Scorer;
Khai
With the seasoned campaigners in the starting line up, the coach started with the robust Omar as the lone striker and Khai and Shahril raiding the flanks. With at least 13 efforts on goal, the first half team did everything and more - except putting the ball at the back of the net. However their relentless pursuit for the elusive first goal wore down the opponents and that paved the way for the second half offensive.
Not long after the restart, Shahril drew first blood by converting from a pass by Zj. A scramble in the penalty area resulted in a simple tap in by the Dirk Kuyt wannabe. That goal eased the pressure and made the game simple and straight forward. We had most of the possession and stroked the ball around the park elegantly. The opponent squeezed in a shot or two but there was no troubling the mean defense and even meaner goalkeeper.
A couple of minutes later, the second goal was scored by the ever enthusiastic Shy, borne out of a visionary cross from Omar. This time from a much less majestic pass by Faizal, Omar pounced on a defensive error, turned the defender and made full-steam towards the goal only to cut the ball back for the on rushing Shy-fuddin who made no mistake. Well done Din!
Before the half was over, the workhorse Shahril provided the perfect platform for the mercurial Khai to add the icing on the cake. A penalty rightly won and duly converted from the team’s top scorer.
This match is a classic example of how the game can be won from the back. Astute defending by the back four led to confident performances by the midfield which directly translates to goals and elation. The team acquitted themselves well, dug in when it mattered and was rightly rewarded with the morale Boost-ing win. At the end of the day, the five week break did nothing but spawn the boys’ hunger to play. I had a dream – and if my ‘vision’ was anything close to Paul or Mani’s, we’ll be rejoicing the 2010 title in our resplendent red jerseys.
by Faizal