Match 62 - Victory (Mervin's Testimonial) 021207

Starting Line-up: (3-5-2) Yanshou (GK), Binghong (CB), Kenny (CB), Suichao (CB), Hweequan (DM), Rujia (CM), Sybian (LM), Kelvin (RM), Jackie (AM), Junbing (ST), Alvin (ST)

Subs: Mervin, Kaiseng, Huang Weijie

Match Report:

It was Match 62 for Songbo FC. By the looks of it, it seemed to be another routine match for the team. However, it was definitely not, to say the least. After an amazing run of 12 unbeaten matches, with 9 wins and 3 draws, Songbo FC had crumbled to a 3 match loss streak. Conceding 9 goals and scoring only 2 in those 3 matches, losing a 4th match would create a new, albeit undesirable, record for the team.

The team to be played, ironically, turned out to be 1 of the teams that had defeated Songbo in the 3 match loss streak. However, the main significance of this match was not the losing streak or facing a team that had defeated Songbo before. The match was also a testimonial match for Mervin, who is going overseas for a 1 year posting for his job. Therefore, with a testimonial match, Mervin also had the chance to manage the team for this match.

Seizing the chance, Mervin decided to go with a formation that was untested with Songbo. A 3-5-2 formation as opposed to their normal 4-4-1-1 formation. As noted by Songbo themselves, they had a solid backline but the team suffers when trying to produce an effective attack on stronger teams. Therefore, a 3-5-2 formation would grant Songbo more options when going forward, especially with 2 strikers at the front waiting to pounce. However, width had to be sacrificed, as the formation was planned to attack from the centre rather than the sides.

With the game plan briefed to the team and their roles explained, it was game on. The traditional "Huat ah~!" cheer done and the team took shape on the field.

1st Half

Much of the opening period was edgy and uncomfortable for Songbo as most of the team was trying to play in their new formation and roles. Many communication and positioning errors were committed as they team tried to gel. Songbo's midfield, packed with 5 players, posed an early wall for the opponent as they tried to find a way through. With Hweequan cutting off attacks early from midfield and the 3 centrebacks doing their job well, the opponent hardly had a sniff of the goal.

Yanshou, placed as the GK for the 1st half, had some trouble getting his normal distance on his goal kicks. Looks like his foot still needs a bit of work but he should not be far away. Other than that, he had a quiet first half compared to the rest of his teammates.

Even though the opponent did not have many goalscoring chances, Songbo had problems creating their own as well. The new positions had some Songbo members confused as they drifted off position. Jackie had to start attacks from the flanks even though he was playing as the attacking mid and Alvin was often seen dropping deep into the midfield even though he was the striker. Rujia was also seeing very little of the ball, despite the game plan stating that he was the one who is supposed to distribute the ball and start attacks.

Mervin, leaving himself out of the starting lineup, watched all that was happening on the field. It was all too familiar to him as the team struggled yet again to produce an effective attack despite the change in formation. Mentally noting down the points to be highlighted in the half time talk, he settled on the impeding stalemate scoreline.

It was then a miracle happened. The opponent's GK was penalised for taking more than 6 secs to release the ball. Songbo was given an indirect freekick in the area. A good goalscoring chance that had been rare for either side so far. After a little discussion on tactics, a short layoff was dispatched neatly into goal by Jackie despite the wall covering most of the goal. 1-0 to Songbo!

Half-Time Team Talk

The day's captain explaining his views about the first half and tactics for the second half.

Rujia further elaborates the explanation on the tactics.

The team came back from the field for their half-time break and team talk. Mervin gave his thoughts about the first half, emphasing the fact that the 1st goal scored was more than what the team deserved. He then went on to drill in the points he made at the start; play through the center and let Rujia start the attack. Substitutions were also made with Junbing replacing Yanshou as the GK while Mervin played himself in the striker role. With the team talk done with, the team did the "Huat Ah~!" cheer once more, looking to improve on the performance of the first half.

2nd Half

The 2nd half got a lot more exciting.

With the tactical instructions drilled in during half time, Songbo FC to attack with better passing and distribution. This created many goal scoring opportunities that, unfortunately, no one properly dispatched. This highlighted one of Songbo FC's problems; having a proper striker that delivered goals frequently. With Alvin and Mervin struggling to get their shots into the net, Rujia pushed forward many times to have a go at goal himself. However, his sharpness eluded him this match, having a particularly good chance in front of goal wasted.

The opponents did not have a good time either. Junbing had nothing much to do during the whole of the half as the defense swatted away attack after attack from the opponent. The 3 center backs worked their hearts out to ensure nothing got through them. Many of the attacks were already stamped out from midfield as the midfield were packed with 5 players.

Midway into the half, Seng replaced Kelvin on the right side of midfield. As the time wore on, many minds had already settled on the 1-0 scoreline giving the look of events. However, approximately 10 mins before full time, Jackie outran his boots and his sole came off. A substitution had to be made with Kelvin coming onto the field again. Mervin pushed Kelvin into his striking role while he took the Attacking Mid role.

The change was a blessing in disguise as a quick attack saw 3 players, Rujia, Kelvin and Mervin, charging towards goal with 1 defender and the GK to beat. Rujia gave a perfectly timed through pass to Kelvin and he dispatched the ball into the net with an ice cool finish. 2-0 to Songbo FC!

The crucial 2nd goal had came and thus Mervin changed the formation to 5-3-2 for some reinforcements needed in the back line. As expected, the final moments of the 2nd half concluded with a barrage of attacks from the opponent. With tired legs and minds, the defence was starting to show cracks and almost leaked a goal. However, with perseverance, Songbo FC kept their clean sheet. Job well done!

Kelvin scores his 15th goal for Songbo FC.
Despite the fatigue, Kenny manages a "V" sign for the camera.

Editor's note: The report is late for sure. Have been busy trying to tie the loose ends for my trip. Thanks for the match and I hope you guys find it as enjoyable as I did. Hope you guys keep our team proud while I am away. Huat Ah~!