It was 16 on Thursday, but when the actual day came, we were down to 12. Ben did come along to make it 13 and gallantly went in goal as Sherman was away. At kickoff, we only had 11 and we were desperate to try to recruit on the spot some of the spectators there. But in the end we started with what we had. Opponents were a young bunch (19-25) who were looking very professional with proper gear, coaches, warm-up and team talks. We were still trying to figure out who left the can of Red Bull that attracted ALL the ants to the bags when referee blew to start.
Ben
Jiunn Kee SK Bee
Matt Andy Poh Ron Jerome
Yew Boon
Subs:
Yiong
Harold
Message was to try to contain the game and used the wings as much as we could on a small pitch. Not much chances were created by either team and we did very well defensively, restricting them to long shots and Ben didn't had much to do (as per his half time speech). Half time 0-0. Team talk then was all about having the confidence to match the opponents. They were not as good and we could beat them if we pass to feet, communicate better and retain the shape.
The opponents took the lead when a loose ball on the right side found their hardworking centre midfielder who picked it up and lashed it from the edge of the box. Ben couldn't do anything about it as it whizzed past him. We tried harder after going one goal down and REALLY managed to string a few passes together. Yew Boon was working tirelessly upfront and harrassed the defence constantly. He got us a free kick somewhere near the half way line, Poh went to the ball, looked up and just lofted it over their "short" keeper to equalize before anyone knew it. A great goal from a long distance. Technique, skill and quick thinking got us the equalizer. We then strung another good move when Andy burst through with a 1-2 with Yew Boon but shot wide. Matt got to the end of a long Ron free-kick, got free, and was clear on goal. But he took an extra touch and their defence got back in time to block. End of the game 1-1. A fair result, which many of us will probably take, given the confidence at the beginning of the game and with betting odds of us winning at 5.60 (per our official bookie).
Everyone played well. Jerome did well in his unfamiliar position of left midfield. Ron was covering a lot of ground. Andy showed great touches. Yew Boon was a constant menace which I was very impressed with. SK and Kee were solid at the back. Bee did well before he needed to go toilet. Yiong put in a good shift when he came on and played at least 20 minutes. But my man of the match for scoring the equalizer with a great goal – Poh.
Hopefully, we will get more players for next week.
