Match 157 - Win

Songbo FC 2:1 Opponents

Date: 22th May 2011
Venue: Dunearn SS.
Jersey: Kappa Red

Starting Line-Up >> 5-3-2
Junbing(GK), Kelvin(LB), Suichao(CB), Kenny(CB), H.Weijie(RB), Binghong(LM), Hweequan(DM), Rujia(CM), Mervin(RM), Alvin Toh(CF), Yanshou(CF)

Subtitutes:
T.Weijie, Jiaxiang, Kaiseng, Mark, Taimin

Scores:
HT: 0-1
FT: 2-1

Match Report:

Songbo FC has never had such a torrid record before; on a back of a 4 loss streak is something they have never experienced and the word "crisis" looms around each of their players' minds. This match squares Songbo FC off with a familiar opponent which they have had a decent record with. On this form however, record books go out of the window.

Sure enough, the opening minutes saw the opponents dominating the space in midfield. Within the opening minutes of the game, the opponents had a few good shots towards the goal. Songbo FC was fortunate that the opponents could not make better use of the opportunities. However, as luck and fate would have it, the opponents got the opening goal. Once again, making use of the space available in the middle of the park, their midfield carved out a space for himself and took a good shot at goal. 0-1; The first goal goes to the opponents and Songbo FC could hardly have wished for a worse beginning.

The rest of the first half saw some stout defending from Songbo FC and although chances did come for an equaliser, they were few and far between.

During half-time, the manager and the captain gave some encouragement as well as some instructions for the 2nd half. All the players know that they had to dig deep in order to turn this abysmal form around. With that, the usual "huat" ritual was done and the players streamed onto the field with a purpose.

The 2nd half indeed began brighter for Songbo FC; the back line was pushed up constantly to prevent the opponents from finding space in the middle and to prevent attacks forming. Songbo FC had more of a threat in the 2nd half and after some poor defending and confusion in the opponent's penalty area, Alvin Toh was on hand to strike home via a swivel shot to square things up. 1-1 and Songbo FC had the upper hand.

Alvin had a glorious opportunity to put his team in front when he was played through by a lobbed pass from Mervin but he decided to put the ball at the back of the fence instead of at the back of the net. However, Songbo FC was not to be denied. After defending a corner, Kenny had time to take the ball out of his penalty area to clear the ball upfield. Junbing was lying upfront in wait of the clearance which went in the ideal direction for him to trap the ball down, bring in into the area and whipped a shot past the keeper's right. 2-1 to Songbo FC!

Songbo FC knew that this result is not final; in the past 4 matches, Songbo FC has uncharacteristically given away the crucial winning goal during the final moments of the game. Playing with the same resolute style, Songbo FC pressed on and won a penalty after Kelvin was brought down as he went on a good run into the penalty box. Hweequan, making his 1st appearance after a good few matches away from the team, took the opportunity to restore belief that Songbo FC's result were dependent on him and if he scored it, the team would be more than happy to acknowledge his contribution.

However, Hweequan was made to rue a penalty miss that went wide of the right post and it seemed to be headed for the entrance to the field instead of the net. Sniggers could be heard from the opponent reserve players situated behind the goal.

Songbo FC was not punished by the penalty miss, however, and went on to win the game. A much needed victory after a depressing run of results and relives much pressure of the manager's shoulders. We can only hope that this win will spark off a run of good results for Songbo FC.

Reported by,
Mervin

Match 156 - Lost

Songbo FC 3:4 Opponents

Date: 15th May 2011
Venue: Dunearn SS.
Jersey: Kappa Red

Starting Line-Up >> 5-3-2
Yanshou(GK), Kelvin(LB), Suichao(CB), Kenny(CB), Kaiseng (RB), Sybian(LM), T.Weijie(DM), Rujia(CM), Mervin(RM), Alvin Toh(CF), Junbing(CF)

Subtitutes:
H.Weijie, Jackie

Scores:
HT: 1-2
FT: 3-4

GONE : Simplicity, Desire to win, Understanding, fitness,

IN : Laziness , bo chup, brotherhood

Never had Song Bo been in this situation before. Never had the result be like this. Just like what Liverpool has been experiencing this season.

