Following the previous week game being called off we have had a healthy squad of 20 raring to go. Asen, Zonghui, Simon, Tianjun and myself were late so we started on the bench, alongside monsters with plenty of bite in the shape of Zhenqing and Nigel. Saran started in goal and in front of him were central pairing of Zhenquan and Jin. Chua started as right back while usual suspect Daniel on the left. Lewis and Jumain were in the centre of the park flanked by Seng and Adrian, who was donning his new jersey but playing in unfamiliar position. Xianxi and Chai started in front.
Game started scrappy and the pitch was narrow and small so lots of play is cramped and there were little space to express. Lots of 50-50 loose balls bobbling around. Defence held up well against attacks while midfield was lacking in creativity, the effort could not be faulted. Midway through the first half the Blues took the lead with Saran's long drop kick travelling metres and the last defender misjudge the flight of the ball to head the ball over his own goalkeeper for our lead. But we were still under a bit of pressure so a trio of subs came on in the shape of Simon, Zonghui and myself. Pretty quiet first half which ended soon.
2nd half started alright but we fail to put our limited chances and lots of misplaced passes. Team Poom defence sat deep to counter Chai and Zonghui who were lacking in support. The final ball was lacking and frustration continues. The balls out of defence were fine but our attack was struggling to work. Off went Rixian and Seng came on and soon the lead was extended. Seng was not interfering with play while Chai capitalise on the defensive switch off to take it past the keeper and slot the ball into the empty net. Zhenqing and Tianjun replaced tired legs of Lewis and hardman Daniel while Nigel came on for Jumain and Adrian moved into the middle. Everyone was playing their part well, Nigel with a couple of well won headers and tackles. Tianjun was alert to the trouble and swept away a number of clearances. The original defence was doing great with Simon, Jin and Zhenquan winning everything on air and ground. We almost added to the lead late on when Jin met Chai's inswinging corner only to head over the ball under pressure. Xianxi came on late for Chai as he took his bow. The man on form with 4 goals in 3 games get his well deserved rest and that was how the game ended. Post match comments by the team all round and job was done. Let's rest well and look forward to next week.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Friday, March 26, 2010
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Whining Eleven Status Review
Dear all fellow whining 11 Players,
Thanks to Rixian for constantly Updating the blog and of course much credit goes to Chai for giving the team talk, Strategy updating and team mental building. With the guidance from them and everybody's constant support in the team, our team will flourish and not be a 1 season team meaning to say play one season and fizzle off.
Anyway seeing all play last week is a huge boost to my faith in the team's endless search for improvement as i can really see the heart and soul oozing out from each and every personnel taking on the pitch. Skill wise yes we may not be able to say we are the best but definitely we cannot lose out in terms of the grit and energy.
Currently, In the league Chai is spearheading out attack with the 3 goals to his name and as what rixian says smash and grab bolton style, we are really a team that works very much on our enthusiasm on the pitch and everyone has to admit chai is doing a fantastic job with his high work rate and of course together with the deadly zong hui and skilful Ke jang with 2 goals each is pumping in the goals. Our Midfield dynamo anchored by Adrian has also been a critical centrifugal force that has stabilise the midfield with his combatant style play and the slick footwork of our dazzling pint size midfielder lewis. Jumain hasn't had the opportunity to star in any of the league games but knowing his style of calm and composure play he will always fit into a game where our inexperience is compromise.
Seng has developed into a conventional winger and has ease into the game week in week out and as usual our very penetrative player Rixian Completes our attacking capabilities. Judging on the players we have, we are no meek team but there maybe other variables that hinder our surge to excellence and it takes everybody's own self reflection to determine what is the lacking factor that you want to instill in yourself to uplevel the team.
Nigel ad Zhenqing are two of our utility Workhorses who are known for thei brutality on the pitch but probably may want to skew your attention to fine tune other attributes which can value add on top of your current playing style.
As for the defender wise, the current defence stability is actuallly rested on Daniel's strong command emphasis. That has stabilised the defence and as Zhen Quan, fat, Tian Jun and Jin Strives to improve day by day, sometimes the communication is all that takes to break the good work that we have done defending (ala last week's 1st goal) so that is probably one of the area that we must tighten the screws on.
