Feroz Turns Singapore Power's Lights Off

JAFC 1-0 Singapore Power

Stricken by the flu bug, JAFC had a host of players pulling out, leaving them with only 13 players for the clash against 2nd placed Singapore Power.

With their flicks, quick feet and confident passing, Singapore Power's football was certainly pleasing on the eye and as Coach Arasu pointed out, "a team that can play football". Boosted by Fabian's return to the team, JAFC had an air of steely confidence, and matched Power punch for punch in the 1st half. However, both keepers remained untested as the half-time whistle blew.

In truth, both teams were tentative and seemed to be holding something in reserve. This was pounced upon by Coach Arasu during half-time as he reminded the JAFC boys to raise their game and to provide better support for each other. On the tactical front, JAFC replaced Manfred with Winston, thus shifting Weiming to his more familiar position at left midfield.

The 2nd half saw Power going for a more direct route via their goalkeeper's loooooong kicks. Aided by the wind, his kicks dropped at least 3/4 up the field, but this was effectively dealt with by the JAFC defence. As the match wore on, Power's players began to tire and some faded out of the game. On the contrary, JAFC's players kept running and should have gone ahead if not for the woodwork's double intervention. The ever-energetic Steven Lam Fuhang unleashed a shot in the box that beat the keeper but not the crossbar. The rebound fell to Winston, but his shot hit the crossbar once again.

With 10 minutes left, JAFC got their goal. From a free kick just inside the Power half, Jerry spotted Fuhang volting across the box and drove the free kick towards the near post area. With that brilliant run, Fuhang caught the entire defence napping and found himself with time and space to control and drill a low cross across goal. On hand was Feroz to tap the ball into the net.

In the closing minutes, Power almost equalised but their striker could only blaze the ball over the net from 10 yards out.

Lineup: Tim, Andrew, Jerry, Daowei, Chris, Feroz, Fabian, Fuhang, Zul, Manfred (Winston), Weiming

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Overheard during the match:

Coach Arasu on commitment: "Although Kennard is sick/injured, he still makes the effort to come down for our games to provide us with some numbers. This is good. This shows that he is responsible towards the team."

"Eh Andrew, i realise this is the first time i never scold you in a game!"