Mavericks End Winless Streak
15th September 2007
Venue: Fernvale Pitch 1
Opponents: Las Hearutsusu F C
Starting line-up: Alex, Jiun Wei, Chao Xing, Clement, Mike, Chung Wei, Seng Yew, Wei Jie, Amir, Wei Long, Zhi Fei, Fuad, Chuan Ji, Kee Siang.
FT score: 2-0 (HT score 1-0)
Goals: Wei Long ('20), Wei Jie ('62)
Assists: Amir, Fuad
Clean Sheet: Alex
Assists: Chao Xing, Clement, Jiun Wei, Mike
Man-Of-Match: Jiun Wei
After 3 winless matches, Team Mavericks regained their top form this Saturday afternoon. Even though the morning rain had forced a last-minute change in venue away from the comforts of homeground advantage, it did not damper the team's determination to break the winless curse. And indeed, the white-blues rounded up an entertaining performance with a clean sheet as well. Of course, the credit should be shared with two die-hard Maverick supporters, who came all the way from far to witness our beautiful victory.
With Mike's commanding presence in the defence in the first half, Mavericks started off with composure in the usual 4-4-2 formation. Despite having to cope with the Hearts' overloaded attacking options, the defence managed to hold and contain Las Hearutsusu's attack effectively throughout the whole match. Kudos to the defenders!
It was only 20 minutes into the game when the white-blues took the lead . A through ball from Amir saw the ball ricochet off Zhi Fei's feet, which bounced to the unmarked Wei Long just outside the penalty box. Without hesitation, he drove the ball into the bottom right corner of the net.
Right after the first goal, Mavericks was back to business again. The ever-running Chung Wei sprinted down the right flank without much challenge, and sent in a cross that found Zhi Fei in the centre of the penalty box. However Zhi Fei should curse his luck as he saw his volley sail harmlessly over the crossbar.
Las Hearutsus continued their relentless attempts at penetrating Team Mavericks' defences through the middle. On several occasions, Mavericks' defence seemed to lose possession too readily and it seemed that a goal was inevitable. However lady luck seems to be shining on the white-blues, as the Hearts failed to convert their chances. The first half ended with both teams almost equal on possession and chances.
The second half saw many tactical chances to the team. With star player Kee Siang and new signing Fuad joining the attack, it seemed as though Mavericks would be controlling the midfield. However, due to the pitch condition, it made it difficult for the midfield to keep the possesion. Although Mavericks did not manage to attack through the centre, the damage was done through the two wings.
In the 62th minute, a long ball from defence managed to find Fuad deep down the right flank. Just like most war movies, the flanking tactics worked effectively. He was able to draw two defenders away and this created a open opportunity for Wei Jie in the penalty box. With an accurate pass to him, he made it seemed so easy by slotting the ball into the back of the net. What a counter attack well-executed by the Mavericks, leaving Las Hearutsusu's defence dumbfounded.
Mavericks' very own version of Nani, Amir, could have made the victory even more complete in the 80th minute. With a dazzling dribble down the left flank, he found himself with the opponent's goalkeeper. He chose to put the ball into the far right corner, which just shaved past the side post.
The final whistle came as the Mavericks savoured a sweet victory after a lacklustre month.
Feedback:
We have to give due credit to our solid defence which managed to put the attack of Las Hearutsusu at bay. With some insider info provided by Zhi Fei, Chao Xing decided to focus on attacking football for this match. A great improvement for many in challenging for high balls. But of course, I personally feel that we could have done better in the attack as well as the defence.
From my view in this match, I feel that we can deploy more tactical runs at the attack to draw away defenders if we want to attack through the centre. When attacking through the flanks, wingers could try to release balls early. By doing this, strikers can run into space for the ball and disrupt the defence, while the wingers or other attackers can fill up the centre to finish it off.
I don't know if switching will work. But it will definitely cause some panic in opponent's defence if we can switch from right to left or vice verse, because i think we can notice that the other side of the field is usually left open and unmarked.
Defence should spread the ball to the full backs, who will be usually unchallenged. From there, we can look for opportunities to play down the flanks or push through the centre. Of course, this tactic is only workable if we are facing a team like Las Hearutsusu who loaded most of their players in the centre.
Also, under dangerous circumstances, the defence should put the ball up or if safer, out asap. Central defenders should try to refrain from dribbling past opponent unless you are well covered or really confident.
Finally, I guess our positioning and distance between players are still not at optimal level. We still can't maintain the shape mentioned by Mike. Usually, everyone including opponents will "cluster-f***" near the ball. But once we win the ball, we don't have anyone to pass to. Basically I guess is to maintain triangles, so that you have at least two options to play to. We haven't been playing a real short passing game I guess?
Well, I guess it may sound too idealistic. But with good tactics and planning, we can make our game more beautiful.
