Our league game against Papolona was postponed, and so we are on another friendly game for the third week running. Today's opponent was Oceans 15, a team that beaten us on 2 previous occasions with the scoreline, 0-4 & 4-5. Turnup for today's match was good, and we only required a guest player in Loy (Goalkeeper), boosted by the return of several players who were on international duties last week.
1st Half
We started with a rare 4-4-2 formation, and ambitious attacking mode. Both teams were rather untidy and chances were far and few. We were by far the better team though, keeping our shape and restricting them to attempt long shots which were either way off, or easily dealt with by our keeper. On the other end, a few half chances were not converted (oh how we missed our magical durian picker). Harold came closest to scoring when he harrased their last defender and lobbed just wide of goal. Shortly before halftime, a corner by Harold struck the post and ended the half goalless.
2nd Half
Halftime team talk was kept to minimal by SK, reminding the team to stay in shape and continue our pressing game from where we left off. 10 mins into the half, a series of quick passing between Henry, Yew Boon and Pat lead to Henry bursting into the box. His initial shot was parried by the keeper, but he made no mistake with the rebound, and we were up 1-0. Oceans were pegged back by our high pressing game with Henry, Yew Boon, Pat and Damo constantly harassing them. Our defence dealt with most of their attacks and continue to restrict them to desperate long shots only. Right about the 65th min, Harold got on a loose ball just inside their half and went on a mazy run which took him past 4 players. With his angle for a shot getting acute, his attempted cross turned out to be shot that spilled in through the near post off the keeper. 2-0 to Incepcion. With 10 mins remaining on the clock, Jansen made his long awaited comeback. It was supposedly timed to perfection (no need to pay game fee.....lol), but got a shock response when the referee decided to add 10 extra mins to the game....
Our third goal arrived shortly off a long throw taken by Damian, which was headed in by their defender for an own goal. Finally, the talking point of the game....with clock ticking down, Jansen won a tackle in his own half and a counter attack was launched, 3 on 3, got a ball into the path of Yew Boon who charged passed the last defender into the penalty box. Although with a clear shot at goal, he drew the last defender and keeper towards him and unselfishly squared the ball to his left, as Ron came running in totally unmarked. 6 feet from goal, with an empty goal post, last kick of the game.....
He didn't score. The End.
Final Score 3-0 to Incepcion
It was a fantastic win to end Saturday afternoon, and again i like to reiterate that is was boosted by returns of several players from internation duties. Roger was rock solid in defence, Bee was in commanding mode and even found the time for a rugby conversion, Henry's knee became stronger and harassed like Suarez, and Harold finally charged straight at opponents. Together with our regular pillars, we are more than ready to resume our league game next week.
This week's MOM is Henry. After a few injury plagued months, struggling with knee problems, he looks back to his old self again, harassing and scoring. Congrats, and let's go get Papolona next week!
