Cloudless skies and a great pitch, the stage was set for 407 Utd To return to action after been sidelined for nearly 2 months. Although the guys maybe covered with rust but the team wasn't ready to surrender our unbeaten run (currently 4 matches).
Manager Fergie Alex was expected to shuffle the line up especially with 4 main players unavailable and he didnt disappoint with the loans of 3 crucial players from BHFC. This was especially so in the form of forward Ang SP who celebrated a 3rd goal in 3 appearances for 407 Utd.
Cx and Jinyu shone in the early half playing the unsung heroes role of the crucial 2 governing the center of the park. We gained the upper hand as we sprayed passes throughout the field and keeping dominance of possession. Scott and Desmond may had started on the wrong foot, but it was never a trouble in the game. Although the bright start, our early dominance didn't produce goals as several poor touches in the final quarter of the pitch let us down, causing frustration to the forward line up led by Desmond Tang and co. Wilson tried his luck from out from outside the box after been teed up but his decent effort sailed wide. Daryl was a shadow of his usual self as he was caught out of position several occasion before been substituted by the sharp passing Jem Ang who managed to initiate several attacks with his quick accurate passing.
Ah Hong united was limited to counter attacks and managed sneak a goal which was well captured by the referee as the players were well offside. The back 4, Zip, Scott and Desmond + Lynchpin Kelvin were outstanding as they nullify all attacks. Zip kept his eye on the opposing fast forward and limited his chances. Solid Zhong De was drafted into the middle of the park as DM which unsurprisingly provided us with an aerial advantage. Unfortunately, against the tide of play, a fast break got their Indian forward through our backtracking defence and his goal bound shot got passed Robin's fingers. Undeserving lead to Ah Hong Utd 1-0.
Unfazed by the opponent's lead. Our attacking players lay siege on the opposing half, with Ivan and Ang SP both drilling shots nearly wide. Wilson then went on a superb solo run taking on 2 players before been brought down just outside the box! Too bad the free kick wasnt as good as the run. Fadil, the explosive forward made several mazy runs into the box and his diving header nearly brought us level back into the game.
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Even @ the break, 407 was confident of winning the game back. And sure enough, with a back-on-Earth Daryl pushing up the tempo and Fardil breathing down the neck of the Ah Hong's defence. The reshuffle also saw Zhong De as CB with Kelvin, Cx and Scott made life easy for Alex by the touch line who only need to focus on the attack. Ivan made his presence felt upfront with Desmond Van as they made the push for goal.
Ah Hong Utd was again limited to counter attacks by their Indian Fwd but the rotating Trios of Zip, Cx and Kelvin never put a wrong foot, devastating their chances. Scott with his everlasting battery made easy work of the players who opted his way. One such break came a run Walcott would have been proud of. 3 touches from our penalty box, passed 3 defenders and a lovely low shot from Ang SP stunt both 407 and Ah Hong FC. 407 went wild cowering over the superb Ang SP. It brought us back into the game and sth probably Ah Hong FC saw coming.
Fardil once again the NOS man, chased down a loose ball from 10 yards, outrunning a defender squared a superb ball to Ivan but sadly failed to find the mark. Clearly he forgot his simple tap routine!!! From that on, the Sun took its toll on the players and Substitution was fast and furious, with Desmond Tang playing out of position unselfishly on several occasion. But we never let our foot off the pedal! Again, Fardil played a fabulous running ball onto the path of sprinting Ang SP only to see his hard shot came off the wood work! Painful miss. Jem Ang then came in close after some good work down the left flank before Desmond Van trying a Volley from the mid point line.
Tiredness struck when our attacking obsessed team left a big gap which Ah Hong FC exploited down the middle. Robin to the rescue, a superb dive to his right during a 2 on him situation showed his reflexes and decision making has sharpen! (maybe cos of FHM training). That was a wake up call to the team and definitely a important save keeping the score level.
Eventually our 3 attacking midfielders were clearly too hot to handle especially when we started rotating them around: Wilson, Daryl, Jem Ang, Ang SP and Fardil. Then came the wining Goal, A free kick well earned by Fardil. Daryl's superb delivery to the far post before Ivan using his head to earn our deserving lead. It put the pandits at ease after we held onto the lion's share of the game.
Several more chances came and go and both team was clearly affected by the hot weather. Could have gone further ahead but Fardil and Jinyu both went wide. Flu struck Manager Alex came on for a few moment to relieve the overworked defence with Zip before the final whistle. Probably the 1 of the best game this season with little hiccups and surely we had erased our bad Safra memories.
Man of Match: Close fight between Fardil and Ang SP, but clearly the latter with the amazing leveller. Scott third with his tireless displays (time to join the attack more!)
WAGs on duty: Fardil's chick and Marco. Thanks for the support.
Line Up: Robin, Zip, Zhong De, Kelvin, Scott, Wilson, Jinyu, CX, Desmond Van, Daryl, Jem Ang, Ang SP, Fardil, Desmond Tang, Ivan
Several other priceless moments: Daryl well struck strike onto Desmond's head, Unselfish efforts by Desmond Tang and Wilson at unfamiliar positions. Scott's back heel. Kelvin's usual crushing tackles compared with wilson 2 legged tackles. Fardil's "LET GO"
Cheers,
Alex
