Dark gloomy skies threatened to get the game called off, heavy rain started pouring in the late afternoon...and on an expected grass pitch at Turf City against the expats of the British Club. Not exactly the start to a weekend any of us wanted as we were dreading the mud fest after the heavy rains.
An unexpected twist of events at the field and we discovered the pitch that we were supposed to play on was not available and we were moved to the artificial pitch at the cage at turf city. A welcome twist for most of us but as we discovered, the pitches were slightly waterlogged and would make playing slightly more troublesome. Perhaps this pitch does not suit our passing game but the BC's more with their direct style of football.
The message on the change in field reached us all in time and we even had time for a long long warm up by VCpt Pat...
First Half
The BC's kicked off the first half and it was evident from our early passing that we were not accustomed to the wet and soggy pitch yet as the BC's had the better of the chances. Thr Most of the battles were fought in midfield with us being slightly quicker but them being slightly more physical with their direct approach. A free kick from our half was awarded and when it was floated it, we suddenly heard shouts and slight pushings between Yew Boon and a opponent as YB berated the referee on the usage of an elbow by the opponent. Another BC team-mate got involved and a shove on each other and the referee had enough and needed to stamp his authority on this game early before things got out of hand. Both were given a straight red-card for unsporting behaviour and retaliation. Both teams down to ten early on and still plenty of game...it was gonna be a long tiring game.... the lack of cohesive play and early disruptions nearly made some members lose their cool. Some shouting matches and luckily the half petered out goal-less. 0-0
Second Half
Half time team talk was for everyone to keep calm and strategize our approach. Keep running, use our better pace and stamina (although not by much) to try to make the difference. We kicked off the 2nd half and as the pitch started to dry out slightly, we got on more into the game and had our fair share of chances. BC's scored against the run of play at this point. A cross from their winger into the box near post had our keeper rising for it. Perhaps the slippery wet ball played a part as the catch was incomplete and the ball dropped. A BC player reacted quickest and slide in get a foot to the ball and divert it into the net. 1-0.
Another long raking ball over the top found our left exposed with Ron still tying his shoelace. While we had defenders covering, the opponent shifted the ball and blasted an early shot across and our keeps couldn;t react in time. 2-0 BC and the game was slipping out of our grasp.
At this point, the manager on the sideline was thinking game was over and wanted to sub Harold out (yes Colin...Pat told me the conversation you both had). But this time, he took heed of the VCpts advice that this is a cup game and losing 2-0 or 5-0 didnt matter and we should be more adventurous to try to get something out of the game.
A quick counter attack had jensen lob the ball over to henry on the right and as he advanced towards the box, took a quick shot. Defender stuck out the leg, deflected it into the on-rushing path of harold who slotted into an unguarded net just inside the box. 2-1 and game on! The ball was quickly retreived and we were now pumped with 15 mins to go.
The drying pitch helped our usual game back, a quick ball out of defense to Loy in the center and he spread it out to the left for harold. Dribbles one, dribbles two, cuts inside and shoots into the top corner from outside the box. 2-2! and we were riding the wave of a strong comeback as the opponents hung their head.
BC was definitely tiring and it was entering the last few minutes of the game and they had a freekick from their own half, they thumped it forward, a slipped clearance by harold and the ball went to a player on their left, recovered to make a challenge but a lucky ricochet back to opponent. Clarence came in as well but the wet pitch played a part as another slip let the player thru who blasted high into the net. A terrible defensive mistake and general unluckiness. 3-2 to BC with 3 mins to play. Having fought back so hard, it was hard to take but we kept at it.
An offside decision in our box and Ron decided to do a BC and try for goal. It did not reach their goal, but dropped in nicely for a well timed run from Pat who directed a cushioned header past the keeper into the bottom corner of the goal. 3-3! and we still had the time and desire to win it.
Another ball out to the left and a similar run from harold, a curling shot took a slight deflection off the boot of the sliding BC defender and the ball dropped just agonizingly wide of the post. The resulting corner and a headback gave ron the chance to blast one but instead of it being across goal, it went straight and out into safety for the defending BC team. A close should have, could have double chance in quick succesion to win it but it was not meant to be..and the final whistle went. a 3-3 draw.
Post Match
Overall, some points to note. We showed spirit in coming back from 2-0 down and even 3-2 down and should have won the game but we had to settle for a draw and i believe we took great heart in that comeback as well.
The committee has decided unanimously that a fine should be issued for the Red Card and it has been accepted graciously. The rules for the team is consistent and will be applied across the team irregardless.
This week's MOM goes to Jerome who played above himself, was early into tackles and ran tirelessly. Congrats Jerome.
Till next week.
