Mavericks Snatches Victory At Canberra

Date: 16 February 2008

Location: Canberra Sec
Kick-off: 3pm
Opponents: H.K. United

Starting line-up: Steven, Chao Xing, Clement, Chuan Ji, David, Calvin, Seng Yew, Mike, Amir, Kee Siang, Jerome Boon Kee
Substitutes: Alex, Jiun Wei, Xavi*, Wei Long, Tommy,

FT score: 3-1 (HT score: 1-1)
Goals: Tommy ('38), Kee Siang ('70), Amir ('88)
Assists: Alex


Mavericks FC secured a convincing 3-1 win over H.K.United in classy fashion at the Canberra on Saturday afternoon. The men in black played some nice football despite a gritty display from their opponents who were not shy to get physical.

The Mavericks welcomed back target man Tommy and wing-back Calvin into the squad together with on-loan goalkeeper Steven who was first-choice custodian Alex's twin brother (sort of). A first for Alex, as he has never been benched throughout his Mavericks FC career, however, he did make a cameo as a sub on the left wing. Clement shifted to centre-back while trialist David played at left-back.

The Outsiders started well, with some free-flowing football, characterized by midfield maestro Kee Siang's showboating, much to the delight of the fans at the Canberra. Both teams had their fair share of possession, with H.K.United recent on-loan signing from Mavericks FC, midfield man Wei Jie who tussled for control against his old colleagues in the middle of the park. Jerome Boon Kee had a great shot saved by the keeper as the Mavericks looked the more threatening.

Striker Tommy broke the deadlock on his return to first team action, in the 38th minute, after a scramble in the box as he hooked in a fine header that lobbed over the keeper and landed into the net. However, H.K. United's pacy no.10, who was their most dangerous player on the pitch, restored parity just before the break, with a fine run into the box before slotting it past Steven. Veteran centre-back Chuan Ji's amazing surge into the midfield from defence was thwarted at the last moment as the Mavericks searched to restore their lead. The first half also saw the impressive Mike getting booked for a deliberate handball. Half-time score: 1:1.

Second-half was a closely-knit affair, but it was H.K. United who threatened as they had several free-kicks conceded in their favour, but they could not make the most of their chances. Mavericks nearly got the lead after the keeper pushed winger Amir's shot onto the post after he had burst into the box. Wei Long and Tommy combined to great effect, as the Mavericks switched to a standard 4-4-2 formation, which nearly paid dividends if not for the keeper and some bad luck. Tommy had a shot which trickled onto the post and Xavi*, who was having a fine game since coming on, had several chances but could not find the net. Seng Yew had a free-kick which was saved by the keeper as well.

Finally in the 70th minute, it was left to the legendary Kee Siang to raise the spirits of the men in black, as he burst forward past two defenders, dragging it past another, before making space for himself and placing it beyond the keeper's reach into the bottom corner of the net with his right foot. A truly magnificent goal, a typical one which we've seen countless of times on Youtube, when the midfielder was plying his trade for his previous clubs.

This dampened the spirits of H.K.United, and soon it was the Mavericks who congested their opponent's half as they looked for the killer goal. Captain Chao Xing had several chances while the lively Xavi* and Jerome Boon Kee nearly got their names on the scoresheet.

Finally, winger Amir wrapped up the points with a good finish two minutes from time after a super long throw assist from keeper Alex, who was reinstated between the posts. There was suspicion of hand-ball but referee Charles played on, and Amir ran past the static defence and past the keeper before passing the ball into the open net with a left-footed finish. And soon enough, the referee blew for the final whistle, and the Mavericks sent their fans home happy and contented with a fine victory.

*name protected due to possible harm to individual involved.