Al-Caliph FC trounced Veteran FC 6-0 in their final first leg matches at Woodlands Ring Sec Sch. With the win, we are top of the league, 3 points ahead of our nearest rival Ace Utd.
The match started nervously with Al-Caliph trying to find their rythmn. It took us 20 minutes to score our first goal after squandering plenty of chances.
Defence We were hit with a bad news in the morning when our stand in keeper called in sick. It was either Wan Jr or Shy. I made the decision to put in Shy because I need the defence to be solid so that it exudes confidence all the way up. With Wan Jr's antics, I was not willing to risk it. Shy was up to task and so was Wan Jr when he came on later for his first match of the season. Both should improve on their drop ball distribution though.
In one of our rare occasion, the team had 4 central defenders present. Ala Singapore, I strung them up alongside. Thanks to them, the keeper had not much to do. Razif performed well when he played in the first half. He should cut out the hands and butts push. We are conceding unnecessary free kicks.
Midfield Yusman was back to add some steel to the midfield. A little bit rusty though. Aizad as usual was everywhere and once again, scored a spectacular goal. Fahmie has recovered though he took a brunt of the opponent's tackles. Faizal was excellent and it was his determination to close the opponent resulted in one of the goals.
Wan is not getting closer to the goal post. I think he is wearing rugby boots instead of soccer boots. In one of the rare occasions, he had plenty of chances. Yet he missed them by a mile.
Fauzi perform to task although he should use his head more. Scored a spectacular goal and could have another if not for the top bar.
Striker Khai had a number of chances. There were times he should have cross or layoff earlier on in the game but he didnt. He should improve on his positioning to make himself available for a pass. As he is alone, he should move with the ball especially when AM has the ball because DM will be a distance away to support.
His persistence towards goal paid off with his first hat trick of the season. In the final push, he provided a layoff for Mahdi to score. Our right backs have been scoring in the last 2 games.
Opponent The opponent, unfortunately, resorted to strange tackles that 'escaped' the referee. Still, we showed character and didnt succumbed to their tactics. Only way to uphold our pride is to get one over them.
Man of the Match Faisal has been voted man of the match (after unsuccessful self-nomination by Doc and Aizad). I agree with the vote. He was excellent against Blackjack and now Veteran. It was his dogged attitude that lead to one of the goals. The form I know is back and I hope it stays consistent.
Summary Our defence was solid as we didnt concede a goal. We were excellent going forward with the midfield providing the conduit effectively and was efficient in providing cover for the defence.
6-0 is our biggest scoreline in this league and I rank this game alongside Marceles, Musketeers and Fate. As I told Jeff, he missed one helluva of a game.
Other business Rafie was right to hold his tongue till end of the game and talk/blast during the team talk. That is the proper way. However, the vulgarities was unnecessary and he is fined $10. He has been told of this hence Razif please collect it from him.