Friendly Double Header 19/09/10

This day WE Fight Club negotiated 2 games at Marsiling Secondary, as a testament to character, fitness and ability to adapt to last minute encounters and surprises. And this conversation proved to be senseless at the end of the day.

Rixian : Which referee organised today's game?
Simon : D2d. The organiser told me our opponents are of Morning Glory's standard.
Rixian : You should have organised a easier game mah! Photo taking leh today!
Simon : Ohhhhhhhhh...

We had good attendance this day, most probably due to the fact everyone wants to get their pictures on the team photo. But we were missing Adrian, Chua, Fat, Zhenquan and Weixiong. Squad did their warm up and usual laughs while the usual shitters like Berbajang, Nigel, Seng and Rixian did their businesses. And just before the game we had our photo taking session and armband presentation, and also first XI photo, with Tianjun being captain for the day. Line up started with Asen in goal, with a backline of Tianjun, Simon, Jin and Daniel from right to left. Midfielders Jumain and Rixian with new nicknamed player Berbajang the Whiner's own ballerina on the left and Seng on the right. Up front was Xianxi and Zonghui. A strong bench on the sidelines consisting of Zhenqing, Nigel, Lewis, Saran and Taran twin towers and whitey new boots donner Chai. We begin the game well and aiming to keep possession and get our touches and passes around. First chance was created as Xianxi latched on a pass and lay the ball through for Zonghui for the 1 on 1 but his shot was saved by the goalkeeper. Opponents tried to threaten with some hard runs against our defence which came to nothing as the defence stood firm. Berbajang was in the mood for a show as he took the ball before the half way line on the left, cut into the centre and faked the entire defence to dribble past the naive highline for the 1 on 1 before dribble the ball past the keeper to put us at 1-0. A flurry of substitutions followed and 2 in particular combined when Chai sprung the offside trap to latch on a through ball from Rixian and kept his footing to draw the keeper out before laying the ball towards Lewis who slid the ball in to put us 2 up. Jumain was playing his passes well from deep and keeping the players in the game while Seng also had several attempts to run at the defence, drawing fouls in danger areas. Defence backline was peerless as Tianjun and Simon keep winning headers and challenges and Zhenqing kept that up when he came on. Jin was also covering well and clearing the lines well and Daniel as usual made easy work of playing the ball out of defence all the time. We went in 2-0 up at half time.

A flurry of substitutions in the 2nd half for the Whiners, including intimidating goalkeeper Saran and brother Taran who was welcomed back from injury to get his minutes since the start of the year. Nigel also went into the right flank in place of Seng while Utility man Zhenqing remain with the rest of the backline. While Xianxi went in with Chai upfront. 2nd half started with ball keeping and neat touches from the team and about 10 mins into the 2nd half we were leading 3-0. Quick free kick and quick thinking from Taran sent Chai through against a sleeping defence as he cuts inside from the right to bring the ball past the keeper for the 3rd goal. An ideal set piece by Berbajang gave Zonghui the 4th as he beat the offside trap and brought the ball down well and slot into the net and Zonghui returned the favour soon after with a early low cross as he spotted Berbajang running in from the left and he duly finished. The game ended 5-0 to the Fight Club.

We were then approached by 11am game opponents who looked a fanciful and fast young malay team for a match as their opponents didn't turn up, resulting a walkover but they still wanted to play so we all agreed and had our 2nd game. New team line up as a few players played out of position, like Chai and Rixian at left back and centre back. Zonghui took up the left midfield berth while Berbajang took up his favourite role up front with Zhenqing. Jin played as defensive midfield with Jumain while Simon, Tianjun and Seng remained in their positions with Asen. Berbajang continued where he left off as the former Gombak youngster showed his love and familiarity towards the Mikasa ball as he was sent through and slot perfectly for his day's combined hat trick. Malay youngsters tried to play their way into the game but was lacking of a final ball. But their persistence paid off as a cross from the right found a knee of a striker who despite pressure from Tianjun minus to connect with the ball awkwardly as it lofted pass Asen to put them at 1-1. Soon the Whiners took back the lead as Chai launched a cross into the area which made things difficult for the small goalkeeper and under pressure he dropped the ball for Nigel who rammed in from just in front of goal. Lewis and Jumain played ball keeping patiently and it was enjoyable to see that we are not rushing things, picking the right timing. The half ended 2-1. Start of 2nd half and fatigue sunk in as some players had to leave while others are injured or already too tired tired to carry on. But credit to Zonghui and Jin who changed in and out of their gear a staggering 3 times! This showcase 2 players whose heart wants to play but body doesn't. But they still did came in and put on a professional performance for the team. Berbajang's blighted his copybook as he committed a mistake by passing back to Asen and cost the Whiners a goal. 2-2 it stayed while opponents missed several chances to win the game due to poor finishing as the Whiners returned home tired after a double header.

Special thanks to Simon's brother Samuel who came and take photos for us! And also Nigel to get well soon!