After devotions, the 16 players were split into Whites and Blues for a 'warm-up' game using small posts until more players arrived. There was much ball movement and running from both teams with some enjoyable passes round the field. Maurice of the Blues tried to play himself into contention for a starting goalkeeping position by making an acrobatic diving save from Bryan. Not to be outdone, Bevan and Tim from the Blues stung the hands of White goalkeeper Kevin on a couple of occasions. No goals were scored despite a few chances for both teams and the game was adjourned to the big field when Jeremy and Joel arrived.
It was clear from the outset that the Blues possessed the skillful playmakers in the form of Ronnie, Bevan, Tim and Sheldon. In contrast, the Whites were dominated by the workhorses like James, Kee Min, Joel and Michael. It was an interesting contrast of styles that provided for an exciting match. On more than 1 occasion in the first half, the Blues created chances to put their team in front. Most of the time, the ball found its way to John on the right flank who put in a number of good crosses which were not converted by the strikers. Isaac also found himself with room on more than one occasion but the Whites defence and some good work by goalkeeper Joel, managed to keep it 0-0. It was only from a corner that the ball ricocheted off a number of players and found its way to an unmarked Isaac, who made no mistake by blasting the ball into the net to put the Blues 1-0 up. Not being daunted, the Whites tried to equalise with some good work on the left by Jingzhong, but no chances were converted. On one mazy run from defence, Kevin and Jingzhong worked the ball into a good position for Bryan to equalise but the awkward bounce of the ball resulted in a screwed shot wide of goal. Again, it was the Blues that seized the initiative. On one of many jinking runs from midfield, Tim drove through the Whites defence and fired in a stiff shot (that appeared to be going wide) which hit fellow team-mate Andrew square in the chest and flew into goal. It was 2-0, but Andrew was winded in the process and took a couple of minutes to recover- a small price to pay for getting oneself on the scoresheet! The Blues took their well-deserved 2-0 lead into the break.
Both teams emerged from the break with 1 less player each, with Isaac and James calling it a day after a half under the hot sun. The remaining players summed up all their stamina and strength to finish the match. It was the Blues that started the 2nd half brightly, with good runs from midfield and the wings although they failed to beat the Whites offside trap on more than one occasion. Not being outdone, the Whites tried to steer their side back into the match with Kee Min rallying the midfield together to string some good passes and to keep possession. On one good move, a crossfield ball from Jingzhong on the left found Justin Luo on the right who slipped the ball through to Samuel Eyo clean on goal. With only the keeper to beat, Samuel drove his shot well wide of the right hand post to keep the score at 2-0. The Whites continued to press hard for a goal and it finally came when the hardworking Joel found some space in the box to fire a stiff shot pass Maurice to bring the score to 2-1. Before long, Joel found himself in another similar position but could not convert. The last 5 minutes of the match swung the result completely in favour of the Blues when the trio of Tim, Bevan and Sheldon used their skills to break the offside trap of the Whites to full effect. The Blues' 3rd goal came when Sheldon was put clean through by Tim who made no mistake by firing pass Bryan in a one-on-one situation. Next, Tim put Bevan through who squared the ball nicely for Sheldon to fire home again. Final Score:
BLUES 4
[Scorers- Isaac, Andrew & Sheldon (2)]
WHITES 1
[Scorer- Joel]
[Scorer- Joel]
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