NFL Match 1: Match Report

Jollilads Arsenal-ed..
Under the blazing sun of a Saturday Afternoon, Jolly lads lined up for their first N.F.L game against Singapore Power. In the battle of 3rd and 4th placed clubs of the previous season, Jollilads started the game with only one player from the previous squad, with the man-monster captaining the team.

As the first half progressed, Jollilads gave their opponents too much respect, giving them time and space on the ball, while not keeping possession well, with many loose passes.. However, against the run of play, it was the team in white that had the first clear cut chance.. NUS star winger, Vincent, robbed their centre back of the ball, and in an one-on-one situation, stroked the ball past the keeper, beating his outstretched arms and unfortunately, the post, inducing loud groans on the bench..

As the clocked ticked towards half time, Mr Chiang decided to beef things up in midfield and sought to inject a quicker tempo into the game via the introduction of Kennard for Wafi, with Feroz pushing up to midfield and Muhadher shifting to the right..
This tactic back-fired as a quick cross from the right met the head on an oncoming striker who somehow managed to find space between the defence..

During half time, Mr Chiang sought to address the issue of composure and calmness and encouraged us to believe in ourselves and show fighting spirit.. His team talk worked, within minutes of the kick off, Calvin juggled and fooled his way past 2 defenders and hit a looping left foot strike that found the top corner, a superb piece of individual skill which will certainly be a contender for goal of the season.. In another concerted attack by Jollilads, Muhadher found Vincent with a right wing cross, to which Vincent chipped the ball into the keeper’s chest and remembering his blast in the first half, decided to pass the ball into the net.. 2-1 Jollilads..

From then on, it was all Singapore Power with Jollilads attempting to breach their defence with the pace and trickery of Vincent, Shuan, Chengwei and Hasbullah..

As the rain petered down, the defence in white put their bodies on the line for 3 precious points, with sliding tackles, blocked shots and supreme reading of the game.. Farhan Fahrouk was essentially marked out of the game with Kennard providing the most attention (if only studies could be applied with a similar principle), and Jonathon covering and clearing any loose balls..
In what proved to be a cruel twist in the tale, a cross field ball found their no. 12, with a touch, he moved into the penalty area, and although Kennard tried his best to cover the shot, he tricked his way to his right with a deft touch, and was tripped by Khyrul (funny thing was, Kennard was on the receiving end of the booking).. The penalty was subsequently sent down the centre with Khyrul diving to his left.. With 3 minutes of regulation time remaining, a cross into the box found Vincent, however his 2 snapshots were blocked by their defence, with time eventually running out..

This draw would prove to be 2 points lost rather to a point gained, for a loss of concentration proved to be the difference, yet on the other side of the coin, with this game sandwiched between exams, it was indeed a bright start to the campaign.. Let’s take this draw well, for the inclusion and integration of many new players proved to be quite a success, allow me to give credit to those playing for Combined Uni for the first time, it was indeed a good performance individually, especially during the second half.. Let’s bring on Zamrud!

Till the next, I’ll leave you with the quote of the week from Jon: “This is the first time I get a yellow for telling the truth”..

Ying Ni!

The writer has chosen to remain anonymous.
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