Weilong~
Venue: Fernvale Pitch 1
Opponents: Las Hearutsusu F C
Starting line-up: Alex, Jiun Wei, Chao Xing, Clement, Mike, Chung Wei, Seng Yew, Wei Jie, Amir, Wei Long, Zhi Fei, Fuad, Chuan Ji, Kee Siang.
FT score: 2-0 (HT score 1-0)
Goals: Wei Long ('20), Wei Jie ('62)
Assists: Amir, Fuad
Clean Sheet: Alex
Assists: Chao Xing, Clement, Jiun Wei, Mike
Man-Of-Match: Jiun Wei
After 3 winless matches, Team Mavericks regained their top form this Saturday afternoon. Even though the morning rain had forced a last-minute change in venue away from the comforts of homeground advantage, it did not damper the team's determination to break the winless curse. And indeed, the white-blues rounded up an entertaining performance with a clean sheet as well. Of course, the credit should be shared with two die-hard Maverick supporters, who came all the way from far to witness our beautiful victory.
With Mike's commanding presence in the defence in the first half, Mavericks started off with composure in the usual 4-4-2 formation. Despite having to cope with the Hearts' overloaded attacking options, the defence managed to hold and contain Las Hearutsusu's attack effectively throughout the whole match. Kudos to the defenders!
It was only 20 minutes into the game when the white-blues took the lead . A through ball from Amir saw the ball ricochet off Zhi Fei's feet, which bounced to the unmarked Wei Long just outside the penalty box. Without hesitation, he drove the ball into the bottom right corner of the net.
Right after the first goal, Mavericks was back to business again. The ever-running Chung Wei sprinted down the right flank without much challenge, and sent in a cross that found Zhi Fei in the centre of the penalty box. However Zhi Fei should curse his luck as he saw his volley sail harmlessly over the crossbar.
Las Hearutsus continued their relentless attempts at penetrating Team Mavericks' defences through the middle. On several occasions, Mavericks' defence seemed to lose possession too readily and it seemed that a goal was inevitable. However lady luck seems to be shining on the white-blues, as the Hearts failed to convert their chances. The first half ended with both teams almost equal on possession and chances.
The second half saw many tactical chances to the team. With star player Kee Siang and new signing Fuad joining the attack, it seemed as though Mavericks would be controlling the midfield. However, due to the pitch condition, it made it difficult for the midfield to keep the possesion. Although Mavericks did not manage to attack through the centre, the damage was done through the two wings.
In the 62th minute, a long ball from defence managed to find Fuad deep down the right flank. Just like most war movies, the flanking tactics worked effectively. He was able to draw two defenders away and this created a open opportunity for Wei Jie in the penalty box. With an accurate pass to him, he made it seemed so easy by slotting the ball into the back of the net. What a counter attack well-executed by the Mavericks, leaving Las Hearutsusu's defence dumbfounded.
Mavericks' very own version of Nani, Amir, could have made the victory even more complete in the 80th minute. With a dazzling dribble down the left flank, he found himself with the opponent's goalkeeper. He chose to put the ball into the far right corner, which just shaved past the side post.
The final whistle came as the Mavericks savoured a sweet victory after a lacklustre month.
Feedback:
We have to give due credit to our solid defence which managed to put the attack of Las Hearutsusu at bay. With some insider info provided by Zhi Fei, Chao Xing decided to focus on attacking football for this match. A great improvement for many in challenging for high balls. But of course, I personally feel that we could have done better in the attack as well as the defence.
From my view in this match, I feel that we can deploy more tactical runs at the attack to draw away defenders if we want to attack through the centre. When attacking through the flanks, wingers could try to release balls early. By doing this, strikers can run into space for the ball and disrupt the defence, while the wingers or other attackers can fill up the centre to finish it off.
I don't know if switching will work. But it will definitely cause some panic in opponent's defence if we can switch from right to left or vice verse, because i think we can notice that the other side of the field is usually left open and unmarked.
Defence should spread the ball to the full backs, who will be usually unchallenged. From there, we can look for opportunities to play down the flanks or push through the centre. Of course, this tactic is only workable if we are facing a team like Las Hearutsusu who loaded most of their players in the centre.
Also, under dangerous circumstances, the defence should put the ball up or if safer, out asap. Central defenders should try to refrain from dribbling past opponent unless you are well covered or really confident.
Finally, I guess our positioning and distance between players are still not at optimal level. We still can't maintain the shape mentioned by Mike. Usually, everyone including opponents will "cluster-f***" near the ball. But once we win the ball, we don't have anyone to pass to. Basically I guess is to maintain triangles, so that you have at least two options to play to. We haven't been playing a real short passing game I guess?
Well, I guess it may sound too idealistic. But with good tactics and planning, we can make our game more beautiful.
Weilong~
posted by The Outsider at
11:29 PM