Coming into this match, Song Bo Know that they have to win into to turn the season around. But god is fair. He would want you to work for and I mean work hard. Opponent is the team we play and lose to just 1 superb player of theirs. Therefore, the manager instruction was to contain him all the way.

Seldom had Song Bo be able to go straight into the game with ease. We were hardly tested in the first 10 min of the game.(May be the opponents age plays a part). The 0.1 ton sybian could even test the keeper from way out from a back heel from Papa Soh. Such a shame that this strike could on rattle the cross bar with the keeper fully stretch.

Shortly after, Alvin toh receive a long pass that he manage to break the off side trap. As he round the keeper, he was being trip. He tried to keep his balance but with all the booze he had over the years, his weight get the better of him and he fell. Penatly!!!! No question about it.

Being 1 of the better penalty taker, Papa soh step up but alas. The keeper manage to keep the penalty out, but on the path of Mervin who need no invitation to slam the ball home. 1-0 song Bo in the driving seat.

This goal allow song bo to finally settle down and proceed forward for their long awaited win. Again sybian was put through on goal with a fine pass by … dun kow who it was hahahahaha. With a defender breathing down his neck and the keeper rushing out, he manage to keep his cool and fire a weak volley with his left leg. The keeper was in superb form and he manage to block the ball . again he place it onto the path of sybian who place a shot towards the goal. He could only watch the ball kissing the pole. May be he really need to go to Loyang Tua Pei Kong to offer some prayers.

With a goal down, the opponents decided to up their gear and push forward. Their efforts pays off and they were rewarded with a penalty. 1-1!!! Song bo were silent andyou could see the players with their head hung low. Not a very good sign.

Minutes away from half time, song bo were hit hard, very hard when the opponents score the 2nd goal to go into half time with the lead. Mood were clearly not very good within song bo.

Going into the 2nd half, song bo manage to dug deep into their soul to search for a win. Alvin toh was through on goal then again luck was something that song bo has been missing. His shot beat the keeper but not the left pole. Again dejection was written all over the players face.

God decided to have some sympathy for song bo as jacky corner eluded every 1 and went into goal. Song bo has level the score. And now for the win. Things were evenly match between the team. With the combination of papa soh, sparrow and Alvin toh, papa soh fine strike put song bo into the drving seat once again. 3-2. Now its to protect the lead and end the game. Song bo knows that with a goal up against this team, its not good enough . They continue to search for the 4th goal to kill of the game. God has other things on his mind and only he knows it.

Alvin toh again has the goal on his mercy but alas, the ball hit the left pole again. May be he sould be going to loyang tua peh kong with sybian. Fatigue set in on song bo . with a lapse of concentration, opponent floats in a corner and all the song bo play just ball watching , only for the opponent to jump u and head in the ball. 3-3

Things not looking too good for song bo. Song bo was conscious about the big size ang moh who always hit the ground with just the slightest touch. Think he would better go play netball and shut the F*** up.

Again lapse of concentration prove to be another area of serious problem for song bo. From a pass to the penalty area from the ang moh , his teamlaid back a pass to him . He took it first time. 4-3. This really kill off any fighting spirit left in song bo. Soon the final whistle blow and song bo was heading into the showers, wondering what must be done to stop this curse.

Quote of the day: ‘ No matter how many time the ball hit the wood work, if it never result in a goal , its still consider zero.’ – Captain sparrow

Summary by,
Sybian

Match 155 - Lost

Songbo FC 2:3 Opponents

Date: 08th May 2011
Venue: Fuhua SS.
Jersey: Kappa Red

Starting Line-Up >> 5-3-2
Yanshou(GK), Kelvin(LB), Suichao(CB), Binghong(CB), Kaiseng (RB), Sybian(LM), T.Weijie(DM), Rujia(CM), Mervin(RM), Junbing(CF), Kenny(CF)

Subtitutes:
Jiaxiang

Scores:
HT: 2-0
FT: 2-3

SBFC headed into this match on an unprecedented run of bad results in their history, not knowing that they would add another bad result to the sequence.

