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)

Singapore Bay Run 2009/ Army Half Marathon

407 United completed Army Half Marathon Successfully! Kudos to all who participated. Excellent effort and endurance. Specially congratulating our first timers: Daryl, Bang, Chunhua and Shanthen. Lots of appreciation for being with the team.

Great camaraderie spirit!

- not forgetting our 2 transports ics: Leong and Bang for making this run a successful one. Also want to thank leong for sacrificing his sleep time to fetch the 21kmers to the start point.

Scott's International Duty (Update)

Some of the pictures provided by Scott.

So many courts to choose from. Finally one vacant blue court; but no. Thats not the one that he played at; he mentioned that he rather play indoor away from the "Cold Wind Blow". *this reminds me of the song..."When the cold wind blow, when the cold wind blow.."

All the best to Scottie over in Aussie; 407 send their best regards. Keep us updated via emails and msn. Stop sending us pictures of infrastructures; take some of your gorgeous classmates. Cheers to the Aussie Babes. Woot!

Long Overdue Update on the team

3 matches; 3 losses. But not all gone. We are still working hard on our first win this year. A few new signings made; Daniel from Damai FC, Fadhzly from MHA United and Hafiz from Youth Academy. A quick look through on the various new names that some might be unfamiliar with.

1. Daniel - Versatile Midfielder; possess in him the vision for important through balls during counter attacks.
2. Fadhzly - Pacy left winger; an almost replica of Overmars in his younger days
3. Hafiz - Promising young midfielder; skillful but tend to hold the ball too long at times

Injuries

• Alvin - Out for 1 year (Torn Ligament)

International Duties

• Scott - Away for international commitment in Australia

*Next match most probably would be on the 1st week of September. Stay tuned.

Thank You 407 United!!!

Marco and I would like to thank Team 407 United for supporting 'For Diabetes' take another leap towards accomplishing our vision.

- Shanthen

407 United at Mayura!

Thanks guys for taking your time off on Labour day to join me at my new restaurant, Mayura.

Here's some of the pix taken at the restaurant.

The rest of you, must come and enjoy the food here.

Shanthen

Fantasie Premier League Fixture !!

No favours from Lady Luck in 3-2 loss

A late rally with the insertion of player manager Alex and gang failed to overcome adversity resulting in another loss in the wet Sunday morning.

A late slip up by opponents, "barca wannabes" GK by allowing Wilson curler to go under him briefly gave 407 a flicker of hope in staging a comeback as the whistle was blown shortly after the goal. The loss left 407 on a lousy start to 2009 as we searches for our first win this season.

"^$%#$%, freaking referee decisions seem bias the entire morning". was mainly the general consensus among the team as we felt hard done by him when he was blind to the push leading to the first goal and the offside line for the 3rd goal for the opponents. In short, we were not in the favour of ms lady luck.

The starting defensive line up with Zhongde and Kelvin in the center was sturdy and strong, standing up to the towering strikers with good first time clearances. Although the defence could have done better in dealing with the play that lead to the first goal. Zhongde was deliberately pushed down before the opposing team placed the ball into the back of the net. referee blew for goal, what can we say?

Deputising in the center of the field role was Chin Yong, our latest signing with shantan then Jinyi played reasonably well and hopefully the partnership will grow stronger as we seek to mature from our direct football. Similarly Alvin and Scott, the products of our youth team has been up to the challenge so far. Its time to level them up and getting them to push forward whenever they can to support the attack and be able to pass the ball around more effectively.

Makeshift striker Daryl paired up with Desmond Tang in leading the frontline, but their physical shortcomings proved to be a challenge as we attempt to over come the deficit.

407 united played the better football for long periods with jinyi and chinyong pulling the strings and crosses to Fardil and wilson. The slippery ball didnt help as the players lost the first touch and it bouncing out early made our progress in the final third wasteful.

Jiahong, newly drafted full back made his debut as a hard tackling player. Pacey and eager to join up with the attack, his possible addition will make the team stronger.