And of course our Asen, despite his capable ability to come out with match winning reflex saves, there are times that you can drop certain clangers and you may need to work on the goal kicks as you progress.... but things take time and we hope you can work on these critical points.... But we can all see that you are improving so keep it up..... Saran.... we have nothing to say but to just stand in awe on how far you can kick the ball and the possibilities you set up for the team... See you back in the team again....
And of course... our dearest injured taran we wish you all the best in your recovery and hope to see you back in action again..... take care of yourself brother...
Currently our team funds rest at $430 and bulk of the funds will be used for the new jersey... Anyway we can discuss...
This week we will be going to play at Tanglin secondary.... Just Take note.... Take care guys.....
Thanks to Rixian for constantly Updating the blog and of course much credit goes to Chai for giving the team talk, Strategy updating and team mental building. With the guidance from them and everybody's constant support in the team, our team will flourish and not be a 1 season team meaning to say play one season and fizzle off.
Anyway seeing all play last week is a huge boost to my faith in the team's endless search for improvement as i can really see the heart and soul oozing out from each and every personnel taking on the pitch. Skill wise yes we may not be able to say we are the best but definitely we cannot lose out in terms of the grit and energy.
Currently, In the league Chai is spearheading out attack with the 3 goals to his name and as what rixian says smash and grab bolton style, we are really a team that works very much on our enthusiasm on the pitch and everyone has to admit chai is doing a fantastic job with his high work rate and of course together with the deadly zong hui and skilful Ke jang with 2 goals each is pumping in the goals. Our Midfield dynamo anchored by Adrian has also been a critical centrifugal force that has stabilise the midfield with his combatant style play and the slick footwork of our dazzling pint size midfielder lewis. Jumain hasn't had the opportunity to star in any of the league games but knowing his style of calm and composure play he will always fit into a game where our inexperience is compromise.
Seng has developed into a conventional winger and has ease into the game week in week out and as usual our very penetrative player Rixian Completes our attacking capabilities. Judging on the players we have, we are no meek team but there maybe other variables that hinder our surge to excellence and it takes everybody's own self reflection to determine what is the lacking factor that you want to instill in yourself to uplevel the team.
Nigel ad Zhenqing are two of our utility Workhorses who are known for thei brutality on the pitch but probably may want to skew your attention to fine tune other attributes which can value add on top of your current playing style.
As for the defender wise, the current defence stability is actuallly rested on Daniel's strong command emphasis. That has stabilised the defence and as Zhen Quan, fat, Tian Jun and Jin Strives to improve day by day, sometimes the communication is all that takes to break the good work that we have done defending (ala last week's 1st goal) so that is probably one of the area that we must tighten the screws on.
And of course our Asen, despite his capable ability to come out with match winning reflex saves, there are times that you can drop certain clangers and you may need to work on the goal kicks as you progress.... but things take time and we hope you can work on these critical points.... But we can all see that you are improving so keep it up..... Saran.... we have nothing to say but to just stand in awe on how far you can kick the ball and the possibilities you set up for the team... See you back in the team again....
And of course... our dearest injured taran we wish you all the best in your recovery and hope to see you back in action again..... take care of yourself brother...
Currently our team funds rest at $430 and bulk of the funds will be used for the new jersey... Anyway we can discuss...
This week we will be going to play at Tanglin secondary.... Just Take note.... Take care guys.....
League game 2 : Whining 11 vs Hougang North 5-1
What comes around goes around, gone were the times that Seng and Zhenqing travelled half of Singapore to get to the games we had in the west. Travelling has also turned out better for Jin, at least not so far to get to the games. Most players arrived in time and there were a few like Chai, Kejang, Jin, Zonghui etc doing some warm ups and mini games, while Lewis sported a new hair cut, maybe to send out a message that he's ready to take the rough and tough in the matches. Team photo was taken and special thanks to Zhenqing for doing all of that. Pre match handshakes Champions League style(without theme song) was conducted and soon the 15 man squad was getting ready to start off the match. Zhenqing, Zhenquan, Rixian and Nigel started on the bench. Line up was as usual with Asen in goal, Jin and Fat pairing up in the middle while Simon and Daniel in the full backs position. Kejang and Seng flanked Adrian and Lewis, deadly duo with one goal each started up front, WHO ELSE and CAPTAIN BIBIBABEDOV.
