Greetings

Merry Christmas everyone! 

PS. Coach is thinking of arranging a get-together lunch on the 31st of dec, so try and keep that day free.

Contacts

Hi guys, i realize i don't have the consolidated list of contacts for the team.

To make things easier, leave your name, preferred email add, msn and hp no. under the comments section. thanks!

AUG Semi Finals: Malaysia 1-0 Singapore

Roared on by the vociferous home crowd, Malaysia qualified for the finals by beating Singapore 1-0 in a highly competitive game between the causeway rivals.

With the Singapore back line sitting deep, the Malaysians found it difficult to create any notable openings and the pressure soon started to grow on their players. Passes and the all important first touch went astray. As anticipated by Coach Arasu, the volatile home crowd started to turn on the Malaysians.

Thriving in an atmosphere akin to a high-profile S-League game, we played with great self-belief and took the game to the Malaysians. Unlike previous games, we were able to keep the ball very well and this allowed us to bring our forwards into play. The Malaysians were struggling to contain the rampaging Ram as his long shots had the keeper scrambling on a couple of occasions.

However in the 42nd min, Malaysia took the lead against the run of play when a header from the Malaysian captain was parried by Kevin into the path of a lurking Malaysian who made no mistake from 6 yards out.

Though we suffered a major psychological blow by conceding a goal just 3mins before half time, the players picked up from where they left off and continued playing with great purpose and confidence. Alas, an equalizer did not come as Malaysia hung on for a 1-0 victory.

After the game, Coach Arasu praised the players, and said that this was the best performance he has experienced as coach of a Singapore team at the AUG. The Malaysian officials were also impressed as they had expected their team to steamroll us by at least 4 goals. We might have lost, but it was a performance to be proud of.

Man of the Match: Ram
Lineup: Kevin, Jerome, Chris, Gerald, Jerry (Aaron), Fabian, Zhiwei, Andy (Jonathan), Pramod (Vincent), Khai, Ram

Singapore Through To Semis

Indonesia 1-0 Singapore

With qualification in our own hands, the Singapore team put in a fantastic team effort to limit the Indonesians to a solitary goal.

The goal came early in the 1st half via a wicked in-swinging free-kick that eluded both the defence and Kevin. The Indonesians threatened to run riot with their right winger, no. 9, causing the Singaporeans all sorts of problems with his pace and trickery. To contain the right sided threat, the coach shifted Fabian to left mid, thus nullifying their threat and allowing Singapore to go into half-time 1-0 down.

With qualification already assured, the Indonesians rested some key players in the 2nd half and slowed down the pace of the game. What followed was a phase after phase of long, accurate diagonal balls from the Indons behind our full backs. This was dealth with magnificantly by the tirelessly covering midfielders and the positional excellence of Gary 'Jerome' Neville and Joleon 'Chris' Lescott.

With the midfield tiring, Ram and Zul were brought on to great effect, holding on to precious possession in the attacking third and providing some much needed muscle and speed. Final score, 1-0 to Indonesia, setting up a meeting with our Causeway rivals Malaysia on 18 Dec, 8.30pm at the Maybank Stadium.

Man of the Match - Khai
Play of the Day - Kevin's save in the 2nd half from a Indon header that was flying into the bottom corner of the net
Lineup - Kevin, J. Neville, C. Lescott, Gerald, Jerry, Steven Lam Fuhang (King Yau), Zhiwei, Fabian T, Pramod, Andy (Ram-butt Shanker), Khai (Zul)

Singapore 1-1 Vietnam

In a high paced encounter between group underdogs Singapore and the tireless Vietnamese, both teams were left to share the spoils as a crowd of approximately 50,000 (I exaggerate slightly) bore witness to a hard fought match at the Petronas Stadium in Kuala Lumpur.

With lightning pace and endless energy, the Vietamese dominated possession and weaved through the midfield with nifty passes and intelligent runs throughout the first half. This led to several scoring opportunities which the strikers wastefully failed to capitalise on.

The Singapore boys, apparently less adept to the high tempo game as their counterparts, were left breathless and constantly on the defence. In spite of this, the physical presence and robust nature of the boys from south of the causeway led to several scoring opportunities from set pieces and high lofted balls. In one such incident, Ram Shanker connected with a curling ball from the right to put the ball into the net, only to have the goal disallowed pursuant to a dubious offside call by the assistant referee.

In the closing stages of the first half, a failed cross from the right by the Vietnamese was not cleared sufficiently to safety. A resulting shot from distance found the back of the Singapore net - first blood by the Viets.

The second half saw a more mature display by the Singapore boys. In spite of injury to Jerry, the team held firm to pursue a more attacking strategy. Another couple of substitutions and a tactical reshuffle saw Gerald spearheading the attack, with only 3 defenders holding fort at the back. This proved to be a truly wise gamble.

Substitute Khai, bursting with energy, tore down the right flank and sent a low hard cross into the box. With defenders lunging in for the challenge, Gerald fought off the stubborn Vietnamese to connect sweetly into the near post.

With the scores level at 1-1 in the 86th minute, the Vietnamese hopes for a semifinal place were cast a severe blow. Late attempts at the Singapore fortress proved futile, as the game ended all square.

Man of the Match: Gerald
Save of the Day: Last ditch tackle by Jerome in the 6 yard box to foil what would have been a sure lead to the Vietnamese
Toyota Play of the Day: Jonathan's glorious diving/kneeling/acrobatic headers (or lack thereof) which excited all 50,000 at the Petronas Stadium, including opposing Indonesian players

Departure Details (Update)

Location - NUS SRC (area near the shower area and carpark) 

Time - 8am

Attire - White AUG polo tee, minimum berms and shoes.

List of essential items:

Match attire

- red and white top

- navy blue and black shorts

- black and red socks

Training

- white vonda jersey

- red top (the one with 'Singapore' at the back)

- a white and dark blue top (preferably without our uni names clearly visible)

- black shorts and socks (we will be training at least once a day for the duration of our tournament. We will also be doing laundry, so dont overpack)

- swimwear

- Bib

Footwear

- running shoes

- boots

- slippers

Others (you may choose to buy these items in KL)

- Personal medication (no team doctor)

- Washing powder/detergent (if u intend to do your own laundry)

---------------------

As mentioned by Mr Chiang, Vietnam and Brunei have pulled out of the tournament, making it 3 teams per group now. Statistically speaking, this is a fantastic opportunity for us to make it to the semis - something past contingents have never achieved. Many of us will probably not play for the national team, so lets use this chance to create a legacy and to win something for ourselves and our country.

Have a good rest, go for a short run (coach), and drink more water (sam). 

Packing List

As requested by tirelessly handsome SMU midfielder Jonathan, a packing list has been enthusiastically prepared by yours truly in impromptu fashion. Do note that this list is neither exhaustive nor entirely compulsory. If you have the ability to use (or re-use) your gear efficiently, it is entirely permitted to bring a minimal amount of equipment for the camp; conversely, no one will by unduly discriminated against for bringing additional personal effects to suit your needs.

On a serious note, Coach has emphasized that punctuality is of utmost important for this camp. DO NOT REPORT LATE, and DO NOT BE LATE FOR ANY GIVEN TIMINGS DURING THE CAMP. This is the baseline for discipline for the camp as well as during the AUG, and shall be the way we operate from hereon.

