Thursday, November 12, 2009

Tough Luck in dominating game (6-3)


After 2 months of absence from the football scene, 407 united was finally back to action at Katong Stadium. Kelvin, the rock in the defence lineup is back from his knee injury; forming a new partnership with Ah Leong-so. The back 4 was reshuffled with a newly added right back, Desmond Tang; the once lone striker up front immediately fits in well with his new position with Zip taking up the left back slot. The opponents' strike force was having a hard time penetrating deep into our hard rock defence; however the opposition went lucky with 2 on 2 shots running into the lead. Robin the custodian in goal wasnt in the best of form and were unlucky to be caught off the line with a lucky try from distance.

Gabrier and Alex then slot into the right and CB position as desmond and Kelvin wasnt fully fit (some say its the Leggy King sydrome). The usual composed Gabrier decided to try some stunt which backfired 3-0. 407 suddenly found themselves falling far behind on the scoreboard as the sun shone uncompromisingly on the tired players. Ben, first appearance in a 407 united jersey was also just back after a long layoff from his injury. The midfield with Fardil and Cx was instrumental in getting forward but the unfamiliarity between Singping and Ivan showed as they lack communication up front wasting tons of chances. Jinsheng, original member of 407 football was also given a first start into the team at right mid. As the game wear on, it seems that 407 wasnt gonna close the gap and only a block from Alex from a rebound shot after robin saved the initial stinger kept the scoreline at 3-0 before halftime.

At the half time whistle, though we were 3-0 down. 407 United did not give up, instead they were told by the makeshift captain (Desmond Vann) to enjoy the game thoroughly. Desmond Vann was being substituted in to form a pivot support for the attack with the trio (Ben, Fahdil and S P); the substitution turns out positive with the in-form Striker Ang SP crawling 2 goals back for us.

The scoreline stood 3-2 at 65 minutes; 25 minutes more for 407s to fight for an equaliser. The attacking flow went well with Ivan almost scoring twice. All went well til the 4th goal went in devastating most of our players; our manager decides to swop our keeper for a stand-in keeper from the line up. Desmond Tang (O Shea of 407) was called upon for this duty. He did well having stopped a couple of one on ones and long shots. A talent discovered! Wilson and Fardil continued their tireless runs at the opposition but just failed to find the mark.

The 101% effort given by every players in the field saw the multiple subsitutions made as the game go on to the final minutes - lack of stamina and extreme weather conditions sees 407s getting jaded as the time goes by. The team after such a long layoff was suffering with fitness and injury doubts. With 5 minutes into the final whistle, 407 United were 6-2 down.

407s refused to accept the scoreline, all were pushing hard and drilling shots at the opponents. The game was finally sealed with an excellent header from Kelvin at the final minute. 407s left the pitch with a happy note, knowing in their heart that this is one of the best game that they have played. COME ON GUYS, MORE GAMES....

Report from the scene by Wilson Tan
Chief Editor, Alex Ng
Photographer, Peh CS


407 Lineup (Robin, Kelvin, Zip, Desmond Vann, Alex, Jinyu, Chengxi, Fadhil, Wilson, Ben, SP Ang, Desmond Tang, Choon Seng, Hafiz, Ivan, Gabrier & Jin Sheng)

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