A nice weather to start the game in what supposed to be a tough encounter. Ronnie was the manager for the day and he opted for an unusual 4-1-4-1 formation with more emphasis on defending.
The game was rather even with each team looking to settle into their game with SESC playing more long ranged passing while the Deaf Lions are looking for shorter options.
With most of the key players missing, both teams struggled to keep possessions. This was not helped with the slippery pitch.
Deaf Lion's captain Louis Phua slotted in the heart of the defence, he certainly not letting our makeshift striker, Ah Seng any kind of space for him to roam.
SESC opened the account with a Miki special, an open play within the central and a loose ball came to Miki who then lashed the ball into the right corner of the goal after a deflection.
In a space of 10min, SESC had to endure a series of attacks from the Deaf Lions fierce onslaught but several players like Eugene, Wei Terk, Weixian, Helmi & even Gary made last minute block from their shots that mostly looked like it would bulge the net.
However in about 10min later, a purposeful attack that saw Deaf Lions came in numbers towards the final third of the SESC half, they managed to equalise after a scrambled clearance that crashed into the top of the net by their nifty playmaker midfielder. 1-1
At the last 10min of the half, Miki produced a goal that would beat any keeper.. a long range shot after a quick glance by the veteran defender turned midfielder which landed nicely into the far end of the right side of the goal. 2-1.
Rain then started to pour and at one stage, ref blew the whistle to pause the game but changed his mind after the lightning alert system came on and off.
Half time at the score 2-1 to SESC.
The game resumed with Eugene & Gary rested, in come, Kai & Khoo Tian who was still nursing an ankle injury.
At midway of the second half, a corner from Miki found the head of Weixian in the crowded goalmouth who nodded it down towards goal but hit the back of Wei Terk and got the goal keeper wrong footed and knocked in by Weixian to make it 3-1.
Then similar to the first half, a series of attacks from the opponent saw Riduwan, Kai, Wei Terk & Helmi made several crucial blocks and interceptions to thwart their attempt to keep the game within their reach.
However they did pull the game closer with a brilliant solo from their another First XI star, Muhsin who lashed the ball into the top of the net at the near post which Ronnie could only parry into the net.
With about 10 min left in the game, another wonder striker from long range by Miki beat everyone and landed sweetly into the same right side of the goal.
The game ended with Miki's first hat-trick for SESC and one which also saw the potentials of Eugene, Wei Terk & Weixian doing an excellent job at the back along with the regulars of Helmi, Nadd & Norman's brilliant control of the backline with his strict marshalling.
