Match Report: Jollilads 3-1 Tiong Bahru

Determination. Discipline. Character.

All 3 were in abundance at the Serangoon stadium when Jollilads beat joint leaders Tiong Bahru 3-1 in a clean and keenly fought match.

With several former S League players among their ranks, coach Arasu warned that this match will be a stern test of the team's potential and development and mentioned the 3 traits that would determine the game:

1. The Discipline to stay organized, simple, and unaffected by the referee or the opponents.

2. The  Determination to keep going even when your legs cannot carry you and the will to rise above the opposition.

3. The Character to play football the way it should be played even if the chips are down.

Once the game got going, Tiong Bahru, with their 3-5-2 formation, showed their quality with their patient passing and movement. From a long ball, the Jollilads defence was caught off guard as their attempts to play the blatantly offside Tiong Bahru striker allowed the winger to ghost in from an onside position, and play in a low cross that was tapped in. 1-0 to Tiong Bahru.

Showing great character, the boys from Jollilads continued plugging away and were rewarded within 5mins of the goal. A long clearance from Shahril was misjudged by the Tiong Bahru centre back, allowing Aik Leong a clear run on goal. With the other defenders closing in, Aik Leong calmy placed the ball to the other side of Effendy Sabtu's dive (former SAF goalkeeper).

From a Jollilads corner, Yusof's attempt on goal was deflected towards Fuhang who headed the ball into the net.

In the 2nd half, Tiong Bahru looked to get back into the game by bringing on their more attack minded players. However from a corner once again, Juffri's floater was sidefooted by Chris into the bottom corner of the net. 3-1 to Jollilads.

Although they had a 2 goal lead, the boys from Jollilads continued running their socks off. Midfielders tracked back to cover the defence, defenders flung their bodies at shots, strikers chased down and hurried the opponents... Aaron epitomized this spirit by sprinting 50m to chase down a long punt toward the Tiong Bahru corner flag. After his initial confusion of finding himself at the wrong end of the field and with the Tiong Bahru defenders desperately chasing back, Aaron brought the ball into the box and attempted to pick Aik Leong out with a low cross. Alas the top scorer could only send his cross into the defender.

Despite continued pressure from Tiong Bahru, Jollilads held out strongly to win 3-1.

Now, to perform at this level week in week out.

Remember... Discipline. Determination. Character.