Hougang North kicked off and a long ball was launched from their back and their striker was through on goal, slotting the ball under Asen to put them 1-0 up in at most the first 15 seconds. Whiners were shocked and lost suddenly, as this has not happened before. And it's Simon first game in the league so welcome to the true world! Communication and positioning were bad and lots of blunders here and there as the pace of the game was catching us off guard. But the team showed character and with plenty of encouraging and on field shouts from Daniel and Chai we finally recovered and soon drew level with WHO ELSE. Chai broke free down the right and crossed the ball in the danger zone for Zonghui to score an almost indentical goal the previous week. Both teams kept going at each other throughout and the spirit of the team has to be admired, though sometimes it takes more than that. Fat felt off the pace and asked for a change, Zhenquan coming on. Chai broke the offside trap twice more but failed to hit the target, while Zonghui was caught in an awkward position as he stabbed the ball wide while he reacted to Simon's shot at goal which the keeper spilled. But the Blues were not to be denied as Seng kept up his persistence and in turn won a penalty for our side as the keeper fouled him in the area. Zhenquan stepped up and place the shot beyond the keeper to put as 2-1 up. Rixian went in for Kejang just 10 mins before the end of the first half and the score-line stayed the way it is.
Half time talk was with plenty of fire by Chai and Rixian, who really gave quite a mouthful while also encouraging words from Simon and Daniel. The team came out determined to put things right in the 2nd half and soon enough we extended our lead. Simon launched a cross-field pass to Rixian who was just onside and he in turn headed the ball into Chai's path to slot past the keeper despite pressure from a defender. More chances fell to us several times but we failed to convert them, obvious we have to be more deadly. Chai put as 4-1 up as he followed up Rixian's shot which was going wide but instead hit a defender and the ball spun through for Chai to round the keeper and he wheeled away in celebration, knowing the job is probably done. Zhenqing was bulldozing through everyone and banging everyone off their chases on him. Simon tracked back well to get a crucial touch on the ball when no.18 sped through but he recovered in time in the area. Jin and Zhenquan was solid and make their clearances promptly while Daniel was obviously the man of the match with his exceptional strong display of skill and courage, plus excellent defensive reading. Adrian his usual hardworking self and Kejang too was working harder now to play well. Zonghui came back onto the field and soon provided an assist for Kejang as he made a simple pass into the area for Kejang to roll it into the net. We suffered from some attacks late on as we grew tired and were lucky not to concede any more goals. This is something we have to work on.
End of game and the usual little chats and laughs as this group gets closely-bonded week by week. Please take good care of yourself and those with little knocks here and there, notably Daniel and Seng. I got a head into my cheek so i am still feeling the effects too. Rest well boys, for the top of table clash this weekend. Though it's still early time in the season but it's a short season so we have to scrap for every point and of course try to avoid yellows. Winning all games only brings you 42 points so you can see how fine the line is so it is important we find our feet in the competition but also keep it firmly on the ground.
P.S. Anyway i saw the change in venue, it's not Punggol anymore it's East Spring so please take note. Simon or Chai maybe double check the game venue alright? Thanks.
Hougang North kicked off and a long ball was launched from their back and their striker was through on goal, slotting the ball under Asen to put them 1-0 up in at most the first 15 seconds. Whiners were shocked and lost suddenly, as this has not happened before. And it's Simon first game in the league so welcome to the true world! Communication and positioning were bad and lots of blunders here and there as the pace of the game was catching us off guard. But the team showed character and with plenty of encouraging and on field shouts from Daniel and Chai we finally recovered and soon drew level with WHO ELSE. Chai broke free down the right and crossed the ball in the danger zone for Zonghui to score an almost indentical goal the previous week. Both teams kept going at each other throughout and the spirit of the team has to be admired, though sometimes it takes more than that. Fat felt off the pace and asked for a change, Zhenquan coming on. Chai broke the offside trap twice more but failed to hit the target, while Zonghui was caught in an awkward position as he stabbed the ball wide while he reacted to Simon's shot at goal which the keeper spilled. But the Blues were not to be denied as Seng kept up his persistence and in turn won a penalty for our side as the keeper fouled him in the area. Zhenquan stepped up and place the shot beyond the keeper to put as 2-1 up. Rixian went in for Kejang just 10 mins before the end of the first half and the score-line stayed the way it is.