Everything looked optimistic at the start, bright sunny weather, a relatively good pitch and a referee who looked keen to stamp his authority in the match. (Note: an authoritative referee, in my opinion, is only to SBFC's advantage. Our opponents tend to play dirty, not us. So I don't know why we were affected by his authoritative style.)

SBFC started off well with 2 well taken goals in the first half. A clearance by fullback Seng saw the ball being lifted to Kenny in the opposite half. An accelerating run by Kenny saw him beat his marker, as he brought the ball to the right before slamming the ball with precise accuracy into the goal. 1-0

The second goal came quickly after. A clearance in the opponent's half was done haphazardly, and saw the ball finding Kenny in some miraculous way. Without any further invitation, Kenny chose to place the ball to the GK's left, giving SBFC a comfortable 2-0 lead over their youthful opponents.

Who would have even expected what was going to happen? With a comfortable 2-goal lead, one would see the leading team consolidating their advantage, and the opposition throwing caution to the wind to equalise, which most of the time, will see more goals being knocked into a undefended goal. These goals did came, but at the wrong end.

The goal that sparked the opposition's revival came fast and furious. The ball was played into SB's half without much threat at all, as the number of attackers matched the number of defenders. However, laid-back defending saw the opposing LM holding the ball for too long a time, while our defenders were contented to sit back and defend. With time on his hand, the LM picked his spot and curled a wicked shot into SB's goal, with PapaSoh beaten as his view of the shot was blocked, as claimed. 2-1

Ball to hand, hand to ball. According to the referee, there is no longer a difference between the two. And how it came to haunt us. While defending an attack, CapiTan was penalised for a handball in the penalty area as he jumped up with no intent to block the ball with his arm. Rules are rules. A penalty was given and PapaSoh was unlucky not to block the shot having gone the right direction. 2-2 (Note: a check on FIFA's rule book (updated 2011) http://www.fifa.com/mm/document/affederation/generic/81/42/36/lawsofthegame_2010_11_e.pdf has CONFIRMED that a handball is only called if a player, other than the GK, deliberately handles the ball. So that self-centred referee was WRONG. I hate it when someone is wrong but insists that he is right. Just like MIW. Oops)

Once there's a crack, attack it. And how the opposition did. Sensing that our defence was starting to show vulnerability, the opposition carried on laying siege to SBFC. With due credit, SBFC did not relent and also tried to attack back, just that the opposition proved to be more decisive in their finishing. A potshot from the opponent striker had SBFC's custodian beaten for the third time that day. 2-3. Details are blurry as the reporter was already suffering from the heat of the midday sun. Was that an excuse that was playing in the minds of the SBFC players too? Or was the penalty call that allowed for the equaliser unwarranted? Or that many of the SBFC players stayed up to watch the results of GE 2011 and suffered from lack of rest.

Be it whatever. As a classic number from the late Michael Jackson goes, "Blame it on the sunshine, blame it on the moonlight, blame it on the good times. Boogie."

Summary by,
Kelvin

Match 154 - Lost

Songbo FC 1:2 Opponents

Date: 01st May 2011
Venue: Fuhua SS.
Jersey: Kappa Red

Starting Line-Up >> 5-3-2
Junbing(GK), Binghong(LB), Suichao(CB), Kenny(CB), Kaiseng (RB), Jackie(LM), H.Weijie(DM), T.Weijie(CM), Mervin(RM), Alvin Toh (CF), Yanshou(CF)

Subtitutes:


Scores:
HT: 1-1
FT: 1-2

A quick rundown on the statistics will show you that SBFC had a very bad track record at Fuhua. The reasons are plenty. Whether It’s due to freak accidents that resulted in bad injury, opponents too strong, bad referee or just pure unlucky, Fuhua has all dished them out to SBFC. Thus, a match being played here often result in more bad then good.

