Friendly Match Report 22 January 2006 vs Redbax FC
This was the first friendly match for Mandai United in the year 2006. I was lucky enough to get a slot after browsing the Socialsoccer.com forum pages. I thought that the field would be bad due to the monsoon season. I later realised that the field which belonged to Admiralty Sec Sch was in almost perfect condition and would put the pitches in the ESPZEN League to shame. All they asked from us was to bring a referee for the match.
The match started at around 5.15pm. There was a slight drizzle but it soon stopped. In the first 15 minutes, we were overrun by the Redbax. Our defence were turned topsy turvy but surprisingly they were unable to score. Botak seemed jittery at the back. With the absence of Raimi, Fariq and Yus, the backline was a makeshift one. Faizal had to slot in at right back, Saw as stopper and Chia as left back.
The midfield was evidently lost. Cheang and Fuad was placed in the middle whereas Tommy and Zahri were placed on the flanks. Zali and Richard played up front. Cheang, who had just gone through an operation, was evidently not accustomed to the pace of the game. Credit to him for although he is currently the oldest player in the team at 46, he always gives his best.
We managed to get in a few attacks after Wak replaced Cheang with Hafiz. Hafiz looked a bit sluggish, but surprsingly, he was able to hold the ball well in midfield. Fuad controlled the midfield defensively and he was all over the place.
Before the end of the first half, Richard managed to break the deadlock with a fine movement which started from Zahri and Zali. Richard has always been good at getting into the right positions and I was really glad that he scored. We also missed a few chances and although I thought that we would lose this match, deep inside I know the players would never give up.
In the second half, we had more confidence and the defence line was superb in foiling the Redbax attack. Hafidz replaced Faizal at right back and although he was a bit lost in terms of marking, we stood our ground. The most impressive player in my opinion was Saw. I remembered him as a player who is very new to football, but he has shown tremendous improvement within just a short period of time. Chia at left back was a brick wall. I am really glad that he decided to join us.
Zali was also replaced by Guy and we had the Aussie Connection up front. Guy with his height was a menace to the defence. Although he did not score, I believe that he would be able to complement Richard. Cheang came back in sometime in the second half and with his experience and the opponent tiring, the pace was just right for him to set up a few good crosses. Kok Leong was also introduced into the fray. He played a defensive midfield role and again..I am quite impressed by his improvements. All thanks to Peter who, from what I heard ,has been playing street soccer with him every night.
The score ended with Mandai United beating Redbax FC 4-0. The other scorers were Tommy, Faizal and Fuad. There is a lesson to learn here. Don't ever lose faith whatever the situation is. Keep the morale up and have faith in your teammates and we will succeed. Seriously, Wak thought we would be thrashed in this match. But again, when we stick together and remained discipline...we will succeed.
Attendees: Rafi, Sazali, Botak, Saw, Chia, Faizal, Hafidz, Fuad, Tommy, Cheang, Zahri, Guy, Richard, Kok Leong, Peter, Yazid.
Man of the Match: Chia
The match started at around 5.15pm. There was a slight drizzle but it soon stopped. In the first 15 minutes, we were overrun by the Redbax. Our defence were turned topsy turvy but surprisingly they were unable to score. Botak seemed jittery at the back. With the absence of Raimi, Fariq and Yus, the backline was a makeshift one. Faizal had to slot in at right back, Saw as stopper and Chia as left back.
The midfield was evidently lost. Cheang and Fuad was placed in the middle whereas Tommy and Zahri were placed on the flanks. Zali and Richard played up front. Cheang, who had just gone through an operation, was evidently not accustomed to the pace of the game. Credit to him for although he is currently the oldest player in the team at 46, he always gives his best.
We managed to get in a few attacks after Wak replaced Cheang with Hafiz. Hafiz looked a bit sluggish, but surprsingly, he was able to hold the ball well in midfield. Fuad controlled the midfield defensively and he was all over the place.
Before the end of the first half, Richard managed to break the deadlock with a fine movement which started from Zahri and Zali. Richard has always been good at getting into the right positions and I was really glad that he scored. We also missed a few chances and although I thought that we would lose this match, deep inside I know the players would never give up.
In the second half, we had more confidence and the defence line was superb in foiling the Redbax attack. Hafidz replaced Faizal at right back and although he was a bit lost in terms of marking, we stood our ground. The most impressive player in my opinion was Saw. I remembered him as a player who is very new to football, but he has shown tremendous improvement within just a short period of time. Chia at left back was a brick wall. I am really glad that he decided to join us.
Zali was also replaced by Guy and we had the Aussie Connection up front. Guy with his height was a menace to the defence. Although he did not score, I believe that he would be able to complement Richard. Cheang came back in sometime in the second half and with his experience and the opponent tiring, the pace was just right for him to set up a few good crosses. Kok Leong was also introduced into the fray. He played a defensive midfield role and again..I am quite impressed by his improvements. All thanks to Peter who, from what I heard ,has been playing street soccer with him every night.
The score ended with Mandai United beating Redbax FC 4-0. The other scorers were Tommy, Faizal and Fuad. There is a lesson to learn here. Don't ever lose faith whatever the situation is. Keep the morale up and have faith in your teammates and we will succeed. Seriously, Wak thought we would be thrashed in this match. But again, when we stick together and remained discipline...we will succeed.
Attendees: Rafi, Sazali, Botak, Saw, Chia, Faizal, Hafidz, Fuad, Tommy, Cheang, Zahri, Guy, Richard, Kok Leong, Peter, Yazid.
Man of the Match: Chia
posted by Mr M Rafi B M Ansari at Monday, January 23, 2006
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