Half time talk was with plenty of fire by Chai and Rixian, who really gave quite a mouthful while also encouraging words from Simon and Daniel. The team came out determined to put things right in the 2nd half and soon enough we extended our lead. Simon launched a cross-field pass to Rixian who was just onside and he in turn headed the ball into Chai's path to slot past the keeper despite pressure from a defender. More chances fell to us several times but we failed to convert them, obvious we have to be more deadly. Chai put as 4-1 up as he followed up Rixian's shot which was going wide but instead hit a defender and the ball spun through for Chai to round the keeper and he wheeled away in celebration, knowing the job is probably done. Zhenqing was bulldozing through everyone and banging everyone off their chases on him. Simon tracked back well to get a crucial touch on the ball when no.18 sped through but he recovered in time in the area. Jin and Zhenquan was solid and make their clearances promptly while Daniel was obviously the man of the match with his exceptional strong display of skill and courage, plus excellent defensive reading. Adrian his usual hardworking self and Kejang too was working harder now to play well. Zonghui came back onto the field and soon provided an assist for Kejang as he made a simple pass into the area for Kejang to roll it into the net. We suffered from some attacks late on as we grew tired and were lucky not to concede any more goals. This is something we have to work on.
End of game and the usual little chats and laughs as this group gets closely-bonded week by week. Please take good care of yourself and those with little knocks here and there, notably Daniel and Seng. I got a head into my cheek so i am still feeling the effects too. Rest well boys, for the top of table clash this weekend. Though it's still early time in the season but it's a short season so we have to scrap for every point and of course try to avoid yellows. Winning all games only brings you 42 points so you can see how fine the line is so it is important we find our feet in the competition but also keep it firmly on the ground.
P.S. Anyway i saw the change in venue, it's not Punggol anymore it's East Spring so please take note. Simon or Chai maybe double check the game venue alright? Thanks.
Saturday, March 06, 2010
League game 1 - Whining 11 vs Inter 3-3
Our first league game and first league point. In truth the game should have been won but there were some individual mistakes here and there that cost the win. But we win, lose or draw together as a team and there should be no finger-pointing, just accept it and rectify the errors and we move on from there.
Day started well with our players all on time and mostly early even before the gate was open. Everyone did their warm up and had a team round up by Chai before taking the field. Asen started in goal, with Tien taking up the right back slot and Daniel on the left. Jin and Zhenquan was the spine of the defence and in front of them was Lewis and Adrian, who were flanked by Rixian and Kejang. Up front we had Zonghui and Chai our leading scorers. A healthy bench was available with Nigel, Zhenqing, Fat, Yichun. Game started with opponents trying to dominate possession but the team was backed by the persistent encouraging of Daniel from the bank. We soaked up pressure and play on the counter attack. It may not be pretty but we will get our chances this way. One such break saw Chai free down the right to cross the ball for Zonghui to slot home. That's our first league goal and of course we know it's not over yet. The pitch is hard, sandy and bumpy which made playing difficult but opponents are playing on the same field so definitely there should not be any excuse on our part. Asen pulled off 2 excellent saves and Zhenquan was winning challenges and making crucial clearances. Together with Jin and the rest of the defence holding the team together. The referee was a big problem for us as he keep giving fouls that wasn't and giving cards that was just a simple foul. Inter had much protection from the referee and maybe partially because they are more experienced in getting the decisions their way. But to be frank it's really soft for Chai and Adrian to be conceding yellows. But let's be more tactful next time, ONCE THE WHISTLE IS BLOWN NO MATTER WHAT YOU SAY OR DO WILL NOT CHANGE THE DECISION, SO LET'S KEEP OUR COOL AND ACCEPT IT, ORGANISE OURSELVES AND KEEP OUR SHAPE AGAIN. Please bear this in mind.
Midway through the first half we conceded and corner, slack marking caused us as a free header was planted into goal and we are back to square 1. It's a bad goal to concede but let's learn from this and move on.
