SAFE by Durex

Pioneer CSC 2 - 2 Jollilads
Jollilads win by penalties (5-4)

In a night where the dreams of many young men who have journey so far with Jollilads would have been shattered, a night filled with individual mistakes which we would have been punished for, that night was saved by Durex. Be Safe use Deruex (an advertorial by Mr. Durex)

So the night started off well and slow with both teams feeling the fatigue from their previous cup tie. However, a slip up at the back resulted in a quick break for the Pioneer right wing taking who then took a shot to the far post, only to be denied by the upright. This incident ignited the sparks for Jollilads whom immediately replied by stringing passes and holding up possession. The possession and good passing almost result in a goal when a quick break down the right flank by Sudi (after some really beautiful passing between Zul and Winston) whom sent in a low driven cross finding Khai in acres of space. Unfortunately, Khai disappointingly placed his shot over the cross bar and out for a goal kick. However, this did not stop Jollilads from pounding forward and soon enough Jollilads were one nil up. A well wiped in-swinging corner from Manfred found Winston at the near post who tapped the ball into the post which then rolled across the goal line finding Zul who made no mistake blasting the ball straight into the net to put Jollilads in the lead for the first half.

The second half started with Pioneer looking sharper and hungrier. They managed to string several good pass with surging runs down the centre which was lacking during the first half. However, Jollilads stood strong and to the game plan with was soon rewarded when Zul picked up a loose ball in the centre of the field. With the Pioneer defence pushing up so high, Zul hooked a through pass to Winston, making a good run and beating the offside with only the on-rushing keeper left to beat, Winston calmly and collectively lobbed the ball over the Pioneer keeper, adding on to Jollilads lead.

However, after the second goal, Jollilads was a different team. Giving away possession easily, not being able to string passes and failing to do the basics. Pioneer took this opportunity and in a flash, Pioneer struck back. Their first goal seemed like the replica of Winston’s goal while their second goal came from a corner that was swung into the far post and met by an unmarked Pioneer player. It was only then when Jollilads started to piece ourselves together. And as time ticked and fatigue setting in, the Pioneer defence started showing more gaps. A quick break down the left flank saw Zul sending in a cross that was met by Fuhang at the near post. However, it was too little too late as he could not direct the ball towards goal.

Disappointed, Jollilads went into the penalties wanting to make amends. Pioneer was first to take the penalties and the first player made no mistake by placing the ball right into the right side netting leaving Tim no chance at all. Zul then stepped up and with a bit of luck slotted in Jollilads first. This cycle of scoring continued until the 3rd Pioneer taker whom blasted the ball against the upright and over the bar. Tim then almost became the hero after saving a penalty, only to be ruled off by the linesman. With that, Khai the last taker for Jollilads, brought home victory for Jollilads as he slotted the 5th and final penalty into the net. (Other takers: Chris, Sudi, Aaron)

It was indeed a night where Jollilads would have been punished for the missed chances and the lapse of concentration. Having taken a two nil lead, the team started being complacent, losing concentration at crucial times which eventually lead to a comeback by Pioneer. Although Jollilads made it through to the next round, it was clear that much work is need as the teams that Jollilads are going to face will only get tougher and hungrier. Hence, let’s keep training hard and let’s learn from our every game and keep our spirits high and ready for the next FA cup encounter.
YINGNI!

Lineup: Tim, Chris, Aaron, Sudi, Daowei, Zul, Khai, Feroz (Weiming), Fuhang, Manfred (Andrew), Winston (Kok Siong)

Unused subs: Kennard, Nadeem, Tianci, Rafi, Jerome