From the onset of the match however, it seemed like getting a sizeable lead before half-time would not be as straight forward as it seemed. With a strong and tall player in the form of their #15, and having sufficient experience to pick on the Veterans' weaker flank, AFC was able to take the lead in rather quick fashion. Capitalizing on some distracted defending on Veterans' left side, AFC was able to whip in a dangerous cross into the box. Despite having 4 defenders in the box, the Veterans were not able to pick up the lone AFC #15 who nonchalantly headed the ball into the net. This early setback however, was taken on the chin by the Veterans who stormed forward and won a free-kick on the edge of the box. From there, Ronnie showed class, poise and power to ram the ball straight into the AFC net, leaving the GK stunned. It was 1-1 and game on. Unfortunately for the Veterans, things started to unravel again, mostly as a result of not keeping the ball in midfield. From an AFC throw-in, the thrower received a return pass and again a dangerous ball was played into the box. This time, it was James who made the unfortunate touch of deflecting the ball into his own net. 2-1 to AFC. Shortly, it became 3-1 when from the left again, the ball was lost. Tried as he did, James couldn't clear the ball sufficiently pass a strong AFC forward who took the ball in his stride to fire pass Kelvin for AFC's 3rd.
The 2nd half saw 2 changes being made to the team, hoping to hold AFC and press for goals. Play was generally disjointed and there was little passing from both teams. AFC seemed content to hold onto their 2-goal lead, while the many changes that the Veterans soon made (in order to give everyone a run-out) caused lack of shape and continuity in the team. It took a set-piece to edge the Veterans in the right direction. Derrick stepped up to float one into the box where Steve was waiting to volley home from close range. The AFC defence stood rooted, wondering what hit them. The answer - The Agape Cup's current top-scorer! With a fighting chance, the Veterans continued to press for the equalizer, which never came when the final whistle was blown. Another good effort, but it looked like precious points dropped this time.
Starting 11:
GK - Kelvin
RB - Andy Chua, CB - James, CB - Mark, LB - Michael
RM - Justin, CM - Ronnie, CM - Derrick, LM - Jeffrey
CF - Steve, CF - Martin
Subs:
Kevin for Michael (HT)
David Sng for Justin (HT)
John Chia for Ronnie (50m)
Sean for Jeffrey (50m)
Joel for Andy Chua (50m)
Samuel for Mark (60m)
Unused Sub:
Yuen Wai
Another team photo! Veterans love taking these...
Derrick warming up his free-kicks. One of these would lead to the 2nd goal!
Mark getting the match underway
Supporters making sure Veterans received all the support needed
Captain Mark trying his best to stop the dangerous #15
Kelvin's unfortunate task of picking the ball from the net
Martin displaying great technique to control the ball
Then giving his much younger opponent the runaround
Kevin holding the ball
The match ends with handshakes - good sportsmanship!Match Highlights
1 comment:
Hi All. Sorry for the late posting.
All of us arrived eagerly around 2.45pm to get warm up for this match although the weather seems to be hot and sunny. Ascension FC leads all players into worshipping together with a beautiful song.
Mark, our captain of The Veterans named the first 11 and advised everyone to play their game well so that we can maintain our position on the table after our last defeat. The game started well with Martin and Steve in front which created some problems for their defenders. However, during their throw in on our left side, AFC scores first by crossing the ball to their danger man, No. 15 on our right side to head into goal.
Without giving up easily, the defender has to bring down Martin for his mazy run and earned a free-kick for The Veterans. Ronnie step up and powerfully hit the ball through the jumping legs of the defenders from AFC into the goal where the goalkeeper is unable to hold it. Score: 1:1.
Incident happened unpredictably when AFC attacked from their right wing with our defenders trying to block their cross. We pause and thought it was a hand ball while this allows the attacker to whip the ball towards the goal mouth. James try to stop the ball by sticking his leg and unfortunately scored an own goal.
Quickly before half time, they attacked again through their right wing while we failed to clear the ball and their midfielder shoot from outside the penalty box to score the third goal. Half-time, we are trailing 1:3.
Yuen Wai, our team manager and Mark, our captain decided to change some fresh legs. After some discussion, they allocated Kevin to take over Michael as left back and David Sng replaced Justin as the right winger.
During the starting of the 2nd half, we managed to hold off their attack and also making many chances during our counter attack. But luck is not on our side and Yuen Wai decided to replace Ronnie and Andy with John and Joel respectively after 10 minutes. After Kevin and Jeffrey switch places, Sean came in to replace Jeffrey on the left back.
As the clock is ticking, Yuen Wai originally wanted to replace Steve with Samuel but Mark decided to be replaced so that we can switch from 4-4-2 to 3-5-2 with Samuel playing as a defensive midfielder, Kevin and Derrick both play as attacking midfielder with David and John on both wings. Soon after the substitution, waves of attack started from Kevin and Derrick and we got a free-kick on the half way line. Derrick delivered beautifully the ball over the defenders, quick thinking Steve sneaked into the penalty box and flicked the ball over the goalkeeper and makes the score 2:3.
As we knew we can earn a point from this game, we relentless attacked for the last 10 minutes and for many occasions, we are lucky not to concede any goals. Samuel was also lucky not to get a red card when he wallops the ball away from the striker before he shoots in the penalty box. While the striker protested vigorously, James cleared the ball upfront and Kevin started the counter-attack again. As the whistle blows for full-time, we were so regretting not having to take our chances well during the whole match.
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