As promised, the list comprises:

(1) Jerseys

At least
-1 Red
-1 Blue
-1 White

(2) Shorts

At least
-1 dark coloured for games
-1 suitable for swimming

(3) Socks

As you deem sufficient

(4) Soccer gear

-Shinpads
-Boots
-Gloves

(5) Training Gear

-Running shoes

(6) Underwear

At least
-1 thong to prevent those unsightly VPL situations

(7) Toiletries

-Glasses/ contact lenses/ contact lens equipment
-Shampoo/ Soap/ Facial Wash
-Towel
-Personal medication

Especially for Pramod and Aaron
-Shaving kit

(8) Sleeping Gear

We should be sleeping on mats, so feel free to bring pillows, blankets, sleeping bags, bolsters and teddy bears as necessary

(9) Money

As necessary for meals

(10) Signals

-HP charger

(11) Other Clothes

-To attend briefing at NUS
-To sleep in

(11) Others

-Small notebook and stationary to write encouraging and emotional notes to each other and put in each other's pigeon holes so we can flirt with each other and express our gay desires in uninhibited fashion just like in one of those secondary school camps. (Additional uses include taking notes and for tactical discussions)
-Tissue Paper
-Plastic Bags
-Slippers
-High heel shoes
-ET stick and blade
-Porn
-Wei Hao
-3 cans of Heineken

AUG Squad

The 20 players selected are:

1) Wei yang (SMU)

2) Kevin ( NTU)

3) Jerry (SMU)

4) Gerald (NUS)

5) Chris kang (NUS)

6) Aaron ( NTU)

7) Jerome (SIM)

8) Andy (NUS)

9) Pramod (SMU)

10) Zhi Wei ( NTU)

11) Fuhang (NTU)

12) Ram (SIM)

13) Fabian ( NUS)

14) Vincent (NUS)

15) Anand (NUS)

16) Jonathan (SMU)

17) Sudi (NUS)

18) King Yau (SMU)

19) Zul (NTU)

20) Khai (NTU)

Overseas Notification

Hi guys

This is a somewhat lame-ass post, what with the more instructive and inspiring entries that have preceded this one.

But for your own convenience and as a kindly reminder, do visit www.ns.sg or call the Mindef Hotline (1800 367 6767) to submit an overseas notification report.

9-21st December 2008, Malaysia.

Cheers

Chris

An Article On Sports Psychology - Mental Preparation

It has been a memorable season for Portsmouth. Pressing for a UEFA Cup place. Semi-finalists of the FA Cup. And goal-keeper David James has re-established himself in the England team. James’s excellence between the posts has been an undoubted factor in Pompey’s success.

If there was one incident that summed up the value of the custodian’s contribution, it came midway through the second half of the fifth round FA Cup tie at Preston North End. The Championship side had won a penalty that could have given them the lead.  Simon Whalley stepped up to take the kick.

The odds, as always in a penalty, should have been in Simon Whalley's favour. But, not on this occasion. As Whalley is walking back to take the kick, David James is standing in the middle of his goal. But he seems to be doing more than that. Andy Gray, commentating, says that David James looks like a giant. Mentally, it’s as if he is filling out his goal. That is, he is imagining himself covering the whole of his goal. In his mind.

Then James appears to puts his focus on the ball. Almost staring it down. As if connected to the ball with a piece of string. At this point in the process. Whalley had better be mentally prepared. For David James is loading the mental stakes.

Simon Whalley then takes his penalty and hits it weakly to James' right. As if Whalley has become magnetised by David James. That he can't not hit the ball at James. The ball goes to David James, as if by his will, he has demanded it be so.
David James has won the mental battle hands-down. Simon Whalley has come up against a master.

I do it in the hotel room before the game, do it on the bus and do it on the pitch. I work on every eventuality and hopefully don't get surprise."

David James’s mental expertise is down to preparation. More is specifically, to his use of visualization techniques. Mentally imagining outcomes; possibilities; potentialities. Expecting the unexpected. Thus in the white heat of a competitive match, his mind is able to coolly handle the pressures he is put under. Handle it, because he has been there before. Been there before in his mind.

His mind, therefore, is not forced or pressurised into reactivity-speeds. That is, forced to work too quickly for his body to handle. When this happens, panic can set in, leading to poor decision-making. And mistakes.

The mentally prepared way allows his mind and body to work in harmony. That is why he is playing so well. He has reached the point of excellence, whereby he will be seeing things, moments before they even happen. In slowed down time.

What he is doing in preparing his mind, for the outcomes that he wants, is an option open to every player. David James, however, has personally decided that he wants to be the very best at what he does. In goal-keeping terms, there may be little that separates England’s top keepers. But mentally, David James is head and shoulders above his rivals.

Fixture Brouhaha and Poll

Hi boys,

The fixture issue has been brought up to Mr Chiang and he has submitted an appeal to the organisers. We have obviously been handed the short end of the stick. The mind games have already begun, 2 weeks before the tournament starts.

As retarded as the current fixtures are, there's not much we can do now.  Let the officials handle the appeals while we as players train hard and be as prepared as we can.

Also, there's a poll set up for next week's Tuesday and Thursday training. Pls indicate your preference by Friday midnight.

AUG Fixtures

Plans for the Weekend

Sat

Training @ NUS, 3.30pm. Attire : Red

Sunday

Friendly v SCC

Synopsis: The derby of Div 2. Our arch rivals. Zhiwei will be especially pumped up.

Venue: Padang Field, Singapore Cricket Club

Time: Be there by 4pm

Attire: Dark blue, black, black

Reminder - all assumed to be down for the game unless you have stated otherwise in the 'comments' section

All the best for your remaining papers. A few more days and we can start kicking some balls!

Training Update and Squad Announcement

hey guys,

some updates:

- training this wed has been cancelled due to exams

- next training is on Saturday, 3.30pm.

- Arasu mentioned during training that the squad announcement is for technical reasons and that he will only finalize the team by 1st dec (prior to the training camp).  

The Draw Has Been Made

Message From SUSC

Dear Athletes,
 
Greetings from the Singapore Universities Sports Council (SUSC) and welcome to the Singapore Contingent for the coming ASEAN University Games (AUG). We trust that all of you are looking forward to the games happening this December in Kuala Lumpur.
 
This year, Singapore is sending our largest contingent (over 280 athletes and officials) for the AUG since its inception in 1981. We will be staying at the Summit Hotel (www.summithotelusj.com <http://www.summithotelusj.com> ) together with the Philippines Contingent.

In preparation for the AUG, the SUSC will be conducting an important briefing for the entire Singapore Contingent (athletes, coaches, referees, staff, medical personnel, photographers etc). Please kindly accord due priority to attend this briefing. The contingent attire will also be distributed then. Details below:
 
AUG Briefing
Date: 5 December 2008 (Friday)
Venue: NUS Lecture Theatre 29 (See attached map – take Bus 95)
Time: 5pm – 8pm
 
Lastly, please ensure that you complete the following 2 tasks by 28 November 2008:
1) Submit the attached AUG Indemnity Form to your respective University’s Sports Office.
2) Make payment of $235.40 to your respective University’s Sports Office.
 
