The Floodgates Open For Mclucky FC

Mclucky FC Versus Jackson's Team

Time: 3.40pm (40 mins per half)

Venue: Some Field In Bishan

Starting Line-up:

Kelvin

Zhang Wei Eeyang Weide Jue Hai

Edwin Siu Chun Rayner Sin Cheng

Alvin Boon Wee

Subs: Elson (ST), Chun Wei (Mid), Nicky (ST), Da Hao (Def), Yang Teng (Def)

Pre Match

The match had originally been scheduled to take place at Bendemeer Secondary School, but due to the heavy rain that poured earlier on or some say, the lazy school field care-taker, the playing condition of the venue was deemed unsuitable. An alternative was found and the Mclucky lads found themselves in the middle of Bishan as they prepared to face an old foe, in Jackson's Team ( JT ), the team which they had drew with during an earlier match at Tanglin Field. New faces were placed between the sticks for both sides. Mclucky, with Kelvin as their goalkeeper this time round, were certain that their goalkeeping woes had been solved once and for all. With Chun Wei recovering from a slight injury on his foot, Edwin was preferred to start on the right side of mid-field.

Jue Hai was given a starting role at left-back while Zhang Wei shifted to right-back. Upfront, Alvin was paired up with Boon Wee, with the former given the task of holding up the ball and providing the physical presence needed at the frontline while the latter's task was to attack the opponent's goal using his speed and agility. Instructions were given to pass long balls down the flanks towards the corner flags for the strikers and wingers to give chase. Players were also told to shoot on sight if any clear opportunity was present instead of passing the ball around too much.

Match Highlights

The playing field had a slight gradient and many shallow pot-holes were present due to the upgrading works that were going on in the nearby HDB blocks. However, it was Mclucky FC who drew first blood during the match, with Weide, epitome of the "shoot-on-sight" policy, driving a long range shot into the net in the 21st minute of play. 1-0 to Mclucky.

With confidence in the Mclucky camp growing, it was Alvin who widened the margin 10 minutes later when he slotted the ball into goal while lying on the ground during a goal-mouth scramble after receiving a long ball in the opponent's penalty box. 2-0 and leading comfortably.

An immediate response came from Jackson's Team (JT) in the 35th minute when their midfielder powers a long range shot at goal from the left. Kelvin gets a hand on it but it is not enough to prevent the ball from going into the net. 2-1 at the end of the 1st half.

The 2nd half presented Mclucky with more goalscoring opportunities as we played with more confidence and stamped our authority on the game. Miscommunication between JT's keeper and his defender in the 57th minute allows Elson to slot home from close range after Jue Hai curls a dangerous ball into the box from the left. 3-1 and Mclucky are cruising

Further lapse in JT's defence results in Boon Wee scoring from close range in the 68th minute after yet another defensive mix-up in the penalty box. Mclucky take a commanding 4-1 lead.

The game looked set to be over after 70 minutes of play as Elson scores his second at the far post, heading in Chun Wei's cross from the left flank. However, the Mclucky lads seemed hungry for more action after Boon Wee completed his brace by rounding the keeper and slotting the ball into an empty net, settling the match once and for all. Final score: 6-1 and Mclucky complete a rout of JT.

Post Match

Though I must admit that JT wasn't a very good test of Mclucky's playing abilities, winning by such a large margin sure did a lot of good for the team's morale and confidence after going through a winless patch for almost 2 months.

Player evaluation:

Kelvin --- Gave a assuring performance in front of goal. The ideal solution to our goalkeeping woes. Hope to see more of you in the future!

Zhang Wei --- Has improved a lot over the past few matches. Should have no problems holding down a place in the first team if he keeps up the good work.

Eeyang --- Imposing defender that opposing strikers have to get pass. Used his physical strength to a good deal in this match, keeping JT's strikers at bay.

Weide --- Calm and composed while forming a good partnership with Eeyang. Always gives a steady performance.

Jue Hai --- Shows signs of good crossing ability. An overlapping defender who provides an extra attacking edge down the left flank.

Sin Cheng --- Deserves the man-of-the-match award with his off-the-ball running, tackling and THAT glorious through-ball to Elson, though he didn't finish it off. Played like a man on a mission and ran more than he ran in the previous matches combined together. Keep it up dude!

Siu Chun --- Put in some strong tackles during the first half, but faded out in the second.

Rayner --- Performed his DMC duties to the best. Is good at breaking up opponents's attacking build-up, yet is penetrative when he goes on one of his runs down the centre of the field.

Edwin --- Committed and hardworking, but needs to improve on his touches and crossing abilities.

Alvin --- The target man to receive fellow players' long ball. Is good at holding up balls using his physical presence and is also a good header of the ball.

Boon Wee --- Fast and agile, but is often muscled off the ball by bigger-sized opponents. Needs to be a little more physical in order to retain possesion of the ball.

Nicky and Da Hao --- Still not familiar with how the team plays, but could improve with more playing time. Nicky to work on his awareness of where his teammates are, while Da Hao to work on his defensive abilities.

Chun Wei --- Same old tireless and effortless running down the flanks. Fantastic pace and stamina allows him to dribble pass oppenents without much trickery.

Elson --- Showed his striking prowess by scoring a brace. Is not afraid to pull the trigger on sight and is a confident player. Perhaps he could work on his ability to hold the ball so as to prevent over reliance on Alvin as the target striker.

Yang Teng --- Did not see much of him. Should get himself involved in more of the action, so no comments on him for now.

Mclucky Man of the Match: Sin Cheng

Match Day Quote: " Just Shoot !!! " --- Wei De, team captain