3 in a row

Date: 6th May 2006
Time: 9am plus plus plus
Venue: Farrer Park Field
Opponent: Edwin's Church Team
Score: Lost 4-3
Red cards: None.
Goals: Wei De (1 goal), Elson(2 goals)




Yes, we lost again. This is our 3rd succesive loss.

I shall not go into details about the game. This time, we had a few new players. 3 to be exact. Again, it goes to show that we are still experimenting our formation and positions.

The pitch was wet, water-logged. The weather was cool. The instructions were simple. Play long balls down the flanks. Cross in to the strikers. Pass the ball above the ground. We managed to do it for a while, yet our wingers, probably having their off-days, just could not get the ball pass their defence. Their short last man could easily head our crosses away.

We were dominating and we lost. Their goals? Some fluke goals. Most due to defensive errors. The defence really need to buck up, especially the last man, himself. Was the defence line pushed to high up? Pls comment.

Although we lost. It was still good effort. We never gave up. 1-0 down? 2-0? 3-0? We still came back and gave them a good fight. We lost, but our fighting spirit is never lost.

Now here's the breakdown of the players' performance:

1. Alvin (Keeper) - A reluctant keeper but always does his job well. He is the best keeper that has ever played for McLucky yet. He has the initiative to rush out timely to clear the ball away. That's how a keeper should play and not being stagnant between the posts. Alvin, you should consider my offer to you. Being Mclucky No.1.

2. Chunwei (Right-back) - Hardworking player. Can provide long balls down the right flank. Need to improve on his touches.

3. Juehai ( Left-back) - Has a delicate left foot. It's a pleasure just to see him play. He needs to watch the line more closely. An explosive player. Maybe a Left-Midfield is a more suitable position for him?

4. Wei De ( Centre-back) - Shouts alot. Needs to watch his touches. Needs to be more agressive with fat and pushy strikers.

5. Darren ( Centre-back) - First time partnering Wei De. Does a competent job. He has improved from the last game he played. As a defender, do not ever let the ball bounce in front of you.

6. Sincheng (Right- mid) - Probably didn't have the best game. Held the ball for too long. Must try to improve on his crossing, getting the ball over the first man of defence. Needs to lift up his game more.

7. Yongyang ( Left- mid) - Pacy guy. Has problems controlling the ball. Needs to get the crosses in too. Needs to be more mobile with the ball at his feet.

8. SIU ( Centre- mid) - Played well. Getting the long balls into spaces. However, he has one touch too many. Need to release faster and train up his fitness.

9. Rayner ( Centre- mid) - Has done a good job protecting the defence and destroying the opponents' play. That's how I want you to play. Keep it up. My applause to me for rushing to the pitch in a taxi.

10. Boon Wee ( Striker) - Hardworking. Needs to be more effective. Maybe too little service to him? Needs to be more agressive.

11. Elson ( Striker) - Pacy fella. Missed a few good chances. A great presence upfront. Should use his towering build more.

12 Edwin ( Centre- Mid) - Played at Rayner's position before jumping boat. Although playing as a DM, he likes to support attacks, hence neglecting his defensive duties, creating a huge gap in the centre mid. Garang player but his touches fail him very often.

Field soccer is unlike court soccer. It's not only about techniques. There's much more elements on the field. Long balls, fitness, heading, more off ball running etc etc. The ball does not roll as well as on the grass than on the floor. So far, in our team, not many can pass long balls. We really need to be able to get the ball over their defence line, over their heads. Crossings. Our corners can't even go pass their first man of defence sometimes. Fitness. Many of our players lack it. You may have the determination to chase for balls but without fitness you will go nowhere.

Now, all have been said. We'll see how we fare for the next game. Pls comment.


-doubleU