Sunday, May 01, 2011

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


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