The Outsiders Ends Season with Draw

Date: 29 March 2008

Location: North View Sec
Kick-off: 3pm
Opponents: Kawabanga FC

Starting line-up: Alex, Chao Xing, Jiun Wei, Clement, Randy, Chris, Mike, Chung Wei, Amir, Faizy, Zhi Fei
Substitutes: None!

FT score: 1-1 (HT score: 1-0)
Goals: Amir ('26)
Assists: Faizy
MOM: Alex

Mavericks FC ends their season with their 3rd successive draw, while maintaining their unbeaten run to 9 games.

The game kicked off in a weather that many would predict CAT 1. Kawabanga were the dominant team in terms of possession but the Outsiders proved they were no pushovers as they played a counter-attacking game which nearly paid dividends when they caught Kawabanga FC off the break.

Kawabanga FC had a few decent chances but all these chances were safely put out by our ever reliable custodian Alex, one of the favourite candidates for the 'Player of the Year' award. It was till the 26th minute when Mavericks decided to repay Alex for his hard work. Chung Wei managed to win the ball back and the ball fell to Mike, who put a through-ball to the hard running Chris. He then freed up Faizy on the right who managed to dribble into the penalty box and sets up Amir for a simple tap-in. A beautiful counter-attacking game at its very best.

The first half ended with Kawabanga FC putting on more pressure, with which the defence led by Mike and Co were at their best, winning headers and challenges, which in turn led to more counter attack being played, with players like Chung Wei and Faizy guilty of wasting chances.

The second half kicked off with the weather at its blistering hotness. Chao Xing was pushed in front as the main focal point with Zhi Fei as supporting striker. Faizy returned to his preferred role as CB. The half looks almost similar. Kawabanga just left their scoring boots at home and could not find the net after several chances.

It was until the 74th minute where they finally equalized through a thunderbolt by their star player No. 9 Karthik. But amazingly, Alex put in a great effort when he managed to palm the ball despite being off position, but the shot was too powerful and it still ended up at the back of the net.

Mavericks had also their chances. One of those was a soft header by the ever-running Chung Wei who ran in to head the ball from a Jiun Wei free kick. But it was too soft and the Kawabanga keeper managed to save the effort. Team-mates encouraged Chung Wei to go for more Zouk and MOS session in order to shake more head to improve his heading.

Referee soon blew the final whistle. But it was an exciting last 10 minutes. With both sides throwing everything they can in order to score the killer goal. Amir and Chris were injured in the process, but luckily, their injuries were not too serious.

Applause to our custodian Alex, once again saving us from our blushes. A well-deserved MOM award to the ever consistent goalkeeper of Mavericks FC. It was a hard-fought match, which the Mavericks could have won, but all in all, a draw was the fair result, bringing a great end to the season, with the Outsiders maintaining their impressive unbeaten run.

Match Preview (Updated)

Date: 29 March 2008
Venue: Northview Sec
Time: 3pm
Opponents: Kawabanga FC (early 20s team)
Costs: $80/team
Referee: Unknown

Players available:

• Zhi Fei
• Chao Xing
• Clement
• Chris
• Faizy
• Amir
• Randy
• Mike
• Alex
• Jiun Wei
• Chung Wei

Players doubtful:


Players out:

• Wei Jie (Commitments)
• Seng Yew (Injured)
• Boon Leng (Int. Duty)
  
• Jerome Boon Kee (Int.Duty)
• Wei Long (Personal Reasons)
• Kee Siang (Commitments)
• Chuan Ji (Commitments)
  

This will be the last match of the season before the exam break of 1 month or so comes in. Let's give our best for this last match. The remainder of the funds will be used for a BBQ which Jiun Wei will be planning.

*Guys please confirm your attendance ASAP. We've got a really big match coming up, and reliable sources have intel that our opponents this coming Saturday are no pushovers.
They're strong, and a fit bunch, and they've got technically-gifted and skillful players in their ranks. And i know a couple of them, and they are dangerous attacking players. Watch out for their no. 9.

So we need every Mavericks player's co-operation to update your attendances. Group leaders please do your job and spread this news. And it's about time we try to at least get a full squad going without having to outsource for players again. And we're gonna end the season on a high note with a victory. A priceless victory.
Let's get serious now.

