CHESTERCITY FOOTBALL CLUB WON A HARD FOUGHT MATCH WITH 2 LATE GOALS.
Bedok, Singapore
Chestercity takes on league rivals Teban Thunder at Bedok View Secondary. The two teams know each other pretty well after the 3-3 pre-season friendly draw. City welcome back Safiuddin in goal, Xavier kept his right back position after a great display in his previous match against Legacy, Stanton was restored in central back with Afizan and Syaikhan, captain for the match in left back. The midfield trio was Zaini, Charlie and Faizal with Izzat supporting Aizam and Airul upfront. City was missing Tam in defence due to his big day and also Hafiz who was his best man. Azhar missed out on the match due to injury.
City as always started the match on a high note and within 2 minutes, Airul shot was parried for a corner. Airul then was on hand again when he beat a couple of defenders before unleashing a shot which hits the side netting. Then it was Charlie’s turn, City won a freekick outside the penalty box, Charlie whips in the freekick which hits the crossbar. City then was caught in the 19th min, with the defence playing high up in the field, Teban counters and the right winger low cross found the unmarked striker who poached and taps into the empty net but Teban players end up frustrated when referee rules it out for offside. Izzat was then taken off in the 26th minute and was seen clutching his right ankle. Teban then has possession all over the park with City were having sixes and sevens at the back trying to contain Teban’s attack and on 35th minute, goal. The winger left Syaikhan on the back foot and shoot pass the despairing Safiuddin to make the scoreline 1-0.
That is how it ends at halftime.
City’s coach was seen fuming during the halftime teamtalk.
Second half, Again City defence was caught which the striker was left one on one with Safiuddin but the custodian produce an excellent stop to deny Teban. Teban then began to control in the middle of the park and their wingers cause havoc and excellent through ball but Safiuddin denies them with save after save to make the scoreline stays at 1-0.
51min, Airul won a freekick after a great footwork display. He then steps over the freekick, drives it low to the bottom right corner giving Teban keeper no chance to make it 1-1. Just a minute after scoring, City was down again, this time through a penalty. With City failing to clear their lines, Afizan brought down the winger in the box and referee with no hesistation points to the spot. Up steps Teban’s captain, Number 7 who converts the penalty and Teban leads.
City pressured on, in 57th minute, Aizam long range effort was off the mark. City did not stop there, Airul’s header was denied by the crossbar and Faizal’s shot was over by a few inches of the cross bar.
As defeat was staring in the face of the players, Airul was never going to let the team down, he was played on by an excellent through ball by Aizam and Airul shoots past the goalie. An excellent equalizer from an excellent play.
City then search for the winning goal, Jelson wins the ball on the right, he spots and pumps the ball towards the running Aizam who beating the offside trap, has the first shot saved by goalie but then pokes the ball into the net in the 80th minute. Its a belated birthday goal for Aizam. City bench then celebrated with the goal scorer and City hold onto their nerves to win the match 3-2.
City coach commented after the game, “We were lucky not to lose this game. Defeat was on the cards after the penalty went in but the players believe in themselves and with Safiuddin on form, lady luck was on our side today but that will never take off the gloss of the win. They truly deserve it after a fantastic display. Aizam was by far the best in the park today, Airul was exceptional and Safiuddin and the back four make sure the 3 points are in the bag. I'm happy to sign all these players. Xavier and Jelson also showed maturity in the last couple of games. With Teban having a game in hand, it’s a must win game for us and the lads prove that they are not ready to give up the fight until the final whistle. After all, I’m elated with all my players, they’ve showed fighting spirit. The players would like to dedicate the win to Tam who getting married today.”
When ask to comment about Izzat’s injury, he commented,” It’s not looking good at the moment, he twisted his ankle while trying to win the ball. The way he land on his ankle doesn't look good and hopefully he will be fit for the next match against Silver Titans next weekend.”
CityNews would also like to wish Tam a very blissful marriage.
