For the second week in a row, we travelled all the way to Juying Sec for our league game against Soccermaniacs. With 4 games left, it’s all in our hands whether we end the season as champions. Dropping points will not help us. Despite 2 late withdrawals, we still had a strong squad for the day.
We certainly didn’t seem like the confident team that we were. Passes went astray and I’m guilty of many of them. Mistakes were made and we didn’t create much chances. The opponents were hard and a tough team to play. We matched them in the middle but were still slower to the ball. A loose ball went to the left and his pinpoint cross found the unmarked opponent to head in for the 1st goal. No chance. We fail to break them down and ended the half 1 goal down.
Manager tried to rally the squad. And it was indeed a very different side out for the 2nd half. More effort and determination were shown. Then a mistake at the back allowed the opponent to rush into the box. Kenny launched himself at the player and got the ball. But the referee gave a penalty for a stomping tackle. Sherman did his best by actually saving the kick but the ball trickled to the right and allowed the kicker to rush in and score. 2-0 down and heads went down. At this stage, we were already creating more chances than the 1st half. Andy went close after a 1-2 with Max. Patrick missed a header. Benny took a few shots that went over. Somehow, we took the game by the scruff and got a penalty when a ball hit the defender hand. Benny stepped up and placed it into the side netting. Game on. And we were back in it. Soccermaniacs were no push over and mistakes at the back gave them several one-on-one chances but Sherman saved some while they couldn't convert. Time was running out. We created more chances with several corners and free kicks. In the last 10 minutes, Max got to the end of the ball in the box. He stood strong and withstood a few tackles and finally their left back clumsily clattered into him and another penalty was awarded. Although I told Benny to take it, Manager took it from him and blast it in for the equalizer. We were back in it and attacked even harder. At this time, Pikachu was causing a lot of mayhem with his efforts down the left, several times he brought it down the line and into the box with his strength and determination but couldn't make it count. One last final attack and Patrick got onto the end of a loose ball. The ball was bouncing away from him. So he decided to try one with his left foot which flew out. The referee blew for time and we somehow managed to salvage a point.
Mixed emotions after the game as we were pleased to get away with a draw while still pondering how did we ended up in that state. Nevertheless, it was a great effort from everyone who shown what they were capable of when they want it. Apologies were made to some who didn't get sufficient game time as we were chasing the game. Top of the table now on goal difference. 3 games left and it's all up to us to make the season count. Our next league game will be next year and let's get back stronger to make it all worth it. Well done everyone and enjoy the moment of us being 1st in the league now.