Mavericks man-to-watch: Faizy
After breaking into the Mavericks first team, pacy centre-back Faizy has not looked back since, after a series of solid performances in defence. The Mavericks stalwart who came up the ranks from the Montfort Youth Academy, has been pivotal in the Outsider's current unbeaten run. Media plaudits has even likened his play to that of Internazionale's Ivan Cordoba and fans can expect another commanding display as the men in black look to end the season on a high note with a victory this Saturday.

Mavericks Maintain Unbeaten Run

Date: 22 March 2008

Location: Broadrick Sec
Kick-off: 3pm
Opponents: The Blue team (but they wore orange!)

Starting line-up: Alex, Chris, Clement, Faizy , Jiun Wei, Chao Xing, Chung Wei, Boon Leng, Calvin, Wei Jie, Jerome Boon Kee
Substitutes: Midzi (Guest Player), Amir

FT score: 1-1 (HT score: 0-1)
Goals: Amir ('62)
Assists: -
MOM: Faizy


Mavericks FC ground out a 1-1 draw at the Stade de Broadrick and extended their unbeaten run to an impressive 8 games on Saturday. The Outsiders were up against a technically-gifted outfit Blue FC who surprisingly came out of the dugout wearing their away orange strip.

The men in black were missing several key players such as star playmaker Kee Siang and centre-back Chuan Ji and looked set to miss flamboyant left winger Amir as well. However, they were boosted after the winger managed to pass a late fitness test and made it on the bench. Midfield maestro Boon Leng made a return to the starting line-up as loan signing Midzi was set for his debut.

The Blue team took the match by storm, and after countless waves of pressure in the opening exchanges, they got a goal they deserved as their captain rode challenges in the middle before unleashing a rocket into the top corner of the net.
0-1.

It proved to be a wake-up call for the Outsiders, and they nearly got a goal from a great corner from Chung Wei which Midzi headed it in brilliantly, only to see it clip the bar and go over. Jerome Boon Kee had a shot that went inches wide into the side-netting. A Mavericks counter-attack saw Amir waltzing his way past 3 players before squaring it from the left, only to see there was no one arriving quick enough to apply the finish with the keeper beaten.

The Blue team had several shots saved superbly by custodian Alex as well as some solid last-ditch defending from the Mavericks back four thwarting their attacks, namely Faizy who marshalled the defence superbly.
HT: 0-1.

The second half saw a dangerous Mavericks side who always looked threatening on the counter-attack. The impressive Chris was dominant, effectively shutting out attacks from the right and Jiun Wei was winning headers in defence. After a good period of possession in the opponent's half, the Mavericks got a deserved equalizer. Amir intercepted a pass, and cut in from the left with pace, before placing it past the keeper to make things square again. 1-1.

It could have been 2-1 in a matter of minutes but the winger was left ruing his chance this time. Chung Wei had initiated a counter-attack by winning the ball in midfield before Boon Leng threaded in an inch-perfect diagonal ball over the top to Amir on the left who raced towards goal, only to see his left-footed shot go agonizingly wide. The Outsiders gained some great attacking momentum, with captain Chao Xing switching to striker midway through the second half. Midzi was threatening in attack as well, nearly getting his name on the scoresheet on two occasions.

The Maverick's goal was under threat as the Blue team nearly scored, if not for the brilliant reflexes of keeper Alex, from a Jiun Wei mis-kicked clearance which was going in until Alex got a hand to it. That made a few hearts skipped a beat. Haha.

It could have gone the way the Outsiders wanted, as they increasingly got a stranglehold of the match, however, with ten minutes left on the clock, the referee ended the match as thunderstorms and heavy rain showered over the pitch, making play almost impossible. Protests were made by the Stade de Broadrick faithful, but the referee nevertheless blew the final whistle.

Final Score: 1-1.

Match Preview

Date: 22 March 08
Location: Broadrick Sec (click here!)
Kick-off: 3pm
Opponents: The Blue team
Costs: $80 per team
Referee: Let's Hope it's not Mr. Devan this time.


Players available:

• Chris
• Clement
• Boon Leng
• Chao Xing
• Faizy
• Alex
• Wei Jie
• Jerome
• Calvin
• Chung Wei
• Jiun Wei
• Midzi (Guest Player)
  

Players doubtful:


Players out:

• Amir (Injured/Holiday)
• Seng Yew (Injured)
• Wei Long (Personal Reasons)
• Zhi Fei (Commitments)
• Mike (Commitments)
• Randy (Commitments)
• Chuan Ji (Commitments)
• Kee Siang (Commitments)

This Saturday's match is confirmed, although the opponents are still very much a mystery. The only thing we know is that they're gonna be wearing blue on matchday. Referee at this point of time is unconfirmed as of yet, but according to some inside information from the FA(S), it is most probably Aza, the ref who brought two silly linesmen along during our match against Melwood at Tanglin last year. The venue is very unusual. Not sure if it's even in Singapore. Haha. Anyway, we're gonna go out there and extend our unbeaten run to 8 matches and win it on away ground. All the best guys =)

~AmiR

Mavericks man-to-watch: Boon Leng
The return of the Midfield Maestro to first-team action!