Thank you and we look forward to seeing you at the briefing.
 
Lawrenz Sim
Secretary General
Singapore Universities Sports Council

Proposed Friendly Against SCC

hi guys,

we're slated to have a friendly against SCC on 30 Nov, Sunday, @ SCC. (Time TBC)

i understand that some of us might still have papers, hence i need to get an indication of the numbers who can make it. 

For those who cant make it, pls leave your name in the 'Comments' section. For the rest, it will assumed that you'll be present.

Next Training on Saturday

There wont be training on Wednesday.

Next training's on Saturday, 8.30am @ NUS.

All the best for your exams!

Training is Off!

Sorry boys, NUS SRC has closed the field due to the weather. Training is cancelled. Spread the word.

See you on Saturday!

Uncertainty Surrounding Wed's Training

hi boys,

due to critical commitments of quite a considerable number of players, this wed's training might be called off.

will update status of training by tuesday afternoon.

all the best for your exams & projects.

jerry

Training Schedule

hi guys,

the training schedule is up. although the calendar is a bit small, you can click on the respective columns to get the full details.

Understandably, we are all affected by the heavy workload in school as well as our respective uni trainings. Perhaps there are some other reasons which are causing our tiredness and lack of fluidity in our play. Putting all that aside, the matches over the past weekend have shown that we need to train together consistently as a team. And as Arasu subtly puts it, it means attendance.  

As such, I hope that we can all plan our studying/meetings/projects etc, around the training schedule drawn up by coach  Arasu. Should you have any major difficulties attending these sessions, pls email me at jerry.lee.2006@smu.edu.sg

See you on Saturday.

Weekend Triple Threat -Updated

Our lineup of friendlies:

1)

Date: 1 Nov, Sat, 9am kickoff

Venue: Teachers Network, Grange Rd.

Attire: Dark blue, black, black

Opponents: Singapore age group team. Either u-17 or u-18

Result: AUG 4-5 Singapore Combined Sch

Scorers: Wincent x 2, Khai, Pramod

2)

Date: 2 Nov, Sun, 3pm kickoff

Venue: NTU

Attire: White

Opponents: NFL Selection

Result: AUG won 3-1

Scorers: Zhiwei, Andy (penalty), Jospeh, Aik Leong (for the opponent. we havent forgotten about u)

3)

Date: 4 Nov, Tues, 7.30pm kickoff

Venue: NUS

Attire: Dark Blue/Black/Black

Opponents: Katong

Result: AUG 6-0 Katong

Scorers: OG x 2, Pramod, King Yau x 2, Harold

Training - Wed 29 Oct

Time: 7pm

Venue: NUS Field 1

Sat Training & Next Week's Plan

Venue: NJC

Date: Sat, 25 Oct

Time: 10am

Attire: Red

Next Week's Plan: Friendlies will be lined up next week from 1-4 November on Sat, Sun & Tues. The purpose of playing 3 games in so few days is to get us used to the AUG schedule. It's gonna be good "rehearsal", so try and keep those 3 days free. 

--------------------------------

Friendly against Young Lions

Score: 7-2

1st half: 5-0

2nd half: 2-2 (Khai, KT) -- updated

Great comeback in the 2nd half guys! All those nursing injuries pls take care of yourself and keep Uncle Sam in the loop.

PS: those going for Khai's B'day, take care of yourself and don't be late for training.

Wed 22 Oct: AUG v Young Lions (UPDATED)

Venue: Jalan Besar

Time: Be there by 4.30pm. Kick off @ 5.30pm.

Attire: WHITE BLACK BLACK

Note - pls let uni reps know your availability for the game.

Training Update (change in venue)

Next Training
Sat 18 Oct @ Victoria School, 9am.
Attire: Red

Post-Match Report: Jollilads 0 Super Reds 9 (or was it 8?)

Heads up guys. We gotta admit that they were superior in all areas. Lets put the result behind us and take this as a learning experience.

As coach mentioned, you can expect the top teams in the AUG to play a similar style, with quick passes and lots of movement. We now know how devastating such football can be. Now, lets try and emulate their style in our training. I am very sure we will be able to take it the next level.

To end off, coach has expressed his willingness to drop players who do not meet his expectations or do not perform up to their own standards. For those of us who don't get chosen, it will undoubtedly be very disappointing. What I hope is that we, as mature individuals, can handle such disappointments and take it in our stride. As the famous song goes, "Always look on the bright side of life!" 

Its crunch time now boys, time to perform and step up! 

Wed, 15 Oct: AUG v Korean Super Reds

The friendly against Korean Super Reds has been pushed forward to Wednesday (instead of training at NUS).

Date: Wed, 15 October

Venue: Yishun Stadium

Time: be down by 6pm. Kick off @ 7pm

Attire: White, Black, Black

Pls spread the news and inform your uni reps of your availability.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Pls take note, next friendly - AUG v Young Lions

Date: Wed, 22 Oct

Venue: Jalan Besar Stadium

Time: 5.30pm kick off

Training Wed 15 Oct (CANCELLED)

Training at NUS has been cancelled!

Training Sat 11 October

Venue: National JC (off Dunearn Road)
Time: 9am
Attire: Red

Post-Match Report: AUG 2 S'pore Malays 1

Well taken goals by Zhiwei and Khai in the 1st third gave us a 2-1 victory over the S'pore Malays. Consisting of some current and a couple of ex-S-League and NFL players, the S'pore Malays had the majority of possession and should have drawn level in the 3rd third. However their striker's penalty was deflected over the bar by Weiyang's outstretched legs. Against a technically gifted side, this is an encouraging start to our AUG preparations considering the many new faces that have joined us.

However, there were certain aspects that were less than desirable:

1. After the game, Coach Arasu stated his displeasure regarding our individual defensive play. The opponents were constantly breaking through the middle, through the shackles of the midfielders and this often required desperate tackles from the defenders. Against faster, fitter opposition, we would surely have been exploited and punished. Lets keep this in mind and work on it during subsequent trainings.

2. Punctuality. Training was supposed to start at 6.30pm. As mentioned previously, we will be putting in a short training session prior to the game, hence the importance of turning up on time. I trust that we are all responsible enough to keep to the schedule and that there should be no need for punishment mechanisms (e.g. a fine system etc).

On a seperate note, Mr Chiang has sent out an Excel sheet to your respective uni reps. Pls help them out by filling in the relevant info in the Excel sheet and sending it back to them by this Sunday afternoon.

-----------------------------------------------------------

Next training:

9am, Sat 11 Oct

Venue To be confirmed

Wed: AUG v Singapore Malays (Update)

hey boys,

we have a friendly against Singapore Malays this Wed @ NTU. Similar to the game last Saturday, training will commence @ 6.30pm. Match kicks off at 7.30pm.

For attire, lets standardize it as Red tops, black shorts and black socks from now on.

Pls update your availability via your uni reps or indicate under comments for this post.

Sat Training and Friendly

Some updates from coach:

Be ready to start training at 4pm sharp as we will be playing a friendly at 5pm @ NUS 

Attire - red

Reminder: if u cant make it, pls keep your respective uni reps in the loop.

