Incepcion arrived for today’s game with two 6 goals defeat on the trot. Confidence was low and it wasn’t helped with a small squad that at one stage only had 12 players. Luckily, we managed to get 16 players to the pitch. Instructions from the manager were to keep it simple and pass the ball around. Colin did mentioned that we might have been complacent as we were supposedly playing against veterans and to start playing hard.
Game kick off with our usual shape. We immediately settled and started pressuring the opponents. Not much chances were created other than Daryl shooting straight at the keeper late in the 1st half. At the back, we were coping well with their attacks and when the defence missed anything, Jeff was there to mop it up. But Incepcion failed again to play simple. Opting for long balls and unproductive dribbles. We can’t even do the basic things right. Very frustrating to watch. Colin landed awkwardly and hurt his knee, seems like ligament and will not be available for a while. Yew Boon worked hard in front but couldn’t get the final ball to him. First half ended 0-0.
2nd half kicked off and the same thing happen. Basic things, Incepcion refused to do. A bizarre incident happened when the Captain just walked off the pitch, shouting profanities at something. This distracted the team and immediately on the counter attack, Marists scored. Manager was outraged but put Roger in for the Captain. What a master-stroke! A free kick from Harold hit the raised hand of the defender in the wall was turned down for a penalty. It was obvious but the referee claimed he didn’t see it. As time goes on, Incepcion worked harder and piled on the pressure. A good move on the right spreaded the ball down the byeline, which Daryl had to burst his lungs to get it and whipped into the box. Jerome challenged for it and it ricocheted off their defender for Roger to tap it into an empty goal. With 10 minutes left, another long punt saw Yiong put on his after burners and crossed into the box. Yes, crossed. Unbelievable but true. A looping cross, which Jerome attacked it. Yes, attack it. He rose higher and harder than the defender and thumped it into the net with his head. 2-1 to Incepcion. We brought Clarence on to DM to try to help defend, his instructions was to stay there. But he was everywhere. Including a tackle right in the opponents penalty box. Desperate defending and a GREAT save from Jeff, kept them out and we wore the time down. Final score was 2-1. Everyone was relieved as it was a hard fought victory.
Two surprise scorers for Incepcion today. Roger with his first goal for Incepcion since a long time and Jerome with a great challenge and header. Commitment was the key. Effort was the key. Both made great efforts to be able to help Incepcion come from behind to win. There was a lot of commitment shown today. Bee was perpetually in the opponent half despite his left back position. He made good headway there and might be considered for the left wing role soon. Yew Boon kept going and going and encouraging the whole team all the time. Our new player, Martin, made several good runs but will probably need more time to get accustomed to Singapore football. At the back, Ben was outstanding as usual, reading the game well and combining with Kee to form a wall in front of Jeff. SK too, but decided at one moment to caress and penetrate the football instead of clearing it for one humorous moment. For his effort and his goal, Roger gets the nod for MOM for this week. Well done Roger. Get it going and step up for the team.
The captain incident was uncalled for and disrupted the team. He has been fined for his outburst and counseled. No excuses for his behavior and hope that none of the team will do such thing again. In all honesty, Incepcion didn’t play as well as we should but we got the 3 points. We need to get the basics right and push each other to work together. Hopefully, this result will see us move forward better. Although there was a claim that a certain lucky charm got us this win today. Take your guess.
Let’s try again next week.