Upcoming Live Performance @ MOS

Guys, do check out this cool website. Next Thursday, 27th March, Mavericks FC's current star striker, Zhi Fei, will be performing live with his band at MOS from 7.30pm - 10.00pm.

Do watch out for renditions of current smash hits by the likes of JJ Lin, Jay Chou, Fish leong, FIR. For lovers of Mandopop and live action, this is a concert you shouldn't miss.


http://www.nusvoices.blogspot.com/





~Chao Xing

Exciting Stalemate Marred by Bad Refereeing

Date: 15 March 2008

Location: Singapore Chinese Recreational Club
Kick-off: 3pm
Opponents: S-Team

Starting line-up: Alex, Chao Xing, Jiun Wei, Wai Kin (Guest Player), Chris, Wei Jie, Chung Wei, Kee Siang, Fuad, Amir, Tommy,
Substitutes: Wai Lun (Guest Player)

FT score: 1-1 (HT score: 1-0)
Goals: Amir ('28)
Assists: Fuad
MOM: Alex
Yellow Card(s): Chao Xing
Injuries: Chao Xing (sprained back), Alex (virus), Jiun Wei (pulled hamstring), Amir (knee ligaments)


It was potentially any other day the Outsiders would want to forget. Having been drawn to face bitter rivals S-Team away from the comforts of homeground Stade De Sembawang and with the bulk of its first team players, (most notably Chuan Ji who was instrumental for the Outsiders' recent fine form) out of action due to injuries and commitments, Mavericks FC could only look to defend its unbeaten run with the likes of Amir, Chao Xing and Alex, though all three have been declared unfit prior to the match.

Untested guest players and highly rated new signing Chris turned up to bolster the depleted squad. With strikers Tommy and Fuad, whom have tasted little first team football for past 2 months, bookmakers have given the odds of 9-1 for the away team to open the scoring in the first half.

The Outsiders began with only 8 men, but despite the traditional rivalry, S-Team (having brought a squad twice the number of Outsiders on match day) showed sportsmanship by starting with 8 men too. Yet, with the hot weather and field condition, the Outsiders struggled to find rhythm in their play within the opening minutes. Defensive trio, Jiun Wei, Chris and Chao Xing, could barely keep S-Team or rather their no.21, at bay.

By the time the clock reached the half-hour mark, however, bolstered by the introduction of Fuad and Tommy into the game, the Outsiders turned the tables on the home team through Amir's goal in the 28th minute. Amir, though injured, overcame the pain barrier and executed another of his trademark cut-ins from the left flank and put one past the keeper to put the team in front.

Half-time, 1-0 to Mavericks.

Guest players, Wai Kin and Wai Lun, otherwise known as the "Wai Wai brothers", were introduced into the game. A visibly unfit Alex, who was still recovering from the flu virus, frustrated the resilient S-Team attackers by denying their goal-bound attempts wave after wave.

In the 70th minute, a pass made by Wai Lun was intercepted by No.21, who spared no effort in taking the ball into the penalty box and squared the ball into the corner of the goal. Alex was left totally shell-shocked and stranded by the attacker's quick reaction and agility. Fans, however, at this moment started wondering if the presence of Chuan Ji would have made the difference.

The Outsiders, being pressed to defend for most periods of the second half against S-Team's relentless attacks, suddenly brought the play back to the opponent's half again. Chao Xing almost got lucky with a cut-in from the left before he was closed down by the charging No. 10. Tommy had several chances but could not convert them to goals. But if the Outsiders had threatened to grab the win, S-Team would have dented their hopes had Alex not brilliantly denied what could have been the winning goal following the "pin-ball" efforts of the S-Team attacking duo.

When the final whistle was blown, fans of both teams alike gave a standing ovation for the two teams. The Outsiders for their determination, S-Team for their sportsmanship and ultimately the two teams for a highly entertaining stalemate.


~Chao Xing

Breaking Transfer News!!!

