We return to the league this week with a game versus Eagle Boyz. Having taken a 2 weeks break from the league, we return with a disappointing run of no wins and more injuries to the already depleted squad. And we had to scramble around for guest players as we only had 12 players on match-day. Apparently, we had more success in getting people at S-11 than to the pitch.
We had played Eagle Boyz twice and won both times with lots of blood and sweat. This time round, we expect no difference and off we trot to the far west to face off against them. It was so far off that Harold completely lost his way, said he’s at the pitch and asked where’s everyone. Well, everyone was busy warming up.
Incepcion started with the same formation as before with lots of emphasis on teamwork and graft. We did very well in the first half, restricting them to long shots which were dealt comfortably by SK. We didn’t create much chances but when we did, we couldn’t finish. After two weeks, Ron’s zeroing on his goal kicks were way off, sending them all the way to Tuas instead of their intended targets. The Eagle Boyz were definitely the better team here, swinging balls left and right for their quick forwards to try. We held firm and went into half time 0-0.
Surprisingly, there wasn’t any half time team talk. So the captain decided to make a comment that the defence were leaving the marking to the midfielders while they remain free. Alas, this seem to be the downfall as we collapsed in the second half. We lost the plot completely as the Eagle Boyz stepped up their momentum and punished us with clinical finishing. A quick breakaway from them allowed them to slot the first goal into the net. A free-kick outside the box went in directly. Then a one-on-one with SK left him on the ground while a follow up into the empty net again. Pat made a great run down the right and crossed for our own “clinical” striker, Colin, to smash home. Then another breakaway left a free header in the box to score. 2 more goals followed and it was 6-1. It was pure damage limitation from then on although we were playing against 10 men after their left back deservedly got a red card, although it should have had been earlier in the game.
We didn’t play as well in the second half. I should have kept my mouth shut on the tactics. Notable performance were Patrick, who work tirelessly and contributed to an assist. Benny (guest player) was a constant thorn in the opponents side as he was penetrative going forward. But the rest of us? Think we were looking forward to Christmas.
Nevertheless, we had done well this season as we play in our very first competitive league. We had played all the supposedly “tough” teams and now it’s up to us to finish the season the best we can. And of course, no more injuries.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year everyone.