2nd half saw one change from our side, with Yichun and Tien trading places, while Lewis came off for Seng who moved out to the left and Rixian to the centre. And we started stronger this time round. Constant pressure but we failed to turn our domination into goals. Zonghui was tightly marked and devoid of service while Chai was chasing and closing down in typical hardworking fashion, and also making runs and moving into channels to draw out defenders. But we went behind when Asen fumbled a soft shot from outside the area and we went 2-1 down. Zhenqing came on for Rixian and not soon after Fat came on for Jin. Zhenquan was obviously tired too as mistakes started to crept into his game. The team kept the pressure on and won a corner on the left, with Kejang swinging it low and Chai making the crucial connection by sweeping the ball first time into the net. That instilled belief in the team and the message was that there we 5 minutes to go when Whining 11 won another corner, this time on the right. Zhenqing put the ball in and as it was slightly behind Kejang he had to shaped him to do a scissors kick. Made strong connection and the ball was deflected into the net in what was the winner... or we thought it is. Late on we conceded a late penalty when Fat brought down one of the Inter indian. The challenge seem 50-50 but he was getting nowhere and Fat did acknowledge his error of judgement. The penalty was put in to Asen's right as the game ended 3-3. It was a game of highs and lows when we thought we did a smash and grab but were brought down to earth again. It may be slightly disappointing but let's draw the positives out and look forward to the next game, where we most probably will have Jumain and Simon back to add more solidity into the side.
P.S. If you think you played well then ask more of yourself to play better. If you think you could have done more and it was a performance you were not satisfy with, push yourself harder. Fat and Asen don't look too much into it. Move on and come back stronger! Take care team!
#17
Day started well with our players all on time and mostly early even before the gate was open. Everyone did their warm up and had a team round up by Chai before taking the field. Asen started in goal, with Tien taking up the right back slot and Daniel on the left. Jin and Zhenquan was the spine of the defence and in front of them was Lewis and Adrian, who were flanked by Rixian and Kejang. Up front we had Zonghui and Chai our leading scorers. A healthy bench was available with Nigel, Zhenqing, Fat, Yichun. Game started with opponents trying to dominate possession but the team was backed by the persistent encouraging of Daniel from the bank. We soaked up pressure and play on the counter attack. It may not be pretty but we will get our chances this way. One such break saw Chai free down the right to cross the ball for Zonghui to slot home. That's our first league goal and of course we know it's not over yet. The pitch is hard, sandy and bumpy which made playing difficult but opponents are playing on the same field so definitely there should not be any excuse on our part. Asen pulled off 2 excellent saves and Zhenquan was winning challenges and making crucial clearances. Together with Jin and the rest of the defence holding the team together. The referee was a big problem for us as he keep giving fouls that wasn't and giving cards that was just a simple foul. Inter had much protection from the referee and maybe partially because they are more experienced in getting the decisions their way. But to be frank it's really soft for Chai and Adrian to be conceding yellows. But let's be more tactful next time, ONCE THE WHISTLE IS BLOWN NO MATTER WHAT YOU SAY OR DO WILL NOT CHANGE THE DECISION, SO LET'S KEEP OUR COOL AND ACCEPT IT, ORGANISE OURSELVES AND KEEP OUR SHAPE AGAIN. Please bear this in mind.
Midway through the first half we conceded and corner, slack marking caused us as a free header was planted into goal and we are back to square 1. It's a bad goal to concede but let's learn from this and move on.
2nd half saw one change from our side, with Yichun and Tien trading places, while Lewis came off for Seng who moved out to the left and Rixian to the centre. And we started stronger this time round. Constant pressure but we failed to turn our domination into goals. Zonghui was tightly marked and devoid of service while Chai was chasing and closing down in typical hardworking fashion, and also making runs and moving into channels to draw out defenders. But we went behind when Asen fumbled a soft shot from outside the area and we went 2-1 down. Zhenqing came on for Rixian and not soon after Fat came on for Jin. Zhenquan was obviously tired too as mistakes started to crept into his game. The team kept the pressure on and won a corner on the left, with Kejang swinging it low and Chai making the crucial connection by sweeping the ball first time into the net. That instilled belief in the team and the message was that there we 5 minutes to go when Whining 11 won another corner, this time on the right. Zhenqing put the ball in and as it was slightly behind Kejang he had to shaped him to do a scissors kick. Made strong connection and the ball was deflected into the net in what was the winner... or we thought it is. Late on we conceded a late penalty when Fat brought down one of the Inter indian. The challenge seem 50-50 but he was getting nowhere and Fat did acknowledge his error of judgement. The penalty was put in to Asen's right as the game ended 3-3. It was a game of highs and lows when we thought we did a smash and grab but were brought down to earth again. It may be slightly disappointing but let's draw the positives out and look forward to the next game, where we most probably will have Jumain and Simon back to add more solidity into the side.