Although the better team, a lucky shot against the tide from the opponents dipped beyond the reach of robin sums up the day. Top corner, but definitely not skill. haha call me a sore loser.

Lim HF was recalled from his morning slumber as Alex needed a more physical and pacey forward to lead the line in the second half after the team was 3-0 down (It should be an offside by the way). His impact was immediate as he ran his lungs empty chasing half chances and more drama to come later

Late comeback to be continued in Part II

Left 4 Dead

I thought this picture looked cool. Left 4 Dead the movie?

Latest truth on Stevie's kiss....

I so believe this is an unaltered photo.......hi Steven the ASS-Kisser.....

Heartfelt Draw at Siglap Sec 2- 2

Goal Scorers:
Fadhil and Sing Ping

Beautiful Moment:
Robin's top corner save from a direct free-kick final minutes into the game

Euphoric Moments:
Fadhil's and Sing Ping's goals; both are potential winning goals until the opponents narrowly equalised the game in the final half

Heartfelt Pain:
Opponents lucky equaliser

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
407 United:
Robin, Alvin, Desmond-V, Kelvin, Scott, Shanthen, Zip, Fadhil, Jinyu, Chengxi, Daryl, Wilson, Sing Ping. Desmond-T and Dennis

2-1 loss with lots of positive

Recent weather crisis observed in the BPL was nowhere to be seen in sunny SG as 407 finally got back on the field at Siglap Sec. BOY, did we took our time especially if you counted the last game to be 2 months back.

All didn't bore well, as several crucial players missed out due injuries. Make shift CB Zip started the game (putting his career on the line) as 407utd seek to continue a run of previous good results. Luckily Alex managed to sign Chin Yong on free transfer who debuts for us as CB, relieving Zip.

Although in a familiar formation, the lack of playing time and field size turned the tables against 407 utd. We started off the brighter team as we string up several good passes to push forward but always losing possession in the final third of the field. With Kheng Wee back in the lineup, we have manged to hold on the ball with wilson and fardil showing off what they are capable with the ball. Desmond had several chances but just lacking the muscle to see through them.

We were justly punished although in a hard to swallow manner, going down in a scrappy goal scramble. Daryl was bought on to add some penetration but he probably had too much kangaroo jerky and was obviously off-form. Furthermore the opponent, MS managed to elude our duo, Leong and Cx with their classic English style of pumping balls. There was only so much, in form CY and Kel can take before we went 2 under. Alex was a bit late but reverted our side to 4-4-2 and went in himself to stem the rot. Things did improve and Desmond managed to sneak in a goal following a scramble from Wil's free kick. However we weren't meant to record a famous comeback as we eventually lost 2-1.

But several Delights to Note:

1) Fengshan field training academy graduates, Alvin and Scott put in another tremendous performance each and shown their maturity in the game.

2) Exciting new signing Chin Yong looks good and Welcome back Melvin Kwok after a 5 years absence from soccer.

3) Robin excellent shot stopping but probably got to stop the hesitation in coming out.

4) Clearly lacking games, most players still put up a good show towards the end.

5) Wilson got his taste of *** *** in the game.

Christmas Chalet 2008

19th December 2008

Pasir Ris Costa Sands (F09)

Present (See picture):

First Row - Wilson, Ah Bang, Chunhua, Daryl

Second Row - Jinyu, Melvin, Chengxi, Alex

Last Row - Marco, Shanthen, Desmond, Robin

We missed out Kelvin, Fadhil, Khengwee, Alvin, Scott, Zip, Desmond Tang...

Re-enactment:

Most of us reached at around 8+ 9, some prep the room, some started the fire...while we wait for the food to arrive. After an hour of stomach growling.. the food party arrived. By then, the fire was ready and we started the BBQ in no time.

Food was good; got to thank the food party for getting the food and Alex for marinating thye chicken parts (Food party consist of Robin, Alex and Chunhua). Beer and liqour was not left out; we got hoegarden (sponsored by Jinyu and Marco), Carlsberg and Tiger (by Ah Bang), Er Tou Jiu (Some chinese rice wine of 56% alcohol content specially brought by Desmond), Vodka ( brought by Chunhua) and never to forget our dearest neighbour from chalet F08 who donated two cups of Black Label to us plus their empty bottle.