Road to KL

Hi guys,

first and foremost let me take this opportunity to welcome the new guys who have been added to the AUG training squad. For the benefit of those who dont already know, here's a tiny summary of the AUG for you:

AUG, which stands for the Asean University Games, is held once every 2 years. The previous edition in 2006 was held way up in the north of South East Asia, Hanoi. Our boys were grouped together with Laos, Thailand and our arch rivals Malaysia.

In the opening game, we lost 5-1 (or was it 4-1) to a Laotian team who comprised of the bulk of their Tiger Cup team. The supposed minnows  were in fact the surprise package of the tournament. Despite their small size and thin squad of only around 15 players, they made it all the way to the finals, losing to eventual champions Thailand.

Next up was Thailand, the kingpins of SEA football. Despite their domination and possession, the Thais found it difficult to break down a highly disciplined and focused Singapore (who btw almost scored through the lone striker Fong!), eventually turning out 2-0 winners.

In the final game, we lost to Malaysia 4-1 or 3-1 (sorry cant remember) with NUS' Joseph getting the goal.

For many of us who went to the AUG, it was indeed a lesson in football. The players we played against were fit, fast and technically sound. Yes, it will be a challenge for Team Singapore. However, our team has improved remarkably this time round (coach Arasu echoes my view). We have players who are gifted with natural fitness, players who have played at a high level such as the prime and s-league, and most importantly, players from rival unis who have become close friends and a tight unit (read Harpreet's link about the Arsenal philosophy. alternatively, ask around about the team outing to Dbl O).

Singapore will be ready to spring a surprise this Dec in KL. However, with only 20 sessions left before the AUG, time is not on our side. As such, i would like all of you selected to show the commitment and desire to make this happen. Lets all step up and make this AUG our priority.

See you this Saturday. Training will start at 4pm, wear Red. (venue to be confirmed)

AUG Training Schedule etc

Hi Guys,

(1) Off-field Communication

For those who played in Jolilads, please continue to monitor this blog for training details etc.

For the new joiners, this blog is a 2 way communication channel: it's for information to be disseminated to everyone in the most efficient manner, and also for you to post your unavailability for games/ training (please use the comments section at the bottom of the relevant blog entry). Last minute unavailability should be communicated to your respective university representatives.

Please note that accounting for your own attendance is an individual responsibility; the onus is on yourself to inform your uni rep, so that coach is kept informed of your commitment to the squad.

(2) AUG Itinerary

Asean University Games will be held in KL, Malaysia from 9 to 22 December 2008. A squad of maximum 20 will be selected.

(3) Broad Training Schedule

Sept – Starting on 27/9 (Sat) 3pm @ NUS, training prior to SUniG Closing

Oct - to train twice a week, probably Wed evening and Sat Morning/afternoon. Friendly with a Malaysian visiting team on either 8 or 9 Oct

Nov – Will cut down to once a week nearer to exams

Dec – intensive, probably a little training camp prior to departure

(4) Squad List

For avoidance of doubt, the training squad of 33 is as such:

SIM
Neo Zhi Han
Koh Zhipeng, Jerome
Ram Shanker

NTU
Teo Tze Yong, Kevin
Lam Fu Hang
Mohamed Feroz Shah
Koo Pei Tong, Kester
Muhammad Khairul Anwar
Rengarajoo Balasamy Lakesh
Li Shiwei, Aaron
Ho Eng Cheong, Harold
Muhamad Zulkarnain
Tan Kian Tiong
Mohamad Shahril
Lim Aik Leong
Ng Zhi Wei
Ian Wong

NUS
Harpreet Singh
Pang Ka-Mun, Gerald
Kang Weijie, Christopher
Fong Xiongkun
Tan Wei Ming, Fabian
Koh Wei Jie, Mark
Sudhershen Hariram
Ng Jun Wei, Andy
Wong Wee Ting, Vincent
Anand s/o Gopalkrishna

SMU
Wan Wee Jiang
Poon King Yau
Lee Xizhi, Jerry
Pramod Nair
Tai Kheng Wei
Huang Jun Wei, Jonathan

AUG Training

hi guys,

after a brief hiatus due to sunig preparations, we will be getting together for a training session this sat. Details are as follows:

27 September 2008

3pm @ NUS

Attire: Red

-------------

btw, Katong is in the finals of the FA cup. not sure which prime league team they'll be facing.

Jolilads' Player of the Season - Lam Fu Hang

With a landslide victory, Lam Fu Hang the omnipresent box-to-box midfielder wins the inaugural Jolilads' Player of the Season Award. Known for his speed, stamina and sheer determination, Fu Hang's all rounded displays proved vital in piping fellow NTU teammate Aik Leong for the title.

His constant hassling, persistent tackling, and shoot-on-sight approach to opponents goals in the presence of goalkeepers were no doubt philosophies garnered through years on nightclub dance floors.

When asked why he thought he won, Fu Hang quipped nonchalantly, "I won because I am a fighter. Just look at me in Zouk, Dbl O or wherever I go on a weekend. No punk stands in my way."

Wise words from the Jolly Lad of the hour.

Life and how to survive it

Hi boys, i came across this extract on a friend's blog and wanted to share it with all of you:

Life and How to Survive It

I must say thank you to the faculty and staff of the Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information for inviting me to give your convocation address. It’s a wonderful honour and a privilege for me to speak here for ten minutes without fear of contradiction, defamation or retaliation. I say this as a Singaporean and more so as a husband.

My wife is a wonderful person and perfect in every way except one. She is the editor of a magazine. She corrects people for a living. She has honed her expert skills over a quarter of a century, mostly by practising at home during conversations between her and me.

On the other hand, I am a litigator. Essentially, I spend my day telling people how wrong they are. I make my living being disagreeable.

Nevertheless, there is perfect harmony in our matrimonial home. That is because when an editor and a litigator have an argument, the one who triumphs is always the wife.

And so I want to start by giving one piece of advice to the men: when you’ve already won her heart, you don’t need to win every argument.

Marriage is considered one milestone of life. Some of you may already be married. Some of you may never be married. Some of you will be married. Some of you will enjoy the experience so much, you will be married many, many times. Good for you.

The next big milestone in your life is today: your graduation. The end of education. You’re done learning.

You’ve probably been told the big lie that ‘Learning is a lifelong process’ and that therefore you will continue studying and taking masters’ degrees and doctorates and professorships and so on. You know the sort of people who tell you that? Teachers. Don’t you think there is some measure of conflict of interest? They are in the business of learning, after all. Where would they be without you? They need you to be repeat customers.

The good news is that they’re wrong.

The bad news is that you don’t need further education because your entire life is over. It is gone. That may come as a shock to some of you. You’re in your teens or early twenties. People may tell you that you will live to be 70, 80, 90 years old. That is your life expectancy.

I love that term: life expectancy. We all understand the term to mean the average life span of a group of people. But I’m here to talk about a bigger idea, which is what you expect from your life.

You may be very happy to know that Singapore is currently ranked as the country with the third highest life expectancy. We are behind Andorra and Japan, and tied with San Marino. It seems quite clear why people in those countries, and ours, live so long. We share one thing in common: our football teams are all hopeless. There’s very little danger of any of our citizens having their pulses raised by watching us play in the World Cup. Spectators are more likely to be lulled into a gentle and restful nap.

