Vs SinCheng's Bro Team ( Chao Recruits)

Date: 16- March 2006
Venue: Former Braddell- Westlake Sec Sch Field
Opponent: SinCheng's Bro Team
Attendance: Waifu ( keeper), WeiDe, ChunWei, EeYang, Rayner, BingDe, SiuChun, SinCheng, Edwin, JiHui, Kenny, Darren.

Match Report:
Braddell- Westlake Sec Sch. A place the team is so familiar with. With the nightmares of the thrashing by SAFTI MI HQ team fresh in our minds, we took this opportunity to redeem ourselves from our past failure. As usual, it is an opponent we knew little of, but looking at their shaven heads, it certainly invoked a mixtures of emotions. Happy. We were, as most of us had just collected our Pink ICs. Victorious. We were, as the feeling of ORD unquestionably overwhelmed that of mere POP. Sardonic. We were, as we cheered " ORD LOH!" in front the botaks who have to wait for 2 years more till the day.

However there was a tinge of worry inside us for it is tested and proven that recruits are generally fitter than ORD personnels.

The match began with the team adopting the 4-4-2 formation. It seems to have worked well against a technically skilful SAFTI MI team, it should operate against a bunch of recruits without much problems. Some changes in the positions were made from our last match. WeiDe decided to ditch his dreams of playing in the midfield and paired up with his TJ soccer team-mate, EeYang, as centre backs. Darren left and BingDe right. For midfield, we had Rayner and SIU in centre mid. SinCheng left and ChunWei ( not surprisingly) right. Upfront was our favourite long-lost partnership of JiHui and Kenny. Last but not least, McLucky FC had the tough and steady WaiFu between the goalposts.

First half went on and within the first few minutes, we were already dominating. The ball was played mostly in their half, allowing us to play with more adventure and creativity. Yet, there were times when the midfield and defense were switched off, letting our opponent to start a few counter attacks. Luckily no potent threat was made. In the middle of first half, Darren felt an intolerable strain in his tighs and had to substitute for Edwin. Then, BingDe shifted to DL, Edwin to MR and ChunWei is being experimented as DR.

Though the opponent was played under our pace of game, there were still numerous frustating moments. We simply could not convert our chances at all. Kenny caught offside a few times. JiHui was passing the ball when he could have tried shooting. There was a hilarious moment when SIU screaming viscerally at Kenny to lay-off to him and Kenny just looked confused at SIU. The first half ended at a disappointing 0-0.

During the break, everyone knows this is a game that we could not afford to lose. No changes were made for the second half. WeiDe urged everyone to be more confident in front of the opponent's goal mouth. That's all we need to complete our victory. Also, SIU took the opportunity to explain to Kenny the meaning of "lay-off", a term that is rarely used in a softball game.

Second half started. We, as expected, kept the gameplay at their territory. WaiFu was literally having a morning stoll in the park. Nevertheless, we still missed some sitters. Many chances created yet only to result to nothing. When the strikers weren't effective in shooting, SIU decided to try some on his own and only to be denied by the bar twice. If only he can hit the bar two more times, he could be our next Ronaldinhno. The next highlight came when EeYang received a ball from SIU 30 yards from goal and tried his luck. "Bong!" The ball rattled the bar again, bounced on their keeper and went in. GOAL! Our dominance finally paid off. It certainly sent a surge of relief to all of us. By then, 80 minutes had already gone by.

Our second goal came went right-back ChunWei made a jinking run down his most familiar flank, dribbled past 2 defenders and sent a pin-point pass to Kenny. Kenny, with his striker instincts, with one touch, put the ball past their helpless keeper. GOAL! Elation written all over Kenny's face for he was able to maintain his one goal per game record.

The opponent never gave up and pressed harder. Our defense was threatened at times. Midfield and full backs were too absorbed in attacking, sub-consiously neglecting their defending responsibilities. Our opponent managed to penetrate into our half and test our keeper. Yet, their shots were all wide. It was already too late for them. The final whistle was blown. Final score was 2-0.

SIU, undisputedly, deserves the Man of the Match award (MOM). His vision and decisive passing were consistent throughout the match. He was also involved in creating chances up front. Keep it up SIU! You could be the missing link we are looking for.

Kudos also to Edwin and ChunWei for their tireless runs down the right flank, tormenting the opponent's defense with their speed and crosses. JiHui, for showing composure upfront, but you could have tried more shoots.

Some points to take note of. Try to cross in the ball early instead of making short passes along the flanks. As usual, full backs to give more options to the keeper during goal kicks by moving down the flanks.

Yes, it was a mediocre team we are playing with. Deep down in our hearts, we knew we could have won by a larger margin. It is still a commendable effort though. Putting memories of our last game away, we fought and won our next fixture. Still, we shall not be complacent for the team needs fine-tuning in many areas to play against stronger and more aggressive opponents.

A bright future is imminent, McLucky FC.


-doubleU