Derby Day Setback

JAFC 1-2 AMK Utd

NTU - Following a string of 2 defeats to the top 2 teams in the league, JAFC were hoping for a change of fortunes against 3rd placed AMK Utd. Despite going down to 10 men after less than 50mins, JAFC were hit by a smash-and-grab performance from AMK Utd as ex-NUS captain Nasir grabbed the winner, rising highest during a corner to crash in a header midway through the 2nd half.

AMK kicked-off the match at a high tempo, with their 5 men midfield pressing hard. The ball was like a piece of hot coal as neither team managed to keep meaningful possession. Play was mostly restricted to long balls by the full backs behind the opposing defensive line, with both teams' lone strikers working hard.

Midway through the 1st half, a lapse in concentration in the JAFC defence allowed the deep lying AMK striker to put their on-rushing midfielder 1-on-1 with the keeper. The ball was prodded past the keeper and was poked into goal by Sudi's desperate attempt to clear the ball off the line.

Early in the 2nd half, JAFC alumni Aik Leong received his marching orders for a moment of indiscretion, and gave JAFC renewed hope. Hope translated into momentum, as JAFC began to gain more control of possession in dangerous parts of the field. From a free-kick, Zul curled the ball perfectly into the path of man-mountain Feroz to head in the equiliser at the far post.

This was reminiscent of JAFC's comeback in the 2nd half against Prisons, as JAFC's renewed vigour proved too much for a couple of AMK Utd players, who were seen stretching their fast cramping muscles. Coach Arasu threw caution to the wind and brought on the fresh legs of Cheng Wei, Andrew and Jerome in search of a winner.

However, AMK Utd's players proved resilient in mind and body as they snatched a winner and weathered the JAFC storm, albeit with a tad of good fortune as Andrew's goal-bound effort was touched onto the inside of the post and back into the grateful hands of the keeper.

Lineup: Aziz, Junrong (Jerome), Jerry, Aaron, Chris, Fuhang, Feroz, Zul (Chengwei), Sudi, Anand, Winston (Andrew)

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Quotable quotes and honorable mention from Coach Arasu:

"Andrew, were you ready to play? Were you thinking about your BBQ later on? Whether you're in charge of the chicken?"

"Winston, good game ah..."

"Good game ah guys...very exciting. We must keep up this kind performance for future games."