Disappointing Draw for Mavericks
1 September 2007
Venue: Yio Chu Kang Sec
Opponents: Team Uncles
Line-up: Alex, Jiunwei, Chao Xing, Wei Long, Chuan Ji, Mike, Zhi Fei, Boon Kee, Chung Wei, Fuad, Clement, Amir, Boon Leng, Adrian, Seng Yew
FT score: 2-2 (HT score:0-0)
Mavericks Scorers: Fuad ('50), Wei Long ('75)
Assists: Zhi Fei (2)
Man-of-Match: Alex
The absence of Kee Siang once again proved costly for Mavericks FC as they had to settle for only a 2-2 draw at Yio Chu Kang Sec this afternoon. Early in the game, Mavericks FC was awarded a penalty at the 30th min when Wei Long was brought down by the keeper in the box. Striker Zhi Fei, after missing in action for weeks, stepped up to take the spot kick which went harmlessly over the crossbar. Moments later, when presented with a clear chance to shoot from 15 yards, Zhi Fei chose instead to make a through pass which was intercepted by the opposing defender. Evidently, the penalty miss shook the confidence of the usually calm striker.
Team Uncles pushed forward and penetrated the Maverick makeshift defence which started the first half without first choice centreback Chuan Ji. On several occasions, Mavericks had to rely on commanding goalkeeper Alex to save the blushes from some seemingly school boy defending. A confident display from Alex seemed to suggest that he had already shaken off the disappointments from the previous defeat.
Mavericks FC started the second half brightly with a 3-4-3 formation, giving more attack options upfront. Within 5mins after kickoff, Mavericks FC took the lead through substitute, Fuad. A shot from Zhi Fei was deflected by the keeper into an unmarked Fuad's path, who coyly tapped the ball into the open goal. Mavericks FC 1, Team Uncles 0. The morale of Mavericks was raised by the goal as they burst forward again and again in search of a second goal. Chao Xing's runs down the left flank and Fuad's wonder crosses threatened Team Uncles' goal repeatedly. It seemed that a second goal will arrive soon when Team Uncles suddenly scored with a long range drive. Alex got a touch of the ball but was unable to keep it out on this occasion. 1-1.
Substitute Wei Long came on for Boon Kee at the 73th minute and made an immediate impact to the game. Mavericks FC took the lead for the second time scoring a well-built up goal. If Amir's through pass to Zhi Fei was considered almost perfect; the latter's one touch pass which found Wei Long should be considered simply splendid. Trapping the ball, Wei Long wasted no time in punishing the Uncles' defence by driving the ball into the bottom right corner of the net. Mavericks were in joyous mood after taking the lead again and Zhi Fei was once again the architect. However, their happiness did not last long as moments later after the kick off, Team Uncles scored the equaliser again though there were very strong suspicions of offside. Some players protested but referee Devan maintained his stand.
The team came down this afternoon in search for a win but had to end the game with a draw. Alex's wonderful saves could not produce a clean sheet or even a win for a disappointing game.
~Adrian
Venue: Yio Chu Kang Sec
Opponents: Team Uncles
Line-up: Alex, Jiunwei, Chao Xing, Wei Long, Chuan Ji, Mike, Zhi Fei, Boon Kee, Chung Wei, Fuad, Clement, Amir, Boon Leng, Adrian, Seng Yew
FT score: 2-2 (HT score:0-0)
Mavericks Scorers: Fuad ('50), Wei Long ('75)
Assists: Zhi Fei (2)
Man-of-Match: Alex
The absence of Kee Siang once again proved costly for Mavericks FC as they had to settle for only a 2-2 draw at Yio Chu Kang Sec this afternoon. Early in the game, Mavericks FC was awarded a penalty at the 30th min when Wei Long was brought down by the keeper in the box. Striker Zhi Fei, after missing in action for weeks, stepped up to take the spot kick which went harmlessly over the crossbar. Moments later, when presented with a clear chance to shoot from 15 yards, Zhi Fei chose instead to make a through pass which was intercepted by the opposing defender. Evidently, the penalty miss shook the confidence of the usually calm striker.
Team Uncles pushed forward and penetrated the Maverick makeshift defence which started the first half without first choice centreback Chuan Ji. On several occasions, Mavericks had to rely on commanding goalkeeper Alex to save the blushes from some seemingly school boy defending. A confident display from Alex seemed to suggest that he had already shaken off the disappointments from the previous defeat.
Mavericks FC started the second half brightly with a 3-4-3 formation, giving more attack options upfront. Within 5mins after kickoff, Mavericks FC took the lead through substitute, Fuad. A shot from Zhi Fei was deflected by the keeper into an unmarked Fuad's path, who coyly tapped the ball into the open goal. Mavericks FC 1, Team Uncles 0. The morale of Mavericks was raised by the goal as they burst forward again and again in search of a second goal. Chao Xing's runs down the left flank and Fuad's wonder crosses threatened Team Uncles' goal repeatedly. It seemed that a second goal will arrive soon when Team Uncles suddenly scored with a long range drive. Alex got a touch of the ball but was unable to keep it out on this occasion. 1-1.
Substitute Wei Long came on for Boon Kee at the 73th minute and made an immediate impact to the game. Mavericks FC took the lead for the second time scoring a well-built up goal. If Amir's through pass to Zhi Fei was considered almost perfect; the latter's one touch pass which found Wei Long should be considered simply splendid. Trapping the ball, Wei Long wasted no time in punishing the Uncles' defence by driving the ball into the bottom right corner of the net. Mavericks were in joyous mood after taking the lead again and Zhi Fei was once again the architect. However, their happiness did not last long as moments later after the kick off, Team Uncles scored the equaliser again though there were very strong suspicions of offside. Some players protested but referee Devan maintained his stand.
The team came down this afternoon in search for a win but had to end the game with a draw. Alex's wonderful saves could not produce a clean sheet or even a win for a disappointing game.
~Adrian
posted by The Outsider at
10:54 PM