Singaporeans have a life expectancy of 81.8 years. Singapore men live to an average of 79.21 years, while Singapore women live more than five years longer, probably to take into account the additional time they need to spend in the bathroom.

So here you are, in your twenties, thinking that you’ll have another 40 years to go. Four decades in which to live long and prosper.

Bad news. Read the papers. There are people dropping dead when they’re 50, 40, 30 years old. Or quite possibly just after finishing their convocation. They would be very disappointed that they didn’t meet their life expectancy.

I’m here to tell you this. Forget about your life expectancy.

After all, it’s calculated based on an average. And you never, ever want to expect being average.

Revisit those expectations. You might be looking forward to working, falling in love, marrying, raising a family. You are told that, as graduates, you should expect to find a job paying so much, where your hours are so much, where your responsibilities are so much.

That is what is expected of you. And if you live up to it, it will be an awful waste.

If you expect that, you will be limiting yourself. You will be living your life according to boundaries set by average people. I have nothing against average people. But no one should aspire to be them. And you don’t need years of education by the best minds in Singapore to prepare you to be average.

What you should prepare for is mess. Life’s a mess. You are not entitled to expect anything from it. Life is not fair. Everything does not balance out in the end. Life happens, and you have no control over it. Good and bad things happen to you day by day, hour by hour, moment by moment. Your degree is a poor armour against fate.

Don’t expect anything. Erase all life expectancies. Just live. Your life is over as of today. At this point in time, you have grown as tall as you will ever be, you are physically the fittest you will ever be in your entire life and you are probably looking the best that you will ever look. This is as good as it gets. It is all downhill from here. Or up. No one knows.

What does this mean for you? It is good that your life is over.

Since your life is over, you are free. Let me tell you the many wonderful things that you can do when you are free.

The most important is this: do not work.

Work is anything that you are compelled to do. By its very nature, it is undesirable.

Work kills. The Japanese have a term ‘Karoshi’, which means death from overwork. That’s the most dramatic form of how work can kill. But it can also kill you in more subtle ways. If you work, then day by day, bit by bit, your soul is chipped away, disintegrating until there’s nothing left. A rock has been ground into sand and dust.

There’s a common misconception that work is necessary. You will meet people working at miserable jobs. They tell you they are ‘making a living’. No, they’re not. They’re dying, frittering away their fast-extinguishing lives doing things which are, at best, meaningless and, at worst, harmful.

People will tell you that work ennobles you, that work lends you a certain dignity. Work makes you free. The slogan ‘Arbeit macht frei’ was placed at the entrances to a number of Nazi concentration camps. Utter nonsense.

Do not waste the vast majority of your life doing something you hate so that you can spend the small remainder sliver of your life in modest comfort. You may never reach that end anyway.

Resist the temptation to get a job. Instead, play. Find something you enjoy doing. Do it. Over and over again. You will become good at it for two reasons: you like it, and you do it often. Soon, that will have value in itself.

I like arguing, and I love language. So, I became a litigator. I enjoy it and I would do it for free. If I didn’t do that, I would’ve been in some other type of work that still involved writing fiction – probably a sports journalist.

So what should you do? You will find your own niche. I don’t imagine you will need to look very hard. By this time in your life, you will have a very good idea of what you will want to do. In fact, I’ll go further and say the ideal situation would be that you will not be able to stop yourself pursuing your passions. By this time you should know what your obsessions are. If you enjoy showing off your knowledge and feeling superior, you might become a teacher.

Find that pursuit that will energise you, consume you, become an obsession. Each day, you must rise with a restless enthusiasm. If you don’t, you are working.

Most of you will end up in activities which involve communication. To those of you I have a second message: be wary of the truth. I’m not asking you to speak it, or write it, for there are times when it is dangerous or impossible to do those things. The truth has a great capacity to offend and injure, and you will find that the closer you are to someone, the more care you must take to disguise or even conceal the truth. Often, there is great virtue in being evasive, or equivocating. There is also great skill. Any child can blurt out the truth, without thought to the consequences. It takes great maturity to appreciate the value of silence.

In order to be wary of the truth, you must first know it. That requires great frankness to yourself. Never fool the person in the mirror.

I have told you that your life is over, that you should not work, and that you should avoid telling the truth. I now say this to you: be hated.

It’s not as easy as it sounds. Do you know anyone who hates you? Yet every great figure who has contributed to the human race has been hated, not just by one person, but often by a great many. That hatred is so strong it has caused those great figures to be shunned, abused, murdered and in one famous instance, nailed to a cross.

One does not have to be evil to be hated. In fact, it’s often the case that one is hated precisely because one is trying to do right by one’s own convictions. It is far too easy to be liked, one merely has to be accommodating and hold no strong convictions. Then one will gravitate towards the centre and settle into the average. That cannot be your role. There are a great many bad people in the world, and if you are not offending them, you must be bad yourself. Popularity is a sure sign that you are doing something wrong.

The other side of the coin is this: fall in love.

I didn’t say ‘be loved’. That requires too much compromise. If one changes one’s looks, personality and values, one can be loved by anyone.

Rather, I exhort you to love another human being. It may seem odd for me to tell you this. You may expect it to happen naturally, without deliberation. That is false. Modern society is anti-love. We’ve taken a microscope to everyone to bring out their flaws and shortcomings. It far easier to find a reason not to love someone, than otherwise. Rejection requires only one reason. Love requires complete acceptance. It is hard work – the only kind of work that I find palatable.

Loving someone has great benefits. There is admiration, learning, attraction and something which, for the want of a better word, we call happiness. In loving someone, we become inspired to better ourselves in every way. We learn the truth worthlessness of material things. We celebrate being human. Loving is good for the soul.

Loving someone is therefore very important, and it is also important to choose the right person. Despite popular culture, love doesn’t happen by chance, at first sight, across a crowded dance floor. It grows slowly, sinking roots first before branching and blossoming. It is not a silly weed, but a mighty tree that weathers every storm.

You will find, that when you have someone to love, that the face is less important than the brain, and the body is less important than the heart.

You will also find that it is no great tragedy if your love is not reciprocated. You are not doing it to be loved back. Its value is to inspire you.

Finally, you will find that there is no half-measure when it comes to loving someone. You either don’t, or you do with every cell in your body, completely and utterly, without reservation or apology. It consumes you, and you are reborn, all the better for it.

Don’t work. Avoid telling the truth. Be hated. Love someone.

You’re going to have a busy life. Thank goodness there’s no life expectancy.

Players rested

The following players will be rested for tomorrow's game against West United:

1. Jerry

2. Weiyang

3. Zhiwei

4. Aik Leong

5. Yusof

6. Zeyan

7. Cheng Kang

FA Cup

Hi all,

Our next game is this coming Thursday, 11 Sep, 7.30pm kick off @ Clementi Stadium.

Pls let your uni reps know of your availability. thanks!

Next Training

hi guys,

due to the sunig clash between NUS and SMU next tuesday, training will be on Sat 13/9 @ NUS, 9.30am.

all the best for sunig!