Mavericks FC has just signed world-class wing-back Chris for an undisclosed fee from an undisclosed club. He was a vital part in the legendary YJC team of 2004 which finished third in the 'A' Division tournament. Sources cited the transfer fee to be around the £20million region.
Chris, or Christiano as he was affectionately called by the hordes of his adoring fan-girls and fan-boys stated the main reason for joining the Outsiders was the huge pay packet as well as being reunited with his fellow old team-mates. Fans can expect to see him light up the Stade de Sembawang with his tentalizing runs and crosses down the flanks. The Mavericks board also stated that there would be an expected rise in jersey and merchandising sales from the signing of the player. Chris is expected to make his debut for the Mavericks this Saturday against S-Team.

On another note, the Mavericks board are trying their best to capture the signing of The Captain a.k.a Yusoff as well, but faces stiff competition from various clubs. Yusoff, who was magnificent in midfield as an on-loan player in the draw against Skopet FC, is currently unavailable to comment on this ongoing transfer saga.

Match Preview

Date: 15 March 08
Location: Singapore Chinese Club (near Farrer Park mrt)
Kick-off: 3pm
Opponents: S-team
Costs: $50
Referee: Devan Rocks!


Players available:

• Alex
• Chao Xing
• Jiun Wei
• Wei Jie
• Chung Wei
• Fuad
• Chris
• Kee Siang
• Tommy
• Wai Kin (Guest Player)
  
• Wai Lun (Guest Player)

Players doubtful:

• Amir (Injured)

Players out:

• Jerome Boon Kee (Int.Duty)
• Faizy (Int.Duty)
• Seng Yew (Injured)
• Zhi Fei (Commitments)
• Calvin (Compassionate Leave)
• Chuan Ji (Injured)
• Boon Leng (Commitments)
• Randy (Commitments)
• Wei Long (Commitments)
• Clement (Commitments)
• Mike (Commitments)
  

Call it bad luck. Call it a curse. Call them Mavericks FC's nemesis. The Outsiders have never beaten S-team in the previous 3 encounters and their latest encounter ended in a shocking first home loss for the Outsiders at Stade de Sembawang. S-team, comprising of internationals including Thais, Cambodians and Chinese, will have the advantage of playing in their home ground. Mavericks FC, as usual, are missing many key players due to injury and commitments.

Mavericks FC has been in hot form at the moment, averaging at least 2 goals per match the past 5 games (11 goals in 5 matches). There should be a good chance for the team to overturn the odds this coming Saturday.

Mavericks man-to-watch: Chris

Mavericks FC's expensive new signing will be making his first start this Saturday against S-team. Expect him to blend immediately into the Outsider's formation and be a constant threat to the S-Team. Fans are eagerly anticipating his explosive debut and they won't be disappointed.

Mavericks Trounce Rivals in Fashion

Date: 8 March 2008

Location: Stade De Sembawang
Kick-off: 3pm
Opponents: Team Uncles

Starting line-up: Alex, Faizy, Zhong Lun(Guest Player), Clement, Calvin, Wei Jie, Chung Wei, Boon Han(Guest Player), Amir, Jerome Boon Kee, Zhi Fei
Substitutes: Jason (Guest Player)

FT score: 4-1 (HT score: 1-0)
Goals: Zhi Fei ('25), Boon Han ('46), ('65), ('77)
Assists: Boon Han, Amir, Zhi Fei, Jerome Boon Kee,
MOM: Boon Han
Tackle of the Day Award: Team Uncles No. 7

A depleted Mavericks FC, with 3 emergency loan signings, managed to record a convincing 4-1 victory over their traditional rivals Team Uncles. A clinical finish by ace striker Zhi Fei and a hat-trick from on-loan forward Boon Han, ensured the hosts' continued impressive run of results, with the visitors just managing to sneak in a goal during one of their rare breakthroughs.

The match kicked off with only one substitute seated on the Mavericks' bench, raising doubts regarding their strength in depth. Any such concerns were dispelled with some neat touches and one-twos produced by the home side, producing a superb team goal when Zhi Fei's first-time shot off a Boon Han cut-back from the left bye-line, saw the ball crash in off the crossbar for the opening goal.

The frustration was evident from the Uncles after conceding the goal, best exemplified when their burly No. 7 lunged in wildly at flamboyant winger Amir near the halfway line, as he was about to embark on another one of his trademark dazzling runs down the left. While most referees would have produced a straight red card, Daven Obi Mikel (officiating in the absence of distant relative Charles Obi Mikel) only showed the yellow.

