Al-Caliph got their second win on the trot with a 2-0 victory over Swiss Alliance - a company soccer team. Swiss are really a formidable force who defend in numbers and go on the counter. Alas, our persistency paid off with goals from Shy and Khai after good play by Farhan on the right hand flank.

Attendance For the first time in our history, we had 22 players ready to play. The missing were Hakeem, Jeff and Din. In all honesty it was a dilemma - albeit a good one. However, as the game turn out, the subs were critical to the team winning the match. I couldnt say for sure if the same team who played the first half were good enough for a win.

First Half We were a little disarray, no thanks to a bad field. We failed to adapt to the environment quickly enough. We had our chances but failed to capitalise. There was lack of support and lack of follow ups by the midfielders. Positioning was horrendous and tempo was lagging. There wasnt enough energy. Midfield was very languid. Very aimless. We were not sticking our feet into the opponent and not pressuring them. We allowed them to play at times. We were trying to play the quick balls - which was as instructed - but the passing were not up to par. Decisions were mostly bad as balls were continously intercepted.

Upfront Khai wasnt like the previous game. Maybe he didnt get the proper service. Still we have to chin up and slog on. Only this will motivate others.

Defence was at times fidgety. Missed a couple of balls and communication was lacking. We were lucky that the opponent couldnt take full advantage.

Free kicks and corners were disastrous. These are the reasons why I gave specific instructions on what to do during such situations. We are wasting so many of them. I cant recall we scoring from any of such situation apart from last weeks game by Fahmie.

Second Half The half started with a string of changes. The team burst into life especially with Dinesh darting across the breadth of the field to receive the ball. Being first on the ball allowed him to be a step ahead and made good crosses. That octane performance boosted and motivated the team. To think that I didnt have to give him specific instruction when he came on shows a good footballing brain.

Their left back was suspect however Faizal was unable to get round or inside him. Probably because he is left legged. Swapping Faizal and Farhan back into their original position was telling as Farhan was able to get around him to put in decent crosses. This worked very well against a team that defend deep. On a big field, space was available.

The team as a whole defended well in this half even when the team was switched to 3 at the back. It was another zero concede. 

Fauzi, Farhan and Dinesh made immense contribution to the team's attacking play when they came on that they will share the 2 points for Man of the Match.

Character As most pointed out, we were strong and kept on pushing looking for the goal. We were not frustrated with the inability to convert. We were not frustrated with the numbers that was behind the ball as the opponent was deploying a soak and strike option.

There was tenacity and persistent. Importantly, we were calm and didnt allow the frustration to get under our skin. This was down to everyone constantly talking and motivating. Saying "its ok" helps a player to know that the team is not putting blame or pressuring him unneccessarily. Yes it may be small, but it helps. Leave the duty of pressuring you to me.

Unity and Commitment The numbers says it all. A triumph in itself. Zul Cina, our long term sick bay player, says "With God's Grace, this new batch of players will win the league." That must be the vibe he must have felt when he came down to the game for the first time.

Nic had easter. He had to go to the church. Yet he was there to change and get ready. He was there right to the VERY END even though knowing that I had no more subs to play. (I thought his car might be run over by the train.)

Naz as always, a strong character, who will be there for the team.

Razif says, "No need to apologise. Team above self..."

Shy pointed this out aptly. These selfless acts are commendable. Selfless. Selfless. Selfless. Dinesh as well. I only realised later that he too had to be in church yet he was there.

I played Faris to let him have a taste of the "big time" because I know he would be gone again for another month. He is getting better than his cousin I must say.

Sorry Wan Jr, I know you want to play. I did tell you that you will play when the team scores 7. They didnt.

Relieved but Perturbed I heaved a huge sigh of relieved at the end. It was like Spurs and Portsmouth. Portsmouth defended in numbers and took the life out of the game. Spurs finally scored in the 80th and 81st minute. At the end of the day, if you dont take your chances, it will cost you. Ask Man United.

Im perturbed at the same time that we are not converting. We missed about 5 in the last game similarly with this one. Numbers strike fear to the next opponent. Last season, BlackJack had a platoon of over 20 when they met us after our 8-3 victory against Marceles.

Still, I think it will come good as the tournament goes on. It is my hope that we peak nicely.

A victory that once again send the team home smiling.