TRAINING CANCELLED

Guys,

Due to bad field and bad weather, today's training is cancelled. We will update you all soon about the next training or event. Btw, the result for the friendly on Saturday was a 3-0 victory for Jollilads. HT score was 2-0. The scorers were Gerald, Feroz and Khai(pen).

Friendly against Johor Chinese

Players rested for tmr's friendly:

1. Weiyang
2. Tim
3. Yujun
4. Fuhang
5. Yusof
6. Xiang
7. Aik Leong
8. Zeyan

Match Postponed

Tonight's match has been postponed to 11 Sep, thurs @ clementi 7.30pm kickoff.

see you guys this saturday. if you are unable to make it pls let aaron or chris know.

Latest Updates

Players to rest for tmr's game:

1. Yujun
2. Zhiwei
3. Xiang
4. Yusof
5. Alvin
6. Zeyan

The rest be there at 630pm for warm ups.

Match Details
Jollilads Arsenal FC vs West United
Venue: Clementi Stadium
Kick-off: 730pm
Date: 28/08/2008

Training and Updates

Hey boys pls take note of the following events for the week:

1. Training on Tuesday 7pm @ NUS. Wear Red.

2. FA Cup against West United, Thursday 28 Aug @ Clementi stadium. Kick off 7.30pm.

3. Friendly against Johor Chinese, Saturday 30 Aug @ NTU. Kick off 5.00pm.

Training Match Tues 19 Aug

All to wear red, report at 630pm at NUS.
Training match against NUS who will be in White.

FA Cup 4th Round

Jollilads defeated Div 3's runner up Summerville 1-0 to qualify for the quarter finals of the FA Cup.

The solitary goal came from a well worked move on the right flank. Pramod, who played at right back, roamed forward and played a ball into space for Khai to exploit. Khai escaped the attentions of the tiring full back and drilled in a low cross for Aik Leong to blast into the top of the net.

In the next round, Jollilads will be facing the winners of the Hong Kah (Div 3) - West United (Div 1 - relagated to Div 2 next season) tie.

Starting lineup: Harpreet, King Yau, Aaron, Chris, Jerome (Fong), Fuhang, Zhiwei, Pramod, Khai, Aik Leong, Harold (Zeyan)

Road to FA Cup ( 4 games to the cup)

------------------

Quarters

Semis

Finals

Grand Finals 

FA cup vs Summerville FC

Players rested for tmr's match:

1. Weiyang
2. Shahril
3. Yusoff
4. Weixiang
5. Chengkang

The rest be at the stadium at 630pm for warm-ups.

Road to Jalan Besar

The blog has gone quiet for quite some time already. Maybe here are some updates from the past 1 or 2 weeks. While the Jollilads captain is currently holidaying away in Vietnam with his cai.. He will only be back on Thursday hopefully in time and fit for the game.. We also saw how our players showing brotherly love at the club (those of you who know what i meant) haha.. And we learnt that our no.9 has seen all kinds of animals videos online, from dogs to horses to elephants etc.. Anyone wants to see can go ask him, he has the whole list of them..haha

Anyway guys, there will be training on Tuesday 12th Aug at NUS at 7pm..

And as the champions of EPL and Champions League kick off their season tonite, the Jollilads still hope to cont to extend their season and are some 3 to 4 games away before lifting the FA cup. So please note that our FA cup game is this Thursday.

Match Details
Jollilads Arsenal FC vs Summerville FC
Venue: Jurong Stadium
Kick-off: 730pm
Date: 14th Aug 2008

Team Dinner

Dear friends,

we will be having a dinner this Saturday @ Weihao's place, kick off 7.30pm.

His place is pretty deep in (takes at least 20min to walk in from nearest bus stop), so i suggest you choose from 1 of the following plans:

1) Meet 7pm outside KAP (main entrance where cold storage is). This is esp important for drivers as we need you to help transport the rest.

2 )If you are going to be late and going down by yourself, the address is 36a greenbank park (via jln kampong chantek)

This invitation is extended to all who have been training and playing with the team. Pls RSVP your respective uni reps by Thursday night so that Weihao knows how much food to prepare. 

Post-dinner plans are still open for discussion.

Training

Hi all, the next training will be on 5 Aug, Tuesday @ NUS.

Pls help spread the word

The Lion Cub

HEY GUYS JUST WANNA SHARE A STORY.

There was once this lion cub who got lost in the African plains. His mum had gone hunting and didn’t come back and he started to roam around.
He was weak and hungry.

Luckily for him while he was roaming alone looking for his mom, there was this mother goat who pitied him and and took care of him.
So the lion cub started to feed from the mother goat and started to love his other goat siblings just as he loved his lost real siblings.
As time went on, he started to take their habits.

And as his goat siblings started to grow , they started to grow horns. As much as his siblings loved him, they started to bully him.
They loved to charge at him with their horns. He had no complains though, he felt he was happy.

He ate grass. He grazed the plains together. He liked his life so he didn’t mind one bit that he was being bullied.

A few years later, while out in his goat herd, he heard all the other goats shouting to run and run he did . There was a big lion chasing them. He tried as he might but the big lion managed to pounced on him and pin him down.

The big lion then asked him why he was running away.

He told the big lion that he didn’t want to get eaten by the big lion.

Amused but shocked, the big lion told him to follow him to the river. Upon reaching the river, the big lion asked him to see his reflection from the river.

"Do we look the same?" he asked.

The lion cub realised then he looked exactly like the big lion.

"I ve seen you being charged at with horns by the goats. Why do you let them do that?" asked the big lion.

" What can I do? I don’t have horns!" answered the lion cub.

"We have more than what they have! We have our lion's roar! We have our claws!" exclaimed the big lion.

So the big lion sent the lion cub home and told him to start standing up for himself.



When he reached home, the goats welcomed him and tried to start bullying him again.
This time though, he remembered what the big lion said and gave a big lion's roar......

What i wanna say is forget the tiong bahru game or the decisions that go against us. Don't think about gambas. We have one last league game before the league season ends. Let's end on a good note. And let's put in our best in the FA CUP games.

Jollilads Arsenal FC is just like the lion cub. We are playing in NFL. We are living in this ruthless game that wouldn't bother about us. We live by their standards. We conform to their expectations. What we try to achieve and aspire is dictated by the terms that they set. So let's make ourselves strong, not because we wanna fight them. But because it's a way of life.
OUR WAY OF LIFE.

Squad

The players rested are:

1) Jerry

2) Aik Leong

3) Zeyan

4) Chris

5) Yijun

6) Tim

7) Zul

8) Shahril

Jollilads Goalscorers Chart

Pls inform me if i made any errors or left out someone.

Training and match updates

There will be no training on Tuesday. Pls inform your friends.

Next match:

Jollilads v Keppel Monaco

24 July Thursday

7.30pm kick off

@ Jurong Stadium.

Weekly Roundup

FA Cup - Jollilads 1-0 Keppel Monaco

After defeating the teams directly above and below them in the league, Jollilads were handed relatively easier opposition in the form of a Ahmad Latiff-less Keppel Monaco side, who are not doing too badly themselves in Div 2.