Another bewildering decision by Obi Mikel was made, this time pointing to the penalty spot for a "hand-ball" on centre-back Faizy nearing half-time, was protested to no avail. However, regular custodian Alex produced a stunning save to keep out the goal-bound spot-kick from 12 yards, handing Mavericks FC a 1-0 lead at half-time.

The second half kicked off with a bang, with Amir's delightful long ball found Boon Han, who dribbled the ball to a tight angle, before producing an exquisite finish for 2-0.

A third shocking decision by Obi Mikel saw the Uncles pull a goal back, with the Mavericks defence furiously protesting for offside, again to no avail.

Perhaps triggered by conceding a goal, Mavericks attacked with even more intensity and precision. Boon Han capped off his outstanding debut by adding two more goals to complete his hat-trick, finishing off superb through balls from Zhi Fei and Jerome.

Still the Mavericks could have won by a larger margin against a fast-tiring Team Uncles, but they could not keep up their good finishing earlier in the game, with midfield "pitbull" Chung Wei sending a thunderbolt effort over the bar.

A fourth and final appalling decision by Obi Mikel ruled out a Wei Jie's header which had evidently crossed the line before the keeper parried the ball out, keeping the final score at 4-1.

Housekeeping Issues

Guys, I had initially wanted to remotely influence the match but decided to observe stealthily. I am happy that Clement and company have managed well and displayed leadership during contingencies. But I have to clarify that I had to work and I did not miss today's match due to some "personal" reasons which could be very suggestive. haha..

But there are several issues which I've observed but had been reluctant to mention bluntly.
These may or may not apply now or to everyone.

Attendance is still an issue. I am not sure of everyone's views to my proposed target size of a 25-man squad.

But from a select few whom raised issues like playing time, competition for spaces.. etc and felt we had too many players. Statistics for past few months may have been very encouraging, and we had heeded calls to halt the squad expansion unless under special circumstances. It was also noted that for the past 2 - 3 months, attendance was at a healthy 14-15 players per game, and at times the head counts were as high as 17 for a game.

Say for example assuming that 50% of the squad are extremely active members who will turn up for at least 3 in 4 matches, another 30% twice a month, the rest once a month or in a blue moon. If we do the mathematics, we are ensured of about 10 players every week based on the current first team squad of 20. But we have not considered the fact that 2-3 players are already considerably less active in past few months. Nor have we taken in account for the probability and frequency of commitment clashes when players had to have their full-time occupations take priority over weekend soccer. The first two generations of players remaining in the squad certainly had our fair share of such experiences.

Today's turnout wasn't that good and we had to outsource to make up the first 11. I have not yet been able to have an explanation for today's poor attendance. But we do need to review our structure and I strongly encourage opinions to be sent in because we need the communication, off and on pitch to function as ONE team. No matter how efficient the committee is, or how striking our jersey is, a team cannot form without its players. This team exists for everyone of us.

Whenever we tried to garner opinions during decision-makings. No comments even when it was specifically requested so.
And sometimes after unpopular decisions were made by the committee, "feedbacks" started swarming in.
But of course it was better than "no comments at all" and to have some of our players' interests overlooked on our part.
But there were also rare instances when players "voiced" their happiness based on attendance rates.

Finally, I am glad and surprised that we won by a good margin this time round. From Clement's viewpoint, the victory didn't come by chance. I applaud everyone's good performance for past 6 matches and please do keep it up. Let's have a try at completing the rest of this season unbeaten.


~Chao Xing

Match Preview

Date: 8 March 08
Opponents: Team Uncles
Kick-off: 3pm
Venue: State de Sembawang
Costs: $50/team
Referee: Devan Rocks!
Form: WWDWD

Players Available:

• Alex
• Clement
• Jerome Boon Kee
• Amir
• Wei Jie
• Calvin
• Zhi Fei
• Chung Wei
• Faizy
• Jason (Guest Player)
• Zhong Lun (Guest Player)
• Boon Han (Guest Player)
  

Players doubtful:


Players out:

• Chao Xing (Commitments)
• Wei Long (Commitments)
• Jiun Wei (Holiday)
• Chuan Ji (Injured)
• Seng Yew (Injured)
• Randy (Commitments)
• Boon Leng (Int. Duty)
• Kee Siang (Commitments)
  

Mavericks FC, who has been unbeaten in the past 5 matches, goes head to head with Team Uncles yet again in another exciting encounter. Coincidentally, it was the previous meeting between these two teams that initiated this recent great run of form for the Mavericks. The match went in the Maverick's favour as they trounced their arch-rivals in an empathic 6-1 away victory. However, this time Team Uncles will be much stronger than before as their recent injury concerns have more or less abated. Expect Team Uncles to throw everything they've got to avenge their loss at the hands of the Outsiders in January. The Mavericks, however, will have to make do without inspirational captain Chao Xing this Saturday, who is out due to personal commitments.

