Scorers; Kathir assisted by Dinesh assisted by Ayat Junior assisted by Shahril assisted by Kathir
Going into this match with full of confidence after the exhilarating win against Kallang FC, Al Caliph was all ready to record another win against our next opponent Tuas Soccerlites. It was the first match that Al Caliph had ever played against Tuas Soccerlites and their standing in the league table made us wary of their strengths.
The first 10-15 mins into the game, Tuas Soccerlites was already attacking and Al Caliph still couldn’t find their rhythm. Al Caliph was not playing their football despite them having one of their strongest squad on that day. There was not even a shot at goal. Eventually, we start orchestrating our attack. Chances after chances came but it went begging. One of the clear chances came when a quick free kick at the centre of the field released Kathir on the right flank who delivered a low cross. Syai mis-kicked and the ball rolled perfectly in front of Zamri who skied high his shot at goal. When the coach had enough of the missed opportunities, he sent in our man of the match of the last game Khai to get the goals. And Khai responded brilliantly on the left flank. His quick change of pace enable him to beat a defender and he delivered a beautifully lofted cross which was met by Zamri at the far post. Unfortunately, his head get under the ball and it went above the crossbar. It was a perfect move except for the poor finishing.
But the goal finally came. Kathir, received a pass from Aizad, coolly slot the ball into the net after holding on to the strong challenge by a defender. And we thought that was the start. We felt more goals were coming as we were creating opportunities for the next goal. A great one two between Zamri and Khai at the edge of the penalty area created the chance for Khai with only the keeper to beat but his shot went just wide of the far post. Again Khai was in action. This time he was cleared on goal only to be pulled by a back tracking defender. A penalty appeal was not entertain by the referee. And that was it. A first half with plenty of chances but we couldn’t convert them to goals.
The same can be said about the second period. As the half got on the way, we were still creating chances in search for the exclusive second goal. At the same time, we were fortunate as our back four stay strong as a unit as we defended some of their rare attacking chances. Then a free kick on the right delivered by Khai was met by a header from Zamri but it was cleared on the line by a defender. Another chance went begging. Mesmerizing runs along the line by our wingers Kathir and Dinesh were also not able to find the breakthrough that we need. Finally, the goal came. When we received a corner, up came Shah junior into the penalty box. He shot the loose ball with venom to the side netting when his first header attempt ricochet a defender. How well did he show the strikers how to strike! That was his second goal from set pieces this season.
The score line remained the same until the end. There were other chances in the second half that we couldn’t convert. It was frustrating because we know we can beat this team with more than 2 goals and extend our goal difference advantage. Nevertheless, we got the win and 3 points in the bag. Kudos to everyone who gave their best in the game. Setbacks from the game were Dinesh injury and Omar’s red card. Hoping that the injury is not too serious and speedy recovery to him.