Weds 2-4 FAM

The game was played at MSN pitch with 16 players from our side comprising Waynaldo, Bullet, Loong, Fai Chai, Cikgu, Pao, Kenny, Swee D, Zul, Robin, Batman, Wai Chai, Kent, Sifu, Yeo and Loh.

Opponent was a host of ex-internatioanls like Rajagopal, Khalid Shahdan, S Somasundram, Ismail Ibrahim, Azmin Asram, Ong Kim Swee, Tan Cheng Hoe and the likes. 3 period of 30 minutes format was played and the first period started brightly for us with several menacing attacks failed to turn in to goals. Kim Tu and Swee D were creating many chances up front. Given enough time surely a goal would come. And this happened when Kim Tu was able to break free from tight marking to feed a one on one for Swee D, who coolly rounded off the charging keeper to score. 1-0.

Second period saw our dominance gradually reduced with both teams having a go at each other. However our chances were more as compare to theirs as Waynaldo has a shot parried away by the keeper while Sifu Kim had another one on one hit wide off target. A dipping shot by Yeo swee hock saw Azmin Asram having to dig out all his resources to do a flying save. Second goal finally came when Kim Tu again broke free on the left and cut in with a cross to Kenny for him to tap it in. 2-0. FAM, undaunted, came back to steal one back when Zul (who was forced to play as right back) failed to clear a cross and their fat player had the easiest task of beating keeper Zahari. 2-1 it ended.

3rd period resume with Sifu, Batman, Waynaldo and bullet sitting out. FAM this time totally dominated play and it was not long that they scored the equalizer off some need passes on the right flank. Sensing that Ah Loh was not as fast as them, they easily bypass him to release a powerful shot to beat Zahari. 2-2. Not long after, a free kick was awarded when Cikgu was judged fouled for tugging Boskic's the national team physio's shirt. Zahari failed to catch the resulting direct kick cleanly and when it was vomited from his body, FAM players just follow up to score their 3rd goal. My mind was screaming: "Where is the marking????". Obviously, as we get more impatient and charging upfront looking for that elusive equalizer, FAM players were well prepared to trap us. Their simple spraying around of the balls just made our players chasing shadows and grew frustrated. Another quick counter attack saw Zul (who is now being called to play as left back) pulling down Boskics. Penalty awarded and it became 2-4.

Post match analysis: We grew complacent in the second half while leading 2-0. Definitely both Loh and Zul were being played out of their normal position. Our left and right backs were clearly leaking. Other than that, we can match this FAM team from head to toe. If we ever have the second chance to play them, we know what to do. Show respect but go in without FEAR is the way. Play our normal game will do.

Next week tentatively back to Bank Pertanian. Yeo is trying to arrange a match at MPSJ with the MPSJ staff. Night game maybe?? To be advised.