P.S. If you think you played well then ask more of yourself to play better. If you think you could have done more and it was a performance you were not satisfy with, push yourself harder. Fat and Asen don't look too much into it. Move on and come back stronger! Take care team!
#17
Player Interview with player #6
Interviewer : hi, i am here on behalf of the whining 11 magazine, can i ask you a few questions?
Player #6 : ok ya? sure go ahead
I : what are your thoughts going into the first game of the season?
P: excited
I : what do you wish to achieve, individually and as a team?
P : individually,=stronger and better
team,=effort and teamwork
I : what are your preparations going into the season opener?
P : learn more stuff from my other team
durin my game with them, i learn alot from them
I : okay
thank you very much
best of luck for the season opener and the rest of the season!
P : sure
thanks reporter
im so honoured to be interviewed.
*This was adapted from a conversation on msn between player/match reporter #17 Rx and player #6 Zq.
Player #6 : ok ya? sure go ahead
I : what are your thoughts going into the first game of the season?
P: excited
I : what do you wish to achieve, individually and as a team?
P : individually,=stronger and better
team,=effort and teamwork
I : what are your preparations going into the season opener?
P : learn more stuff from my other team
durin my game with them, i learn alot from them
I : okay
thank you very much
best of luck for the season opener and the rest of the season!
P : sure
thanks reporter
im so honoured to be interviewed.
*This was adapted from a conversation on msn between player/match reporter #17 Rx and player #6 Zq.
Wednesday, March 03, 2010
League Game 1, 070310 preview
Hi guys just a little update for our opponents this week, provided i never scout wrongly. Inter is a team playing in div 2 last year and they are still here this year means they are a midtable team or maybe towards the lower end of div 2. It's a team with average age of 30s and a few youngsters. But don't look too much into this, we still have to play whoever comes up, be it old uncles, kids, youngsters like us or pros like messi or ronaldo. Just give your best.
P.S. This scouting report might not be accurate. But i only found this Inter.
P.S. This scouting report might not be accurate. But i only found this Inter.
Match update 21st Feb and 28th Feb
These reports need to come in fast as this coming sunday we will be having our first league game, and i don't think i can remember the events clearly. Not like i can now either.
21st Feb was a 7-0 thrashing of a lowly malay team who don't seem interested in their football and was pretty naive and restricted in their play. A brace from Chai, one each from Zonghui and Kejang put us 4-0 midway through the first half. The players who came on from the bench felt it was boring and not much to play for or make an impression anymore. 2nd half we extended our lead through Seng, who also went on to miss an open goal in the latter stages of the game, which no doubt will be on the back of his mind that day(that day only! It's forgotten!). As our energy levels run low we didn't play much to what we are capable of, more due to individual brilliance from certain players. A long ball sent Chai through as he rounded the keeper for the finish. The 7th came when neat interplay between Chai and Kejang saw the latter steering the ball home after a low cross from Chai. Kejang had the chance to add to the lead when he went free down the left but chose to shot instead of laying the ball for Chai. He must want his hat trick really bad. That summed up the day and a little post match chat after that as usual before things round up and we will have to miss our dear Mr Simon for the next 2 games as he visits home of the AV land!
28th Feb was yours truly's birthday but the celebrations seemed dull as we missed a lot of players. Adrian called up 2 of his friends to plug the gaps we had. We squared off with opponents which we had faced twice, first time 3-3 at tanglin and 2nd time 2-1 to us on westwood. Started with makeshift defence with myself and daniel at centre back, tien at the right and newcomer yichun on the left. Seng started on the right and Kejang on the left, while calmness restorer Jumain was in the centre with new midfield dyanmo Adrian, who impressed the previous week in the 7-0 trouncing with his hard running and enterprising play. Up front was Chai and Xianxi. Zhenqing came and took up my position in defence while we had Lewis deciding to come and join TC on the bench. Most of the play congested in the midfield area and not enough chances were created. Chai give us a lead to bring into half time as he raced onto a throughball and slotted high to the right of the keeper to put us 1 up.
