It has been a very long time since the team had a game at 3pm. Playing at 3pm is definitely a big difference. The timing and the heat made it difficult for the whole team. But in this month, all our games will be at 3pm.
The opponents were a young side. AOF were their name. They had several young, good and fast players. Especially one, who someone said looked like Suarez. He was the key to their team but we did well to stop him.
The first half started with the following.
Sherman
Daryl Kee SK Clarence
Poh Jeff Patrick Ron Henry
Harold
Subs:
- Yew Boon
- Colin
- Bee
- Andy
- Yiong
The talk was still the same, keeping the shape, communication and pass to feet. We struggled to keep the ball for many periods and Harold was isolated up front in the beginning. The heat took a toll and changes were happening so quickly, I lost track of who was playing. They had 2 great chances to score but couldn’t find a way past Sherman. He did well to keep them out and our defence was tough too, an overheard comment from the opponent, when SK slid in to make a strong tackle on “Suarez”, “Wah, like Paolo Maldini” A compliment based on the skill or age? That was the debate. We didn’t have that many chances but we were disciplined and solid in the shape and that was the reason why it was 0-0.
Half time talk was to focus on “Suarez” and to continue the effort. It was also to try to pass to feet. It seemed to work and we did managed to string a few passes together. One good move involving Harold, Poh and Colin resulted in Poh just missing the target. We got the all important goal with about 18 minutes gone. Yiong arrived unmarked at the far post from a long Daryl throw, controlled and shot it high in the net. Great move and anticipation from him. Ron had a strong free kick which the keeper could only parry, it bounced just in front of Colin and when we thought it was easier to score, he miscued it. Ron had another free kick which whizzed past the cross bar where their keeper said, that “bullet”, I’m not going to save it. Harold also had a good chance when faced with a one on one but he shot straight at the keeper. Final score 1-0.
3 straight wins but even though this time was only 1-0, it was great team effort which many of us agreed too. Everyone put in a lot of effort under the heat. Patrick did a lot of running, Harold created a few chances, Colin tried hard despite having dengue, Yew Boon was bossing his way around. Ron did well in his shift, in fact, I could name everyone but that will be too much. Everyone knew they tried hard and could be proud of their efforts. My MOM for this week is Sherman. He kept us in the game with crucial saves and even when we were 1-0 up.
The after game session was great too and that could be a regular thing soon. Hope more can join us next time.
