Al-Caliph went down 3-4 to Vipers. We scored possibly the fastest goal ever in any competition we ever played. Aliff scored in the first minute and 8 seconds. Good opening. Exactly what I wanted.
However, opponent manage to get back into the game as a cross from our right was met by a diving header on the left. It went under the bar into goal. 1-1.
We came back again. Faisal worked very hard and got us the ball. His cross was met spectacularly by Aliff. The last time I saw a scissors kick goal was by Fandi and that was ages ago.
Opponent came back again. A speculative shot on our right midway went into goal. 2-2. And they got a third when they beat our offside trap and scored. 2-3.
We came back strongly and captain scored bulging the net. 3-3 it ended in the first half.
Second half started and we went on the attack. However, their counter saw them making a cross this time on our left and Doc put it into our own net.
We went on the offensive but to no avail. Score remained 3-4.
I went back and forth the whole week trying to justify or pacify or just let it fly.
Just Let It Fly
- Defence Horrible on the day. Sloppy and didnt follow instructions. Some things were unnecessary. Both DMs didnt do their job to cover defence. Keeper was totally off.
- In last year's veteran match, I absolved the defence of any fault. Because to win, we needed to score and we didnt. We could have, but we didnt. We played individually. However, this time round, we scored - 3 - so this lost is attributed to inept defending.
- Second half they performed much better. Khairil and Zif performed better. Z too started to cover better.
- Offence Plenty of bite. Passes and decisions could be better. There were times when players took things in their own hands. Reminisces of veteran game. I didnt like that. You work as a team! You win as a team! However, they worked hard especially faisal and they did score. So they did their job.
- I would like players who scored to look and acknowledged those who assisted. Like the second goal, Faisal created something out of nothing and Aliff scored. Sadly Aliff didnt acknowledge this. Maybe he himself is in awe of his own goal. SO please acknowledge, how little or simple it may be.
- Geylang It seems that our players like to be in Geylang. To my utter dismay, we were laughing and joking right after we scored. Utter disrespect to ourselves, especially to the reserves, and to the opponent. What a smack on the face in the end.
- Operationally Ready Reserves must be operationally ready. When I called you, you should just be wearing your jersey and go in. Not tying your shoe laces, or wearing your boots.
- Referee Referee was totally absurd on the day. There were at least two wrong decisions with regard to offsides. It was clearly onside. As well as two penalties. Like I said, we have to settle the game by our own hands. Not relying on someone else. So we have to be more vigilant and keep at it.
- Everyone was saying to look at the positive from the game. However, no one was manage to say anything positive. For me, I can only say that the new attack combination performed well in the game. Just when I thought I had the right formula, something else gave way.
- The other teams who have not lost, Sharks and Musketeers, lost on the same day. So a little good news.
- There is nothing to justify. I picked a strong lineup for the match. Maybe I have to justify to the reserves why they arent playing when players on the field dont perform or just having fun.
Things that shouldnt have happened, happened. It is a lost. Out first lost. Quite unfortunately but possibly necessary. Overall, it was a bad day in the office for the defence and keeper but good attack. Hopefully, we will be more humble.