Chestercity takes on Sporting with an aim to stop the run of games without a win.
City go to this encounter collecting 3 points out of 10 games, the worst ever season ever for City camp.
City started the match with 12 players available for kickoff with Fred and Naufal late on arrival. With Amin and Din out due to illness and commitment respectively, Ronnie was reinstated in goal in a 4-4-2 formation and with last minute reshuffle at the back, Ryan started at right back while his brother and last week man of the match Eddy on the left with returning Kim Sun and Aleef in the centre. Afiq was given the nod to start on the right, Indra partnering loan signing Duncan in the middle and Anon was moved from his favourite position to the left. Upfront team manager Ridwan starts his second consecutive match as he spearhead City's attack with Bob playing off him who was named captain for the match.
City started the match brightly and within minutes, Ridwan makes a nuisance to Sporting's defence as he won freekick after freekick much to the displeasure of Sporting back four. Duncan had a shot over, Indra had a freekick sky high and City began to look promising. Bob was showing a great example since donning the captain's armband which saw him kept his anger intact for the game.
Ridwan on the other hand link up well with Indra and Duncan coming deep on a couple of occasion in a move which nearly open City account. Sporting centre back number 10 was really holding Ridwan to the ground which limited the forward advancing role. Sporting had a couple of the ball incident especially when their captain number 31 swung an arm at Ridwan's face leaving him with a bloody mouth, an action which referee failed to notice.
As soon as Sporting made a couple of changes, City showed character. Ridwan was winning quite a number of headers even he was half the size of his new marker who is 6ft tall. Kim and Aleef well organized at the back, Ronnie was determined not to let in any goals and with Ryan and Eddy excelled in their full back positions, City prowled and in the 34th minute. They deserved the lead. Receiving a great pass from Indra, Bob delicately controls the ball before shooting past Sporting custodian. City up 1-0. Ridwan went for every ball but was flatten by the goalkeeper when he bravely went in for a high ball challenge.
Anon mesmerized down the flanks, Afiq showed great touches.
Referee blows for halftime.
Second Half, City did not make any changes even though they have Naufal, Fred, Irwan and Xavier. City started the match where they left off, again Ridwan was the target man again winning headers against his tall marker and one move he was brought down in the penalty box but referee waved away his protest. It has certainly wind up Sporting players who called Ridwan a "cheat". Indra linking up well with Duncan tried to pry open Sporting defence but the stubborn opponents kept them at bay.
Aleef injured himself while trying to tackle and Fred was asked to enter the fray. Naufal was brought in for Afiq as the intense pressure on Sporting's half grew. Ridwan was again centre of the Sporting's attention when he went down again off a high tackle which left him with a bruised knee. Sporting captain came over to Ridwan yet again calling him a cheat only to be head butted by City's forward.
Sporting players surround the referee demanding to have Ridwan ushered down the tunnel but he walks away with a yellow with Sporting breathing down referee's throat. They was unhappy with the decision.
Sporting did not threaten Ronnie by his standard has the easiest game of his City career. As Sporting pushed men forward, City backline does well to put in a swift counter attack, Duncan excellent through ball found Indra free, City's ex captain cheekily digs it above the onrushing keeper and celebrated by removing his jersey. 2-0. City conquered.
A moment of bad blood, Indra was tackled from the back and retaliates by kicking out at Sporting player but yet again to the anger, Indra escapes punishment and only being flashed a yellow card. That prompt a scuffle yet again as both teams engaged in a heated argument.
Ridwan made the best decision and subtitute Indra with Irwan. Ridwan ushered Indra down the touchline as City players applaud.
City did not finish there, another counter attack saw Bob releasing Ridwan on the left but Sporting's experience last man cleared the ball taking Ridwan together with him. There was a concern as Ridwan limps after that tackle. That doesn't stop him from playing through the pain barrier.
Ridwan won another freekick as he was impeded unfairly and was judged to be pushed at the back. Standing behind this freekick, it was Naufal who came close when he shoots just inches away from the crossbar. Duncan then took matter in his own hands, dribbling past 2 players and with only goalkeeper to beat he skies the shot over. It could be icing on the cake.
Ridwan had one final piece of action, receiving the loose ball of Sporting defenders, Ridwan hit a swift shot just over the bar. That was his last action as he was replaced by Xavier.
Kim and Fred was a splendid pairing at the back, they were err present each time Sporting hits the ball to City's half. Ryan was exceptional so is Eddy who did not let anyone pass him with tackles after tackles.
Xavier showed a couple of decent footwork and had a shot wide after a great team move.
Referee's whistle was music to City's ears as they finally get the 3 points they deserved.
Team Manager Ridwan commented, "Awesome, simply awesome. We always wanted the win and I'm happy the lads have secured the 3 points. The team is great, everyone gave 110% from the back to the front and I can't deny how proud I am with the lads. They did not win ugly, they win with excellent hardwork with clean sheet as a bonus. That really shows we are ready to stop the run. We'll face Assumption next. They are just above us by goal difference. We need to beat the drop. We will strive. I don't deserved to be the man of the match cause today all of them put in a lot of hardwork and a lot character. They all deserved the award. I just hope that this continues. The lads will definitely build from this performance."
