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.
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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)
