Chestercity takes on Silver Titans knowing a win today and results from other games going their way means they will automatically be promoted to Division 8.
City dedicated the match to Tam who was invovled in a freak motorcycle accident.
City coach announce the appointment of Indra as new captain and introduce some of his latest signings in the club. With almost a full squad turning up for the game compared to Titans' 9 men, City looks very promising.
City deployed 4-4-2 formation starting Safiuddin in goal, debutant Hairull at right back in place of Xavier, Yusuf partners anothe player making his debut, Frederick and welcome back Syaikhan at the left back slot. Zaini reinstate at right wing, captain Indra partners Hakim in central while frenchmen Alexandre making his debut on the left. Upfront a start for Sarhan who lead the attack with Iain.
Titans fet the numerical advantage of City but defended well cancelling out every single attack. Both team was shaky but on the 11th minute. Iain was never a shadow of himself as he skips past 2 players and released Alex but the latter shoots over. Both team had wqual possesion and in the 38 minute, City have a chance to take the lead but debutant Sarhan lobs the ball wide. That was the last action of the half as both teams did well to cancel each other attack.
Halftime was stalemate.
City coach make wholesale of changes, Azahar replace Safiuddin in goal, Syaikhan had to leave due to work and his spot was taken by Hafiz, Gabir replaced Hakim, Naufal makes his bow in replace of Alex, Yus replaced Zaini while Mizan and Sufiyan replaced the 2 strikers upfront.
A minute after kickoff , Yus saw him free but the midfielder shot was wide.
9 minutes later, Gabir showed incredible feet as he one-two with Yus but yet again his shot was well save by Titans custodian.
In the 48th minute, City was awarded a freekick. Upsteps Indra who send a dipping freekick but the subtitute goalkeeper does well to parry it away.
2mins later, Titans drew first blood. Safiuddin makes a good save but the opponent was on hand to make the score 1-0.
That did not put City down as 10 mins later they equalised. A freekick was send by Mizan which struck the crossbar and Hafiz pounce on the rebound to place his name on the scoresheet and his first goal of his City's career. He then celebrated by kissing the badge of his jersey.
As City pour forward, Titans takes the lead again to make it harder for City in the 70th minute. City then threw men forward. Jelson had a chance to equalised but his free header went wide.
With City still searching for the goal, captain Indra lost his cool and lay a swinging arm to the titans foreign player and referee had no choice but to send the skipper off. Last kick of the game, City had one final chance, but Zaini shoots over with the goal 3 metres out.
City lost a game they should have won.
City coach commented,"Its a good debut from the new guys, Hairull was flawless, Alex showed me that he is good on the left, Frederick marshalling at the back was excellent, Naufal and Gabir showed good quick feet. The other debutants just need more time to settle in and I hope they do. I'm sad to lose this game cause we will have another season in Divsion 9 where we held the pole position for 4 months. Well I'm happy to have these set of players who I think for next seaon will have a say in the championship race."
When ask about Hafiz first goal for City, he said,"Its a long time coming and Hafiz wanted to score a goal for Tam and his promise to me that he will celebrate by kissing the badge which he did and I'm proud of him. I hope he will score more in the next season."
CityNews then ask about Captain Indra's red card,"He was supposed to show great example to his colleagues. Yes, the opponent persisitently kicks him but once you retaliate, you have to bear the consequences and I agree with the ref's decision. He was right to send him off. Indra should know better rather than retaliate. I'm not happy with his actions. If this continues, I may stripped him off the captain's armband.
