Outsiders Trounce WVFC!
- FT Score: Woodlandsvista 2 Mavericks 5
Scorers: Kee Siang ('10), Jerome ('26), Amir ('57, '65, '79)
Assists: Seng Yew, Chao Xing, Joel
MOM: Amir
The Outsiders passed a test of character as opposed to prediction by the media critics that they would struggle to find their form after the horrors of last week. Despite missing several prolific players, the team was a threat to the opposing side with their constant pressing. The game also saw both fullbacks joining the attack on a high frequency rate and fans of the Outsiders were treated to a display of attacking football as opposed to their previous conservative tactics.
Within the first minute, Randy should have scored after Kee Siang's mazy dribbling caught the Woodlanders' defence unprepared. Unfortunately, the striker seemed more hungry for food than goals (as he had rushed over from a wedding reception and thus missing the buffet) with a weak effort directed straight at the relieved keeper.
But it didn't take too long for the godlike Kee Siang to open the scoring himself after he rounded a few defenders and slotted in a low shot past the keeper. Buoyed by his individual efforts, the team pressed on for another goal. Skipper Chao Xing, playing on the right wing, made a left-footed low pass into the area, which the wearer of number 10 jersey, Jerome, who was reported to have promised a performance that befits his number, slid in and forced the ball into the back of the net. 2-0.
But minutes before halftime, the only angmoh from the opposing side, (the Outsiders named this race as their nemesis ever since the name "Guy" first came to their minds...) took the ball unchallenged and unleashed a long shot from the left wing, beating the outstretched Alex and stunning everyone with his effort. The half sooned ended with the Outsiders on a slight advantage, 2-1.
The secret weapon that fans were looking forward to, came on as a sub in the 2nd half. And his adoring fans cheered on as Mavericks no.14 was unveiled after passing a late late fitness test. He had previously gone without sleep for 2 nights for his prelims. And Amir made an immediate impact on the game. A spectacular individual effort saw the left winger extend the Outsiders' lead as he cut across not one, not two but three defenders before slotting home.
But stalwart defender-turned-anchorman Jiun Wei, playing as a rightback for this match, cut the lead after being forced to flick the ball over a bewildered Alex after the Woodlanders sent in a deceptive freekick.
It really seemed to be Amir's day, as he quickly quelled the jitters from the players and the fans by putting in a splendid performance by teasing the opposing defence time and again. And he finally got his reward when he scored 2 more goals to repay his fan's confidence in him. Another individual effort and a nice setup by debutant Joel allowed Amir to complete his hattrick for the day.
On another note, Joel, who's only 17 going on to 18 this year, wrote his name in the record books as he became the youngest ever player to have played for the Outsiders in a league match.
As the referee blew the final whistle, any pre-match doubts about this team's character were quelled instantly.
The Outsiders' Times correspondent caught up with the man-of-match later and he was quoted as saying, "It could have been four actually! I vomitted before the second half! That's why I missed that clear shot! And during my YJC days, I had a similar experience and in the end I only scored 2!" Well, for the record, we haven't heard anyone ever complain that he scored too many goals, right?
But a new starlet seems to be rising up the ranks. Amir was quoted as saying that debutant Joel plays like Kee Siang, but Kee Siang seems to think Joel looks like Amir (in terms of build lar)! Well, if we can have a player who looks like Amir but plays like "godlike" Kee Siang all in one, this should be one "Holy shit" player in the years to come. (DOTA...)
By a stroke of good luck, the correspondent also overheard Jiun Wei's complaints to his fellow teammates. "Don't put me in front of Alex anymore! It's obvious I tend to score own goals when I do!" Sounds like that "goal" was a "carefully-veiled" message that says, "Please let me continue to play as a DM" to the board.. haha..
There were a few "squabbles" at the end of the match, guest player Leonard's sturdy performance in place of the absent Chuan Ji was a joy to behold. And there were hints of a permanent deal as Chuan Ji's permanent partner in defence before Seng Yew stepped in and said, "Have you forgotten about me?" And again posterboy Chris, with his trademark hyena-like laughter quelled the tension.. temporarily.
Just when everyone thinks the trouble is past, Seng Yew suddenly revealed that his favourite position is as a leftback. Clement, who was standing within hearing distance, turned and gave an acknowledging look, then flexed his muscles for a second and finally responded, "Oh sure.." before he turned back to wink at the crowd of screaming girls. Looks like the back four may be facing more competition for spaces even without Jiun Wei in the picture.