We won our 4th game in a row with a 2-0 win over Strips. Apparently, we had met Strips in our first friendly this year. They were no pushovers and were able to take few pot shots at goal.
We were better in this game as compared to the game against Blackjack. We werent overdoing and overrunning. However, decision making was still poor. We fail to make correct decision in passing forward. Mahdi was available in tonnes of space a number of times yet we werent able to utilise him. At times a simple pass will do as it would have dissected the opponent. Yet we chose to over elaborate by passing to a congested area.
Trapping the ball was atrocious all round. I lost count the number of balls given to the opponent. And we still not meeting the ball first. We were caught ball watching. Its simple, you see the ball coming, you move to meet it. If the ball is with the opponents or 50/50, engage you body to work with your mind. Just move towards it.
First goal came from Jeff who didnt lose faith in meeting the ball. Sheer determination to get to the ball before the keeper resulted in a first goal for the season for him. We have to put keeper under pressure.
Second goal came from captain for the day Khai after a through pass by Fauzi. As a seasoned striker, Khai has to have 100% shots on target.
Kudos Firstly, the turn out was magnificent although most are facing their examinations this week. It is very heartening.
Zhen Zhia, if I spelled it correctly did very well for us. He didnt let the ball bounce and has his body behind the ball all the time. He grab the ball first time and doesnt spilled it. If I remember correctly, he saved us twice in the first half.
The forward line was excellent in pressuring the opponents defence. That led to them making mistakes. Support play is there but could be better. We were slow off the blocks from midfield possibly because of a bigger field.
Defence did well to cope with my constant changing and chopping. As explained I had to do this given the number of defenders that turned up. Further I have to give them match experience in case we be short in the future.
On the 4th of May and onwards, the next leg start. On that day, Doc will be working thus I have to test Dev and Hairil partnership. This is assuming Hairil is around on that day. We cant afford another debacle like the one against Blackjack. From the info I got, some teams are beefing up their squad for the second legs.
Im concerned about lack of depth centrally. Hence be prepared as certain players will be moved to play in new areas. Next week's game will be another occasion to test out.
Men of the Match Im awarding the Man of the Match to Wan and Aizad. Wan has countless times played selflessly without complaint. If the left back is up, he assured him that he will cover the left back. He will guide the left back to pick up the man upfront when we are on the counter. No complains, no hissing, no dictating. His assurance is comforting and got on with the job till it is done and formation is returned to its original shape.
Haizad covered more grounds than anyone on the field pressuring and closing down opponents. His energy has to be directed correctly at times but today he was again selfless for the team. If I didnt mention it before, the team now has two high-octane-stick-legs-everywhere players. Not easily distraught and get on with the game. Their energetic performance could liven up any team.
Next Game As told, next week we will be meeting Westminster at Regent Sec Sch @ 9am. Those who cant make it inform me via [phone removed].
Again, it is your responsibility to buck up and get fit. The other teams are not resting. They are recruiting and some are even playing friendlies. They will get wiser with more games played.
Other Business Welcome back to Zul Cina. Mulut kena tutup and tendency to commit foul must be zero. I know you are excited to play again but I wont allow anyone to jeopardise the team in any form.
Good luck to those having their exams. Say a prayer for Shy's mum who will be going for an op this thursday. Also a prayer for Zul Cina's newborn daughter who is still in hospital.