We won 3-0 against a fizzled Musketeers. We have to admit that this wasnt the same team that we met last year or even in the first meeting this season. They were missing a few players.
We too were missing several players. About 15 turned up which meant more time for everyone. As in the previous game, I had put out a different team in the first half. It was a gamble that paid off. They ran the opponent who had 10 players ragged. We had chances but failed to capitalise on them. We tend to shoot over the bar often. We got to get the ball on target at least - force the keeper to work.
Opponent resorted to long ball and counter attack. On one occassion they managed to take a potshot on goal that drew a magnificent save from sahfari. It was a rare occassion that an indecision was a good decision. The half ended stalemate to the joy of the opponent.
The second half team manage to capitalise on the opponents tiredness. khai made an excellent move to bring him past the defenders and crossed. Zif took up a good position and whacked the ball towards goal. it strucked a defender and fortuitously dropped kindly for shy to head it home. khai's move was exquisite that it reminded me of sundram fake back heel against pahang that left the defender dead.
Shy added a second soon after again after khai's hardwork. he was duly rewarded when he dropped deep and inside to run onto zifs pass. 3-0.
Rookie mistakes mahdi has to cover zhaf position as zhaf had gone to cover his position. mahdi commited a sin by backing off the opponent deep into our half.
zif extravagant pass should not have been done as zhaf was right in front of him. the first time it worked because khai dropped deep and went inside of the defender. yes, ur mates will call for the ball but you must ask yourself whether you can make the pass or whether the opponent will intercept the ball.
Man of the Match Im awarding the MOM to bonch zhaf for his sheer determination to get to the ball; exhibiting calm; covering team mates; and control of movement. It has been a long time since I have seen this bit in him. Like I have said, I know each of your standard and it takes a great step forward to make me notice you again.
Kudos to shy, hakeem, khai and zif for showing better performance. shy got the stick from me months back for underperforming. it had taken some time and i hope he keeps it up. naz too is getting closer. more confident and he will be better.
rafie for once was quiet on the field. i discovered that he had a toothache! baru nak kasi points.
camaraderie was nearly there. its been a long time since we were happy. we can be happier.
Reminder As agreed, we be playing our last game of the season on 3rd August. Location supposedly is at woodlands ring sec. I will confirm this again when I have news.