A World of Difference: Playouts 3-1 Madcats

Despite the strong finish in Season 1, Playouts fielded a depleted team for Season 2 without Play(out)er of the Year Daryl or Golden Boot Dunstan. One time star play and free transfer Raja Kluivert turned up with a busted ankle while Season 1’s best buy Israel was sidelined due to “prior” commitments. With the first match against old foes Madcats who had initiated Playouts to the rigors of Division 6, it was never a sure win. Madcats fielded a strong side with dangerman Number 7 and their right wingers who had previously caused problems for Playouts’ defence.

The game started hesitantly with both sides squandering chances upfront. The breakthrough came in the 20th min with a scrappy clearance from Madcat’s defence that failed to clear the penalty box. Geoffrey pounced on the chance to direct the ball towards goal with a light touch, seemingly out of the reach of the nearby Madcat Defender. But Edwin Lim took no chances and “helped” the ball into goal with a high right foot. Thankfully no whistle was blown for offside and it was Playouts 1-0 Madcats.

The scoreline was helped along by Madcat’s leftback. Lian sent an impressive goalkick deep into Madcat’s half. Under no obvious pressure, Madcat’s leftback took the ball on an awkward bounce and sent a long backpass to his keeper. Backpass turned out to be an impressive lob and the ball arced over the helpless keeper into the goal. Playouts 2-0 Madcats and it was just 35mins into the game. As the saying goes, don’t look a gift horse in the mouth.

Halftime talk was meticulously planned out. 5 mins of casual banter 5 mins of business. The second half started in the same manner. Playouts could not find an opening despite many forays into the opponents half. Madcats came close when a long ball was sent over the heads of the Defenders. Madcat’s right winger latched onto the pass quickly, sprinting clear of his marker (name shall not be revealed here) and left the entire defence backpedaling frantically. Fortunately, his shot spilled across the face of the goal for a harmless goal kick. Lian, spitting out the dirt from his mouth, took the lackadasical defence to task. The sidelines too were howling for blood.

The near-goal injected Playouts with a fresh sense of purpose. Lian sent a rare goalkick down the left flank. Bringing the the ball down quickly, Shao turned and picked out Kong (who was directly infront of him) with a simple pass. Not even bothering with his usual twists and turns, Kong powered his way through 2 Madcat defenders to put himself through on goal. With a simple flick, the ball went into the back of the net. Just like that and it was Playouts 3-0 Madcat.

One thumping shot from Madcats stole the clean sheet that the Playouts defence arguably deserved. Everyone stood still as the ball rebounded out of the penalty box, falling to the feet of a lurking Madcat player. Despite Chong’s increasingly desperate cries for Kong to close down the shot, he (and everyone for that matter) stood rooted to the spot, a spectator to the unfolding drama. A quick shuffle of feet and the Madcat player unleashed a powerful shot to the right of the keeper who, to his credit, tried to get his fingertips to the ball. A touch of class from Madcats for a well deserved goal. Final score: Playouts 3-1 Madcats.

Man of the Match: Left/Rightback Shao secures his position with a stellar performance =). To borrow a quote from Kenny “my vote to shao for man-of-the-match. instead of leftback he should be called leftflank. up and down, attacking, making supporting runs, marking, clearing, kicking opponents – did them all with the stamina only a triplet possesses.” Lets hope he continues in this vein for future matches.

Playout of the Day: Marcus’s completely honest retort “Huh, I didn’t even pass the ball to you” in response to Geoffrey’s comment that he felt more comfortable now that Marcus and Kenny were playing in the middle. Marcus proclaims to all on the pitch that Kenny will be marking their number 14..well done

Quotable Quotes
“Ref, we only shoot on target” – Edwin, in response to the Referee telling the girls sitting beside the goalpost to watch out for the balls

“Pls dont mark me, I dont get any balls anymore” – Madcat Number 7, to Adrian in response to the repeated calls to mark Number 7

“and change… 1, 2, 3, 4…..” – Israel, the youngest player on the team leading the inflexible oldies on a proper stretch routine

“I will definitely play more this season” – Marcus’ statement captured here for the record (there is no escaping now)

- By Shao