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.