Finally Al Caliph FC was able to get back to work. My worry, and I am sure some had it as well, was that after a long lay off, the players will have difficulty finding back their rythmn. Meeting Boost in the return leg was like the start of the season. With the league in our hands, it was necessary that we win the game to kick off our last lap.
True enough we were a little rough on the edges. The bumpy and smaller field didnt help us but was advantages to the opponent. Nevertheless, the players got back to their usual self quickly and we had tonnes of opportunity. I counted no less than 18 shots before the half ended.
In the second half, we picked up where we left off. Fresh players proved a handful for the opponents and after persistent tries, we scored off Shahril who showed dogged attitude - mati mati must score. It is his dogged attitude that provided us with the third goal.
Faisal was effervescent in his position. He made space and executed a number of passes. He held the ball up well and also helped in defence. He provided great impetus and were able to bring other players into play. Very rare commodity.
In one movement, Omar made a great run into space, Faisal thread the ball through with the right weight, Omar cross the ball into center, and Shy met the ball to score. Three excellent footballers; Omar for running from deep, Faisal for seeing the run and threading the ball; Shy for comprehending what was happening and had faith to run into the center.
Captain started slow and quickly got into the game. He had an outstanding game and we should capitalise on his asset - whether first or second ball. If you want it, you call out to him and tell him because he wouldnt know.
FOUNDATION Defence and both dms were excellent. Together with a decisive keeper, our foundation is strong. The formula is working. Zamri was as usual outstanding. His desire to win the ball off the defender and then to have been hauled over illegally should have been a red card for the defender. How on earth would the other player from the other end come over to cover when its only centimeters away from penalty box and goal is beyond me. Somehow the referee thinks so and delivered only a yellow card.
Bob did well and he is a robust player. More zipped and spring. Must have felt lighter with less kilo of hair. However, at times he is sitting too deep. Sometimes dm and defence go for the same ball. Defence must tell the dm to move up if they are encroachin into their position. If defence instruct that they have the ball, have faith and let them have it.
Omar played like a tazmanian devil - short, furry and zipping everywhere. He did well upfront, getting the ball and distributing. Theres room for improvement in that area. As dm, his run from deep to provide the pass for Shy to score underline his ability to see an opportunity. And with players like faisal and shy, it shows that over the season, theres understanding among them. Mr Dino had told me that Omar was unselfish. I agreed. This is a classic example of whether or not having a higher percentage in scoring as compared to other team mates.
The back four and keeper, what else is there to say. They were very tight. Doc was off a little but he more than make it up. His willingness to tackle given a bad ankle display an unselfish and willing to 'die' for the cause like how is proudly serving his reservist. He is revelling as right back as he is able to be involve in launch of attacks. Kennerd and Zj, sheesh. Deva, pffft. In all my years with deva, never had I got scolded for not playing football as much as I had in the last 2 weeks from him. Making me wonder if he is trying to get out of the house. Next time, before get married, talk to me first. :)
SUBS For the second time running, when the subs were called upon, they perform their duty and provided great energy. It was like one engine running. This is evident in the second half. Jeff made a good dribbling run; Yan and Cina covered their positions well; and Zif was calm and collected - gerek.
The first half team, especially Khai and Kathir, questioned their opponents constantly. It helped us in the second half. Overall, except for a couple of players, the team was very calm. There was no nervousness although we had difficulty scoring. The team just went on their business knowing that if we keep working together, we will be able to break the duck. True enough, coupled with the energy of the subs, it happened in the second half.
Please know that when I put you in I expect result. No one is here to make up numbers. When you are called upon, you are to perform. If the team's efficiency is sliding, I will haul you off. We should be proud that most part of this season, we have able subs. If there is a flaw, we need to get more players to play centrally.
MAN OF THE MATCH There are several players who are worthy of this. Everyone played their part and was an asset. My task is to look at intrinsic value of each player and what it brings to the game. I chose Faisal for his consistency especially in the last 3 to 4 games. In this game, he bring to play so many players and made a lot of movements to prise the opponent open. In one movement, he made the pass that lead to the goal. Effortless. Nothing fancy. Simple. Get the job done for greater good.
I had a couple of players in mind for the award in actual fact. Shahril was the other player. I know what each player can provide to the team when called upon. Sometime I will get what I had foresee, other times, it may not hit. Shahril is one of a handful that I know and am confident to get what is expected of him 90% or maybe more, of the time. His dogged attitude bore us two goals. As funds were running low, I had to choose one.
When Mr Dino came forward to say that everybody deserve the Man of the Match reward, I was stunned and happy at the same time. He was right when he said that everyone deserved it. And Shahril definitely deserve it. So Im putting his name on the MOM list as well.
SUPPORTERS As usual, we thank our supporters Mr Arul, Master Adam, Mr Zainal and Ms Damai. Also would like to say thank you to Mr Dinesh for turning up. Maybe next time.
NEXT GAME We be meeting Validus at Damai Sec Sch this coming Sunday. Damai Sec is at Bedok Reservoir which is about 40 minutes from the west at about 90km/h. This is an important game so we have to leave early. What is more important is the weather. So I need cooperation from everyone.
THOSE IN THE EAST or nearby. Be our weather alert. If it is raining, inform captain who will then inform me. Captain make sure I reply to you else call me. He will get instruction from me and disseminate to all.
SECONDLY, rain or shine, those without transport, inform captain your location. Post this on facebook or forward SMS and if anyone can assist in picking up, please assist. Lets keep the camaraderie going.
AND I NEED pictures of every game at least. Can someone please take some snaps and forward to me. Else I have to recycle. Thanks.
WORD FROM ORGANISER Viper is out of the tournament. Apparently, they quarreled/fought/argued among themselves in the last game. So they have been disbanded. So all teams - who have not played them - are receiving a bye. Unfortunately we have played them twice so it doesnt affect us.
Prize money for first is $800 and not $1000. It is my mistake. The league has 10 teams as compared to last year's 12.