The night filled up with a couple of games; "7-up", "I will never", "3-up" which got most of us high as the night went on. Not forgetting the three bros who specially brought us Christmas pressies from Kuala Lumpur. It was indeed so nice of them to prepare gifts for the "christmas exchange" which turns out to be likewise (pressies for number guessing game - Zhong ji mi ma). But of course; there is a price to pay for getting the pressies. Three capful of Alcohol (56%) down the throat; 3 winners: Robin, Melvin and Chunhua.

4 bros left halfway through the night...

The remaining 8 continue the games drinking most of the time, and end up finding more about each other (good or bad u decide). After the marathon of beer and liquor; the three sponsors from KL was knocked out. The rest continue through the night.. Finish barbequeing the remaining bacons, chicken parts, hotdogs (Thanks to Melvin's excellent culinary skills).

to be continued. . . Chalet 2009

Brothers of 407 United,

More than just a football team,

Friendship even longer than a marathon...

(More chapters to come by)

Marathon

In view of fitness building, we are forcing all team members to enroll for marathon running!!!!!! jus kidding. But this year, some brave souls from 407 utd embarked on some self induced suffering (abrasion at u know where) by joining the 42+++ km standard charted marathon. 3 Cheers!!!


The next coming one is the Adidas Sundown marathon!!! Interested personnel pls sign up on your own initiative @ http://www.sundownmarathon.com/index.php

After signing up, please inform chief marathon training IC: wilson tan aka the famous face on the leftmost!

2009 Match Schedule Update

Hey lads, an agreement has been made with referee Dawea that team 407 United will have 2 Sunday matches per month from Jan 09 onwards. Matches will be played in the east at 5pm. Please prepare yourself.

I love this song...

Tactics Talk

Have been wanting to do this for a while, but procrastination is one of my biggest strength. Since we're mainly a Sunday league team, personal development is mainly tasked to the individual. Tactical preparation normally starts 15 mins before a game and i guess that's about it. Thus i felt if i put some of these up, it may help when i reshuffle the team to deal with threats from diff opponents.

First Up: Our Favoured 4-2-3-1
(history puts the Spanish, French and Brazilian as among the first to use it!)

This a defensive formation where the attacking edge is compromised to the minimal as both the side midfielders and the fullbacks can push forward, usually on the counter. Fundamentally, this formation is similar to the 4-5-1 which packs the midfield depriving the opposing team to build up their attacks. However this limits the pressure upfront as lone striker is deprived of a partner thus it is important that the lone gun has the strength and holding ability to excel in the solitary position.

The defensive strength of the tactic comes in the middle 2 which is responsible for slotting into the gaps during the full backs forays upfront and also been the first to close in on the opposing passes or dribbles through the middle. The natural choices would be 2 DMs in the center but the challenge comes when u give the 2 the freedom to initiate counter passes in attack plus keeping in mind that they have to control the forward line of the 3 attacking midfielders. Think Makelele, Alonso, Barry and Frings.

Benitez's idea was to get Barry in so as to fit the formation with Gerrard, Kuyt and Keane behind Torres as the 3 AMs. I'm just so happy his plans didnt manage to materialise. The potential for the formation to flourish is that the 3 can be customised to fit the stage of the game, whether u are behind, preserving your lead or to counter certain strengths in the opponents. ( so better dun question me how i do it). This shall not be discussed as not to leak any secrets wahahaha!

Hope this helps in making sure our substitutions dont end up with some blur cock in the team unable to slot into the positions eh!! haha. If you guys got the time, go watch past games like Man U against Roma (although Man U strength is 4-3-3 to me), Holland and Protugal in Euro 08 or how it failed in Ramos' Tottenham haha!!

cheers pple!
Alex

Sentosa Nitez Out!

More details will be available soon.

If you think of giving up...

Match Report: 407 Utd 2 - Ah Hong FC 1

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.

--------------------------------HALF TIME----------------------------------------

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