Jollilads took an early lead in the 1st half via Fuhang's left footed shot from outside the box. The goal took Fuhang's tally for the season to 5 goals. This is testament to the improvement in the midfielder's game, where he has gradually evolved from merely a tireless defensive midfielder, to a marauding box-to-box player. 

After going a goal down, the Keppel players started losing their cool with a series of late and unnecessary challenges, culminating in a red card for one of their players who lunged in thig-high on Shahril. Shahril was fortunate to escape unharmed. The late challenges continued in the 2nd half but most went let off the hook lightly by the referee.

Just as it seemed like Jollilads were on route to seeing off the game, a long ball took afreak  deflection off Aaron and then Chris, leaving the striker through on goal with the goalkeeper to beat. After a heavy challenge in the first half that left Harpreet in a heap, he had to stand tall in the face of the marauding striker. Jumping out Schmeichel-style, Harpreet managed to block the ball with his feet in mid-air, preventing a goal-bound shot.

Like a typical cup-tie, Keppel had shown tremendous spirit to keep fighting despite going a man down in the 1st half. Jollilads might have won their 3rd game on the trot, but after this bruising encounter, their players have gained valuable experience and insight into the world of knock-out football. A similar battle is expected in the next game.

--------------------------------

NFL Div 2 - Tiong Bahru 1-0 Jollilads

Tiong Bahru, who have already been promoted together with SCC, ended Jollilads' good run of form with a solitary goal early in the 2nd half. A weak clearance from the Jollilads defender was pounced on by the Tiong Bahru left winger, who unleashed the striker with a pinpoint through ball. Having made a great run to race on to through ball, the striker managed to lift a first time shot over Weiyang despite being sandwiched between King Yau and Chris. It was a beautiful goal worthy of a match-winner.

However, the result was not an accurate reflection of the game as Jollilads proved once again that they were always capable of raising their game against better opposition. Only brilliant goalkeeping and the post kept Jollilads from breaking the stalemate. Not forgetting 3 penalty decisions that went against Jollilads. This being the 17th game of the season, poor decisions have ceased to affect the Jollilads players.

Wave after wave Jollilads attacked but could not find the net. The players showed great character and fought on. Alas, football is a cruel and unpredictable game. And thats why we all love it and will keep going back for more, hungrier and more determined than ever.

 

Starting lineup: Weiyang, Jerry, King Yau, Aaron, Chris, Fuhang, Zhiwei, Harold (Juffri), Khai, Aik Leong, Fong (Yusoff)

Match against Tiong Bahru

Match Details

-------------------

Tiong Bahru v Jollilads

Clementi Stadium

Kick off 5.00pm

-----------------------------------------------------

Apologies for the late post. i was at camp and only saw Arasu's sms at 11pm.

Players rested:

1. Harpreet

2. Yijun

3. Xiang

4. Cheng Kang

5. Weihao

6. Zul

7. Alvin

Latest News

Tmr we are up against Ahmad Latiff and his Keppel Monaco side.

-----------------------Match Details------------------------

Jollilads Arsenal FC vs Keppel Monaco FC
Venue: Jurong Stadium
Kick-off: 730pm
Date: 15th July 2008

FA cup - Road to Jalan Besar

Players rested for tmr's FA cup game:

1. Tim
2. Yujun
3. Jerome
4. Zul
5. Xiang
6. Alvin
7. Zeyan
8. Fong

Be at Jurong stadium by 630pm for warm-ups. Kick-off at 730pm. Still dont know who we are playing yet.

Match Report: Jollilads 4-0 Balestier

Jollilads recorded their biggest win of the season against already relegated Balestier RC.

Aik Leong opened the floodgates with a glancing header off Juffri's corner. The Balestier defenders looked uncomfortable with the high balls and were duly punished. Juffri's pinpoint corner found Weihao's head twice in each half, with the goals sparking wild celebrations. (Though Aaron was seen clutching his face in despair)

The 2 subs, Xiang and Khai, then combined brilliantly, with the latter drilling in a low cross into the box. The cross was missed by Cheng Kang, but Feroz was on hand to tuck it home.

Jollilads continued to press and won a penalty when Khai was held back by the Balestier Behemoth (No. 5). However Khai's penalty was saved by the keeper. (For vivid description of the penalty, pls refer to tagboard).

Next up, FA Cup on Tues @ Jurong Stadium. Kick off 7.30pm.  

Starting lineup: Weiyang,, King Yau, Feroz, Weihao, Jerome, Zhiwei (Khai), Pramod, Juffri, Yusoff (Harold), Aik Leong (Xiang)

Balestier Recreation Club vs Jollilads Arsenal FC

Players rested for tmr's match are:

1. Tim
2. Yujun
3. Shahril
4. Aaron
5. Zul
6. Alvin
7. Fong
8. Zeyan

Be at the stadium by 6pm for warm-ups.

Match Details
Balestier Recreation Club vs Jollilads Arsenal FC
Venue: Serangoon Stadium
Kick-off: 7pm
Date: 13/07/2008 (Sunday)

FA Cup: SCC 0-1 Jollilads

With the sort of history between the 2 teams, there was always the danger that football would be overshadowed by violence or other forms of nonsense.

Having narrowly avoided defeat in the previous meeting, SCC came into the game better mentally prepared. With many experienced players in their stable, they attempted to get into the heads of the Jollilads players with both verbal and physical abuse (which miraculously went unpunished by the referee). Earlier in the season, Jollilads would have been affected by such standards of refereeing. On this day however, they have proven themselves to be of sterner stuff.

It was all football from the 1st whistle for Jollilads and they were rewarded early in the 2nd half. Pouncing on some hesitation to clear a high ball , Aik Leong won a free kick at the edge of the box. Straight out of a Mediacorp script, Zhiwei delightfully lifted the ball past the wall and into the top corner, sparking delightful screams from the Jollilads fans in the stands (where did they come from?).

Staring elimination in the face, SCC piled on the pressure in search of an equalizer. However, their dreams of qualification were shattered as Jollilads played superbly well to hold on to their 1 goal lead.

As mentioned by many, the win would count for nothing if Jollilads were to lose their next game.

Lineup: Harpreet, Shahril (King Yau), Chris, Aaron, Jerry, Harold (Jerome), Fuhang, Zhiwei, Fong (Pramod), Aik Leong, Zeyan

Team List for FA cup game vs SCC

Players rested for tmr's game are:

1. Tim
2. Yujun
3. Weihao
4. Feroz
5. Zul
6. Yusof
7. Chengkang
8. Alvin

The rest are to be at Jurong Stadium by 630pm for warm-ups.

Match Details
SCC vs Jollilads Arsenal FC
Venue: Jurong Stadium
Kick-off: 730pm
Date: 8th July 2008

Match Report: Mountbatten 0-3 Jollilads

After the performance against SCC in the previous week, much was expected of Jollilads against the Mountbatten, who are currently languishing at the bottom of the league with 1 point.

The goal glut everyone was expecting was not forthcoming in the first half, as a lack of urgency and focus contributed to a lackluster performance from Jollilads. In fact, the Jollilads defence was forced to make 2 goal-line clearances in the 1st half. Fortunately for Jollilads, their opponents' profligacy in front of goal cost them dearly as Fuhang's left-footed shot from the edge of the box found the bottom corner of the net.