On a brighter side of things, we welcome back our ‘highly-talented-overseas-trained’ Robinho, who left us for ‘overseas’ training that lasted for about 6 months. Statistics had also shown that his presence in the team enabled SBFC to reap out some very good results. Let’s hope his return will add in some light to the already very gleam showing of SBFC’s recent poor run of form.

The opponent today is none other than the team with the fearsome no.77, who’s speed, agility, control and shot power strikes fear in SBFC’s defense. But, a close inspection on the squad brought in some very good news as no.77 was nowhere to be found! Good news??

With the absence of Capt. Sparrow and Sybian, there aren’t many changes to the team lineup. The point of focus will be on LB, the position that Robinho is playing.

The match begins as per normal, with the usual quick exchanges of possession as both teams try to get into their game. Being a team that specializes in teamwork and defense, much of the possession was with the opponent as they spray passes from across the field, trying to craft out a pass that will tore a hole in SBFC’s defense.

There isn’t much time for Robinho to try to adapt back to the ‘local’ game as most of the opponent‘s attack came from there. Their right winger tormented Robinho and it wasn’t long until he managed to break through SBFC’s defense. A throw in from the left, a quick fake of the body and he turned Robinho on the inside. Carrying out what a winger is supposed to do, he executed a nicely weighted cross that loops past John Terri and evaded Lusty. The ball was connected by his team mate, who manages to make the slightest of touch and diverts it towards the goal. The power isn’t strong, but it was enough to beat Junbing and break the deadlock. SBFC is down a goal, 0-1.

The score line was enough to serve as a wakeup call. Upon restart, the defensive minded SBFC begins to attack to get back on level terms. The tide has turned and it was the opponent’s defense being placed on the back foot now. A long ball from the left releases Tiger Yan and he charges down the right to try to reach the ball before the on rushing GK. With his well-toned muscle and never say die attitude, he reaches first and executed a stinging shot. The power was there, but it wasn’t able to beat the GK who opened up his body well to block it. The deflected shot fall to Commando Tan and one doesn’t need to tell him what to do as he follows up with another fiercely driven shot. Still, the GK was up to it and he somehow manages to block it with a part of his body. 2 shots, 2 block! But that wasn’t the end, Alvin Toh came out of nowhere to scoop up the ball and take another shot at goal. 3 shots after, the GK is finally beaten! 1-1! Back on level terms! And this brings a close to the first half

A quick team talk by Roy Hudson and both teams is back on the playing field. Not wanting to settle for a stalemate, both teams attacked right after the whistle for kick off of the second half is blown. With both defenses cancelling out each other’s attack, the score line was to remain at 1-1 for much of the second half. Stamina isn’t SBFC’s forte and as time creeps on, more and more tired legs can be seen. Clearance has become weaker and opponents are being closed down slower. Leaks are beginning to show in SBFC’s defense. A poor clearance by SBFC’s defense from a corner saw the ball fall into the opponent’s midfielder who was position just outside the penalty box. Disregarding the bodies in front of him, he executed a low drive shot which miraculously bypasses each and every one of SBFC’s defense! Due to the pools of bodies in front, the GK saw it late and wasn’t able to react. 1-2! SBFC on the back foot once again! This isn’t the first time where SBFC has let in a goal in the dying minutes.

With time not on their side, bodies not reacting to thoughts due to tiredness and a torn in their morale, SBFC wasn’t going to be able to win back the game, much less draw level. This was confirmed by the referee when the final whistle is blown.

Poor run of form… YES!
No luck at all… YES!
But is this the end.. HELL NO!

Let’s get our back our victory and have a taste of success!

Summary by,
Swee Chao