Mavericks man-to-watch: Amir

The Outsiders' top goalscorer netted once again against Skopet FC last Saturday and is on a hot run of form. Expect him to don his scoring boots against Team Uncles again this Saturday.

Last-gasp Goal Denies Mavericks of Famous Victory

Date: 1 March 2008

Location: Stade De Sembawang
Kick-off: 3pm
Opponents: Skopet FC

Starting line-up: Alex, Adrian, Jiun Wei, Chuan Ji, Clement, Randy, Kee Siang, Yusoff (Guest Player), Amir, Chao Xing, Faizy
Substitutes: Jerome Boon Kee, Chung Wei, Calvin

FT score: 1-1 (HT score: 0-0)
Goals: Amir ('71)
Assists: Yusoff
MOM: Yusoff


A last-gasp equaliser from Skopet FC dealt a huge blow to the Outsiders as they looked like they were going to hold on to their 1-0 lead at Stade de Sembawang this afternoon. The Mavericks faced a stern test against an in-form Skopet FC but the men in black managed to put up a brave fight which nearly paid dividends after winger Amir had put them in front.

With the home team missing several key players for the match, and from past statistics, the Outsiders were touted as the underdogs by bookmakers, with odds rising further to as high as 20-1 for a home win just minutes from kickoff. This was after Starsports reported that Ting Feng and Shahril, 2 of the 3 new players due to arrive at the club on loan, could not get their work permits' approval in time for the match and were therefore deemed ineligible to start this afternoon.

Despite earlier forecast by football critics, the match was far from a one-sided affair and could have gone either way. To the delight of the home crowd, it was the Outsiders who looked the more dangerous of the two in the opening exchanges, personified by the driving runs and through balls of another loan-signing Yusoff, who was reunited in the middle of the park with Kee Siang, forming their legendary YJC partnership way back in 2004. Adrian, who was missing in action for almost 8 months, made a grand comeback as a guest player as well.

Kee Siang, spotting a new orange hair-do, combined well with Yusoff, which eventually released Amir on the left. The winger managed to squeeze past the defence with a turn of pace, but his shot was thwarted by a superb save from the keeper. Boon Kee had a great chance to break the deadlock, when he headed in a corner from Kee Siang, only to see it land into the keeper's arms. Faizy and Chao Xing, who were playing as makeshift strikers, managed to cause problems with their blistering pace, but the solid Skopet FC defence held on.

Skopet FC threatened several times as well, but the centre-back pairing of Chuan Ji and Jiun Wei were not shy to make their presence felt. Alex, once again, in hot form, was more than a match in goal as the Outsiders held on.
Goalless at half time.

Second-half went underway and it was the men in blue who nearly took the lead, after a great strike from the striker, which was going in, until Alex made a stupendous diving save. Seriously a contender for "Best Save of the Season".
Randy and Clement were working hard on the flanks, as Skopet FC utilized their wingers to penetrate the defence. The defence held on, and against the run of play, Mavericks FC took the lead in the 71th minute.

Kee Siang got the hold of a loose ball and sets it up for Yusoff who leads an incisive break-away, getting past his marker, before releasing an inch-perfect slide-rule throughball to Amir, who had timed his run to perfection. He got past the full-back before slotting it past the keeper with a cool right-footed finish. Indeed, a goal reminiscent of the good ol' YJ days.

The Mavericks were in high-spirits, as attacking trio Calvin, Chung Wei and Boon Kee entered the fray, with their dogged determination nearly paying dividends, as Boon Kee was merely seconds away from getting a goal, only to see the keeper rush out in time to smother the ball.

However, it was not to be, as after a spell of intense pressure, Skopet FC got the equaliser after a goal-mouth scramble from a corner, which their goalkeeper, who had joined the attack, scored from. Time ticked away, and soon enough, referee Charles blew for the full-time whistle. It was indeed an entertaining match, and the Outsiders would have been disappointed not to be able to hold on to their lead.

F.T. score: 1-1. A just result that neither side can complain about.