Conceding a goal so close to half time clearly had an effect on Mountbatten as they lost their grip on the game. Similar to the previous week, Zhiwei swung a delicious inswinging free kick into the box. This time the ball found the back of the net via a deflection off a Mountbatten defenders head. Late in the game, Zeyan combined brilliantly with Khai, a one-two which split the defence open. Having received the loudest cheers when he went on at right-back, Khai responded to the crowd by latching on to the one-two and rounding the keeper to score.

The final score added some gloss to the result but the inconsistency of the Jollilads performance leaves much to be desired. Who knows what would have happened had Mountbatten converted their early chances. With SCC coming up in the FA Cup on Tuesday, a much improved performance will be needed.

Lineup: Weiyang, King Yau, Chris, Feroz (Khai), Jerome, Fuhang, Zhiwei, Harold, Juffri (Zeyan), Pramod, Fong (Zeyan)

--------------------

- Special mention goes out to Weiyang for coming down despite his illness.

- Wee Kiat was seen smiling from ear to ear when Khai scored. Guess the goal justified his decision to play Khai at right-back.

Upcoming fixtures

Take note of the upcoming fixtures:

1. SCC v Jollilads

Tues 8 july

Jurong stadium

Kick off @ 7.30pm

2. Jollilads v Balestier

Sun 13 july

Sernagoon Stadium

Kick off @ 7.30pm

3. Next round of FA Cup

Tues 15 July

Jurong Stadium

Kick off @ 7.30pm

4. Jollilads v  Tiong Bahru

Sat 19 July

Clementi Stadium

Kick off @ 5pm

5. Jollilads v Keppel Monaco (postponed game)

Thur 24 july

Jurong stadium

kick off @ 7.30pm

Only 1 month of games left guys! 

Match Details

Jollilads v Mountbatten

Clementi Stadium

Be there by 4pm

-------

Players rested:

1. Aik Leong

2. Weihao

3. Alvin

4. Zul

5. Tim

6. Aaron

Match Report: Jollilads 0-0 SCC

With the pain of a 4-0 defeat still fresh, the boys were pumped up for the game. Extra motivation came in the face of the star-studded SCC team, who had former national and s-league players such as Tan Sio Beng, Ong Leong Keon, Eric Quek, Phillipe Aw, Tan Kim Leng and Nahar Daud.

As Coach Arasu pointed out, Jollilads never loses consecutively to the same opponents. Right from the kick-off, one could tell the difference in the team. There was an air of determination, focus and quiet confidence that was missing in the games against Gambas. With a high pressure game that required lots of hard work and stamina from the whole team, SCC were 'wobbly' throughout.

Kevin, the SCC keeper who also plays for NTU, made 4 superb saves that kept SCC in the game. In the 1st half, zhiwei's stinging shot drew a flying save from Kevin as he palmed the ball over the bar. In the 2nd half, aik leong's header from a superb zhiwei free-kick drew a reflex point-blank save. From the rebound, Chris was denied as Kevin recovered from the 1st save to smother the shot. As the SCC defence tired, Khai's speed took him past the defender and one on one with the keeper but Jollilads were once again denied. Contrast this to Harpreet, who did not have a notable save to make. It could have easily been 4-0 and this spoke volumes of Jollilads' penetrative attacks.

With unwavering focus and hardwork, Jollilads subdued the 'superstars' from SCC and were unlucky not to have won the game. The boys should by now know that if they put their hearts and minds into it, as shown by the games against Tiong Bahru (3-0), Amk Utd (3-0) and SCC (0-0), Jollilads will be a hard team to beat.

Starting Lineup: Harpreet, Chris, King Yau, Feroz, Jerry, Zhiwei, Fuhang, Aik Leong, Yusoff (Juffri), Khai, Fong (Jerome), Aik Leong

------

In other news, the bench has been banned from communicating with the referee and the opponents. For more information and detailed analysis, pls contact Shahril.

As Sam said after the game, we need to stick together as a team and support one another on and off the pitch. Having said that, lets not harp on the off-pitch incidents. Lets focus on the football instead.

 

Asics Boots/ Shoes for sale

Hi Guys,

Some guy contacted me say want to sell you guys soccer boots or running shoes. He's bringing samples on tues 645pm before training so if you all interested can come down and see whether you like or not. Maybe bring money if you think you'll buy also.

Visit www.runnersworld.com.sg for details on models available. He says for soccer boots he has Lethal DS LIGHT IT and LEATHAL DS LIGHT ST. If you guys see any models your interested in can email me/ drop me an sms and I can ask him to bring it down on tues.

Cheers

Chris

SCC vs Jollilads Arsenal FC

There are no changes to the team listing in the build up towards the biggest match of the season. Be there by 6pm for warm-ups.

Match Details
SCC vs Jollilads Arsenal FC
Venue: Clementi Stadium
Kick-off: 7pm
Date: 28/6/2008

FA cup 2nd round vs Gambas Ave

Players rested for tmr's game:

1. Tim
2. Yujun
3. Shahril
4. Zul
5. WeiXiang
6. Alvin
7. Chengkang
8. Zeyan

Be at Clementi Stadium by 630pm for warm-ups.
Note: The cut hasnt been decided yet.

Match Details
Jollilads Arsenal FC vs Gambas Avenue Sports Club
Venue: Clementi Stadium
Kick-off: 730pm
Date: 26th June 2008

Match Report: Jollilads 1-2 Gambas Ave

Looking to put the game against Home Utd behind them, the boys from Jollilads were keen to keep up their good run of form in the league with a win over Gambas.

In the 1st half, Jollilads could not get going and looked laboured in their passing. Gambas kept a high pressure game, with their wingers sticking to the fullbacks, Yijun and Chris, in an attempt to disrupt our passing game. Both keepers were largely untroubled and the teams headed into the break goalless.

To up the pace of the game, Jollilads changed to a more adventurous 4-4-2 formation, with Aik Leong and Pramod coming on for Yijun and Xiang. Midway through the 2nd half, Aik Leong's inswinging free kick from the left flew across goal, took a bounce and into the net.However, Jollilads' joy lasted a mere minute as a the Gambas left winger lifted the ball over the on-rushing Harpreet. 

Being the fitter team, Jollilads continued piling on the pressure while Gambas, who were looking to hold out for a draw, opted for a safe, counter attacking game. On one of their forays forward, the Gambas striker fouled Jerry deep in the Jollilads half. However, in an attempt to take a quick free kick, Jerry criminally gave the ball away with a loose pass. The grateful Gambas midfielder took the ball to the line and cut it back for another player to curl the ball pass Harpreet. 

Despite the best efforts of the lads, the game ended 2-1 to Gambas Ave.

In a post-match interview, Jerry had this to say,"We deserved to draw at the very least. But in a moment of folly, I gave the ball away and it led to a goal. I would like to apologise to my teammates who worked hard the whole game. I assure you that this would never happen again. Lets put this disappointment behind us and look forward to playing Gambas again this Thursday."

Starting lineup: Harpreet, Chris, Feroz, Jerry, Yijun (Pramod), Yusoff, Juffri, Fuhang, Xiang (Aik Leong), Zeyan, Cheng Kang (King Yau)

--- Consistency, Reliability, Stability ---