Wilson (GK)
Shahid - Akim - Fazli - Rahman
Rafeeq - Helmi - Amin - Farhan
Syafiq
Firdaus
Sub:
Es
Scorers:
Rafeeq
Firdaus
p31 w9 d7 l15 f66 a92
Shahid - Akim - Fazli - Rahman
Rafeeq - Helmi - Amin - Farhan
Syafiq
Firdaus
Sub:
Es
Scorers:
Rafeeq
Firdaus
p31 w9 d7 l15 f66 a92
Prior to this game, our opponents and us have each won a game apiece (Match 17: 4-2 loss, Match 23: 4-0 win). In this 3rd instalment we truly deserved our victory though the goals that secured the victory sure were a long time coming.
I must admit, there were doubts as to whether this game could truly take place as we were missing some key players due to exams and other matters so I called for reinforcements and needless to say, they responded in the best possible way. Shahid was making his return since May (Match 14) and he did confessed to me his fitness was suspect. Fazli returned to centre back and Firdaus was making only his 2nd appearance for the team. Es was late as he had came back from work but it was truly appreciated when he was available to play the entire 2nd half. Rahman was suffering from an illness and though I really did not expect it, my long MC some time back is still rolling out its effect till today as I suffered during the 2nd half with a giddiness spell yet again.
Apart from that, the team was still relatively strong attacking wise at least. The instructions before the game were to contain them and to strike it slow and steady but as it turned out, we were all guns blazing from the kick-off and to my surprise, the opponents were not offering a strong resistance.
We dominated the entire 1st half apart from a few minutes of intense pressure when we had Wilson to thank for keeping us in the game with 3 magnificent saves after some stiff shooting from the opponents.
But truly, we were very comfortable and created awfully huge amount of chances with Rafeeq in particular hitting the crossbar after a well struck shot.
Shahid and Rahman were both having a monster game in defence and with the ever fit and strong Fazli backing us up coupled with a superb defensive team play from Amin, our defence were in really good shape. So it was only left to our midfield and attack to do their part. Despite the numerous chances created, we failed to break the deadlock and as our opponents had reserves coming on now and then, we were somewhat feeling the effect of being undermanned too. The hot weather did not help. We still were the better team and went into the break knowing a single goal, from either team, might kill the game.
The 2nd half was a slightly different story but we were still the better team. I was not feeling good for sure now but as we had no subs I had to soldier on. While waiting for Es to arrive, we lost our shape defensively as our opponents attempt to break our offside trap and on a couple of occasions, they managed to break through but were woeful in converting their chances.
We were still mustering offensive threats of our own but the opponents were playing route one football; simple but effective. I admit suffering lapses in concentration a few times and it got Wilson heated up for sure but I had my fellow defenders to thank for covering me and keeping the score still level.
Es finally arrive and we gained a fresh injection of attacking impetus.
Firdaus cheekily attempted to bundle in a cross with his hands-cum-face and earned a yellow card for it but we were not to be denied minutes later when Rafeeq finally scored to lift our spirits and he promptly celebrated as if we had won the World Cup. It was a well-worked play through the middle that was eventually played over the defence by Helmi. Rafeeq was on hand to beat the last man and slip the ball past the GK.
There was a huge sense of relief and the even sweeter elixir was that knowing victory was ours when Firdaus managed to bundle in the winning goal over the line past the GK and a opposing defender after a speculative cross from the left flank.
As the minutes finally wind down, we felt a palpable sense of satisfaction at winning this game in such a convincing manner though as mentioned earlier, the goals were overdue. The entire team really worked hard for the victory and till now I am still feeling a little abashed at having been the weakest link. But at the same time I felt proud that the players were working as a unit and working hard for one another. It was truly a victory to savour. Oh and dare I say this. We are on a great 4 game winning run now, our best run of winning streak ever since our formation 31 games ago. Hopefully the hiatus for the next couple of weeks will not disrupt our rhythm but with the exams due to end then, I bet there will be plenty of itchy legs and hopefully that translates into an extended run up till past the new year!
I must admit, there were doubts as to whether this game could truly take place as we were missing some key players due to exams and other matters so I called for reinforcements and needless to say, they responded in the best possible way. Shahid was making his return since May (Match 14) and he did confessed to me his fitness was suspect. Fazli returned to centre back and Firdaus was making only his 2nd appearance for the team. Es was late as he had came back from work but it was truly appreciated when he was available to play the entire 2nd half. Rahman was suffering from an illness and though I really did not expect it, my long MC some time back is still rolling out its effect till today as I suffered during the 2nd half with a giddiness spell yet again.
Apart from that, the team was still relatively strong attacking wise at least. The instructions before the game were to contain them and to strike it slow and steady but as it turned out, we were all guns blazing from the kick-off and to my surprise, the opponents were not offering a strong resistance.
We dominated the entire 1st half apart from a few minutes of intense pressure when we had Wilson to thank for keeping us in the game with 3 magnificent saves after some stiff shooting from the opponents.
But truly, we were very comfortable and created awfully huge amount of chances with Rafeeq in particular hitting the crossbar after a well struck shot.
Shahid and Rahman were both having a monster game in defence and with the ever fit and strong Fazli backing us up coupled with a superb defensive team play from Amin, our defence were in really good shape. So it was only left to our midfield and attack to do their part. Despite the numerous chances created, we failed to break the deadlock and as our opponents had reserves coming on now and then, we were somewhat feeling the effect of being undermanned too. The hot weather did not help. We still were the better team and went into the break knowing a single goal, from either team, might kill the game.
The 2nd half was a slightly different story but we were still the better team. I was not feeling good for sure now but as we had no subs I had to soldier on. While waiting for Es to arrive, we lost our shape defensively as our opponents attempt to break our offside trap and on a couple of occasions, they managed to break through but were woeful in converting their chances.
We were still mustering offensive threats of our own but the opponents were playing route one football; simple but effective. I admit suffering lapses in concentration a few times and it got Wilson heated up for sure but I had my fellow defenders to thank for covering me and keeping the score still level.
Es finally arrive and we gained a fresh injection of attacking impetus.
Firdaus cheekily attempted to bundle in a cross with his hands-cum-face and earned a yellow card for it but we were not to be denied minutes later when Rafeeq finally scored to lift our spirits and he promptly celebrated as if we had won the World Cup. It was a well-worked play through the middle that was eventually played over the defence by Helmi. Rafeeq was on hand to beat the last man and slip the ball past the GK.
There was a huge sense of relief and the even sweeter elixir was that knowing victory was ours when Firdaus managed to bundle in the winning goal over the line past the GK and a opposing defender after a speculative cross from the left flank.
As the minutes finally wind down, we felt a palpable sense of satisfaction at winning this game in such a convincing manner though as mentioned earlier, the goals were overdue. The entire team really worked hard for the victory and till now I am still feeling a little abashed at having been the weakest link. But at the same time I felt proud that the players were working as a unit and working hard for one another. It was truly a victory to savour. Oh and dare I say this. We are on a great 4 game winning run now, our best run of winning streak ever since our formation 31 games ago. Hopefully the hiatus for the next couple of weeks will not disrupt our rhythm but with the exams due to end then, I bet there will be plenty of itchy legs and hopefully that translates into an extended run up till past the new year!
Akim - Click here for pictures of our latest games