Team FATA

Lots of pre-match arrangement issues arose just a day before our match. The SunSports organiser was requesting us to change to Katong field which I declined immediately due to inaccessible location and it was too last minute a decision to make. (It was midnight!). Then, they proposed to change the timing to 5pm which a few of my players could not oblige. Hence, I requested back to our agreed timing or the game is off. They obliged.

The venue was at Fernvale, just in front of Fernvale Pri Sch, near Jalan Kayu. It was the lowest attendance with only 8 Fatarians. In total, we brought 6 outside players into our team match. Out of which we have some really outstanding players.

Match kick-off at close to 4pm. Team FATA had an early goal courtesy of Joel with a through ball from Jun Jie (Jason's friend). Few minutes later, I took advantage of the miscommunication between their defender and keeper to make it two nil to Team FATA. Siong Wei, who previously had an injury on his left toe was caught by a sliding tackle from the opponent's centre-back (No. 11). He was replaced with Wayne coming into centre-back, Sean moved to the right wing. Towards the end of the first half I took a deliberate kick on my shin pad from their defender when I make a sliding tackle and caught their foot instead. Unprofessional player who should be slapped with a red card but referee did not see it I suppose. First half ended with Team FATA leading two nil. We did reasonably well in the first half.

Second half was more dramatic with our star goalkeeper William making few tremendous saves, putting his whole body on the line. Thumbs up, definitely a contender for Man of the Match. Our defence was still prone to high and long ball with our defenders failing to cope with the first ball. We were fortunate on few occasions when we were caught napping at the back but we centre back Wee Hian, Sean and Wayne managed to beat them with pace and body strength.

Goals came pouring in. A through ball from Jason put me on a chase towards their goalline, beating their last defender with pace before slotting the ball to the far post, beyond the stretch of the opposing keeper. Three nil. A lack of man-making and commanding figure allowed the opponent to make an easy shot from a corner kick. Minutes later, a header flick-on from Joel exposed their backline. I was body checked by their No. 11 but fortunately behind us came on the pacy Jun Jie to pick up the loose ball. One on one with the keeper, he made no mistake slotting the ball at the back of the net. Four is to one.

Tackles were seen flying in, most notably the one that caught Jason from behind. Immediate red card and good call from the ref. Minutes later, I was tackled from behind and pushed in the back during a cross in both by the same player, No.11. He was at it again when he bullied Joel into the corner flag before commiting a foul. Ref did not make any call.

The bad
- Opponent acted like hooligans instead of an amateur soccer player.
- Opponent reacted to tackles unprofessionally.
- Game was not played in a good sunday afternoon match manner and they should be ashamed of themselves.
- Our defence line is still not coping with high ball and through ball effectively.
- The centre of the park, which is deemed as the Engine Room, was not dominated by us in the second half. Our centre midfielders were seen missing at times.

The take
- Our players managed to keep their cool throughout the match (Hey I did! :P)
- Another experience gain when managing against tough and physical opponents
- Joel continued his goal streak and I ended my goal drought :)