. Many of the team members were happy with the way we played. My MOM this week is Ben. He put in a great shift when called upon. He read the game well and broke up many of their attacks. He was very motivated and was clearly upset when we didn’t do as well as we could. Well done Ben.
To the team, very good performance in the second half. I know it’s tough to keep the game going and to maintain the focus when we keep making changes to the team. Put in the effort and work hard for one another and we will definitely enjoy the game better. See you guys Saturday.
