Back from the euphoria of the previous week's emphatic win against BC, we are back in action against Marist F.C this week. This is the team that we came from behind to win 2-1 previously, and sparked off our amazing unbeaten run. Due to an increasing number of injuries and unavailabliity of several team members, we brought in 2 guest players, Chan (Midfielder) and Loy (Goalkeeper), to beef up the team. We also welcome back our midfield hardman, Jason after a long period of absence. We are playing on grass for the 2nd consequtive week, and were certainly not help by the state of the pitch which look more like landmines, and also a long delay to kick off due to the late arrival of the referee, who was unapologetic and still strolled in as if he's a MVP. Game finally started almost 40mins after 5pm.
First Half
Marist started with a similar team from our previous encounter, however with 2 prominent young additions to their side, who astonished many of us with their lightning speed. The bad state of the pitch gave both teams some problems in adjusting to play our normal game, but we just managed to get a better grip of the game faster than our opponents. On the 11th min mark, a sleak through ball sent Colin rushing into the opponent's penalty box. Marist's keeper was quick off his line and reached the ball 1st, but his attempted clearance smacked onto Colin (seriously don't know hit which part of him), and lobbed into the goal. However, said, credit to Colin for getting there in the first place, and also following through to make sure it lands in the net. We were starting to dominate the game after the headstart, with everyone working hard to close down opponents and limiting their threats. As usual, Incepcion, who have gained a reputation to shoot themselves in the foot, happened again with just over 10mins left in the first half. A harmless long ball into our half was controlled by SK, who probably thought for the moment he was Franco Baresi or whatever he was thinking, dwelled on ball, and got stolen (he was subbed and never came back). Neverthelss, Marist's No.7 still have a lot to do, and he pulled off a delightful lob over Loy for their equalizer. Marist started to play with more confidence and both their speedy wingers were constantly troubling us. Yiong had to stop one of the mauruding runs by body checking him, thus picking up his 2nd consequtive yellow card in as many matches. Thanks to Jason, his no nonsense style of play won us several headers and tackles during this odd period of match. We then picked ourself up and started to press again. One notable occasion just before the break came after a series of one-touch football that started with Lawrence, and included at least half the team players, ending with Jason sending a pass down the right flank for Daryl, who made a lung bursting run down the flank. He crossed it first time into the box which Yew Boon did well to bring the ball down and teed off for Lawrence, but unfortunately his shot went astray. 1st half ended a goal each.
Second Half
Our half time pep talk was simple and straightforward, as we were clearly the better team. We were reminded to press harder, and minimize the runs by the 2 speedy youngsters of Marist. We started the half in control of the game, again with Jason marshalling the midfield and protecting the defence. However, within 10mins of the re-start, disaster strucked! Marist's big sized malay midfielder, who was tussling throughout the match with Jason, decided to barge into Jason's back at full force, causing him to fall awkwardly onto the ground. Jason's match was ended prematurely with an initial suspected fracture (was confirmed to be 2 torn shoulder ligaments). It was one of the many blatant fouls by the same player who didnt get shown any card by the ref!! (he eventually got booked later for an elbow on Chan). Chan, who had a quiet 1st half came on as an immediate replacement for Jason, and less than 5mins later, he became an instant hero. A corner on the far right of the pitch by Harold, found Chan's head as he soared highest among a sea of players to power in a header! As the saying goes, what a goal can make a difference to a player's confidence as he started to show what he's capable of both in defence and attack. With the lead, Incepcion played with more composure and determination, we attacked and defended as a team, showing lots of commitment. Our guest keeper Loy was commanding and excellant when called to action in odd situations, we were never really in danger to concede again. With 10mins remaining in the game, the sky was turning dark (due to late start of the game), and vision was getting poor, but our concentration level was still up. Thankfully, we finally secured our win when a pin-point free kick by Lawrence, found Yew Boon, who cleverly escaped his marker to glance his header beyond their keeper's reach. With clock running down, Clarence found himself in the books again for persistent fouling, and Yew Boon had a half uted bicycle kick over the bar. Final Score 3-1.
Evaluation
First and foremost, a satisfying win that propelled us to top of the table! Everyone did their best, EVERYONE! Regardless of how many minutes you played, or how much you cheered, or how much hair u pulled (hair pulling applies to Sherman only.....lol). Well done Lads!!
Unfortunately, our MOM, Jason suffered a season ending injury (est. 3 months), and on behalf of Incepcion, wished him a quick and smooth recuperation. He will definitely be missed.
Kee and Siong both had knocks to their ankles, and we wished them a speedy recovery to make the team for the next game.
An unfortunate incident happened off the pitch when SK accidentally kicked the ball and hit Yew Boon's rib area, causing immense pain and an altercation that almost turned ugly. Although the incident was purely accidental, but it was definitely uncalled for. In the first place, we all should be concentrating on the game, and encouraging our mates on the pitch, rather than kidding around on the sidelines. Our injury list is mounting, and we certainly do not want to add on to the list, especially if caused under foolish circumstances. SK have since sincerely apologised for the accident, and Yew Boon have cooled down, accepted and moved on. Our team has great camaraderie, which is a rarity compared to many other social football teams, and I'm sure many will share this sentiment. Let's keep it going!
Last but not the least, we welcome back Henry after a long injury lay-off. Although he's not ready to play yet, but it's a good sign seeing him back in full kit and warming up again. Not forgetting the free towels he contributed, and there will be 3 to be given for the next few MOMs. Hope you get back to full fitness soon mate!
Beat British Club 6-0
Beat Marist FC 3-1
Let's make it a hattrick this coming Sat!!