2nd half started horribly wrong when firstly a decision went against us when their equaliser was ruled to be onside and while we were recovering to that we gave up our lead when a shot via deflection went past Asen and we went 2-1 down. We pushed them back and with the lead they have they started to play their relaxed passing game. Several chances came and we failed to convert. Kejang was set up nicely as he went free into the area, shrug off the attention of the last defender but somehow fail to hit the back of the net as the ball slides past the far post. An almost identical chance was passed up too as he opt to shoot instead of laying the ball across for Chai and Lewis was guilty of the same play later. Lewis did made up for that when Seng got down the right and sidefoot the ball first time across into the area for Lewis to score the equaliser. Game ended on a sour note with 2 opponents going crazy on our players but our best fighter is planting the Singapore flag in the AV land so we carried on our game and walked off after the final whistle in peace. Daniel got a kick to his calf in the first incident with the no.7 and we certainly wish he will recover soon for our first game.
Our entrance to the league is a surprise as we were entered into Div 2 so we might expect something different. We won't have such a easy time anymore but that is how it should be. We joined the league to test ourselves and while this might be a higher level to aim at but we should continue to pursue what we want because we will eventually come to this stage even if we played at the lower divisions. It will be a good platform to put where we are and please look after yourselves and do your own physical training and brush up, and whatever you think you need and you can do individually. I am looking forward to seeing you guys on the pitch this sunday fresh and eager, ready to go!
#17
21st Feb was a 7-0 thrashing of a lowly malay team who don't seem interested in their football and was pretty naive and restricted in their play. A brace from Chai, one each from Zonghui and Kejang put us 4-0 midway through the first half. The players who came on from the bench felt it was boring and not much to play for or make an impression anymore. 2nd half we extended our lead through Seng, who also went on to miss an open goal in the latter stages of the game, which no doubt will be on the back of his mind that day(that day only! It's forgotten!). As our energy levels run low we didn't play much to what we are capable of, more due to individual brilliance from certain players. A long ball sent Chai through as he rounded the keeper for the finish. The 7th came when neat interplay between Chai and Kejang saw the latter steering the ball home after a low cross from Chai. Kejang had the chance to add to the lead when he went free down the left but chose to shot instead of laying the ball for Chai. He must want his hat trick really bad. That summed up the day and a little post match chat after that as usual before things round up and we will have to miss our dear Mr Simon for the next 2 games as he visits home of the AV land!
28th Feb was yours truly's birthday but the celebrations seemed dull as we missed a lot of players. Adrian called up 2 of his friends to plug the gaps we had. We squared off with opponents which we had faced twice, first time 3-3 at tanglin and 2nd time 2-1 to us on westwood. Started with makeshift defence with myself and daniel at centre back, tien at the right and newcomer yichun on the left. Seng started on the right and Kejang on the left, while calmness restorer Jumain was in the centre with new midfield dyanmo Adrian, who impressed the previous week in the 7-0 trouncing with his hard running and enterprising play. Up front was Chai and Xianxi. Zhenqing came and took up my position in defence while we had Lewis deciding to come and join TC on the bench. Most of the play congested in the midfield area and not enough chances were created. Chai give us a lead to bring into half time as he raced onto a throughball and slotted high to the right of the keeper to put us 1 up.
2nd half started horribly wrong when firstly a decision went against us when their equaliser was ruled to be onside and while we were recovering to that we gave up our lead when a shot via deflection went past Asen and we went 2-1 down. We pushed them back and with the lead they have they started to play their relaxed passing game. Several chances came and we failed to convert. Kejang was set up nicely as he went free into the area, shrug off the attention of the last defender but somehow fail to hit the back of the net as the ball slides past the far post. An almost identical chance was passed up too as he opt to shoot instead of laying the ball across for Chai and Lewis was guilty of the same play later. Lewis did made up for that when Seng got down the right and sidefoot the ball first time across into the area for Lewis to score the equaliser. Game ended on a sour note with 2 opponents going crazy on our players but our best fighter is planting the Singapore flag in the AV land so we carried on our game and walked off after the final whistle in peace. Daniel got a kick to his calf in the first incident with the no.7 and we certainly wish he will recover soon for our first game.
Our entrance to the league is a surprise as we were entered into Div 2 so we might expect something different. We won't have such a easy time anymore but that is how it should be. We joined the league to test ourselves and while this might be a higher level to aim at but we should continue to pursue what we want because we will eventually come to this stage even if we played at the lower divisions. It will be a good platform to put where we are and please look after yourselves and do your own physical training and brush up, and whatever you think you need and you can do individually. I am looking forward to seeing you guys on the pitch this sunday fresh and eager, ready to go!
#17
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