For some reason, it was a completely different story in the second and clearly not one our best performances. Playouts seemed to step up a gear, whist Barclays first half energy seemed to melt in the heat despite having plenty of subs. While the effort was generally there, Playouts just seemed to be a step ahead of the tiring Barcap players and were able to carve out a number of clear cut chances. If it were not for some good goalkeeping from Scott and
some sub-par finishing, it could have easily been more than 2-1. That said, Gaz looked threatening as always and tested the keeper with 5 minutes to with a blistering shot that was parried over the bar.

Man of match goes to Ian for a solid performance in the middle, with special mention to Scott who was kept busy in the second half.

Good luck to Playout for their remaining fixtures……

First Half
Sunday 1pm is definitely a merciless time to play football, and Mr Sun made sure of that by coming out to watch (over) the game. Playouts kicked off with a positive game plan – beat benedetto boys – and the personnel to do it. Shaun Cech started in goal, protected by Jerry Vidic and Ferdi-cong and Shao and Triangle-peg-oblong-hole Guoming. Running the engine room was Kenny good-to-be-back-yay-I’m-no-longer-a-DM Khor with Abiel Tan in partnership, flanked by Geoffrey Pires and Nedved. And up top was Israel together with Duns.

Playouts started in imperious fashion, bossing the game from the get-go. Especially bossy were Kenny and Abiel, who ran the midfield like they ran their WAGS – one hand on the throttle and the other on the ball(s). Abiel, in particular, was guilty of some nifty footwork and body feints, and might correctly be accused of deceiving his Benedetto opposite number more times than your regular conman would. With Kenny breaking up every opposition move (bringing to mind the battleground that is local politics), Abiel was free to roam and unleash his fury – fury at having joined RJ instead of this wonderful bunch of fun-loving kids – at the opposition defence. Together with roving wingers Geoff and Ed, cross after cross was fed into the b-box, but alas the goal did not come. Not for want of trying, for Israel and Duns were tracking hard Rooney-style, and Izzy even fed Dunstan on one occasion with a sweet true ball, only for Duns to put just wide. The fans on the side responded by hollering, “Dunstan, the goals in Shang Hai are bigger aren’t they?” Any attack from the opposition was easily knocked away by the twin towers, or by the unyielding fullbacks. Despite the lion’s share of possession, the game was even going into the much needed break.

Second Half
Playouts changed tack for the start of the second half, sending on Adrian, Lionel, Jansen and NKOTB Daniel, who also happens to be Lionel’s brother(that makes 3 kongs in the team). Adrian put in a solid performance, intercepting every which ball and even had one or two decent crosses into the b-box, which is more than Nedved can say he’s done in a season. Jansen provided a more subtle style to geoff’s swashbuckling vigour, while Lionel did just about everything but score. It was hard-going against a team that was only interested in playing for the draw, but it’s always more enjoyable camping in the other half than in your own. Despite the obvious difficulty in finding a way through, Playouts kept up their positive spirits and belief; few other teams have as storied and fabled a history as the Playouts kids do amongst each other, and their belief in each other was telling, especially so given the stark contrast.

As the game wore on, it seemed to degenerate more into a shouting match than a football one, but just as wine keeps well in underground cellars, so too do grown-up kids keep cool in the heat of battle. Approaching the last 7minutes and still tied at 0-0, Isa-le-sulk-gan threw all caution to the wind and with one last roll of the dice, threw himself onto the pitch like caution tossed wildly about by a raging cyclone. Rampaging down the left flank, he won a corner, and duly converted with an Inzaghi tap-in off Lionel’s cross. 1-0 to the Playouts and the band came marching home! The dull-looking draw game was instantly brought to life with the goal, following which came a colourful rant at the referee and a slightly less colourful red for the Mouth. Not content with just the one, Le Sulk collected Shaun’s counter-attack goal kick and proceeded to lob the keeper from the edge of the B-box, celebrating with his now-infamous thrust. As all hell broke loose, the referee decided that he had received enough vitriol for the day and called time on the 80min.

Playouts displayed a fantastic positive attitude during the whole game, disciplining themselves and showing the way football should be played, with some neat interchange play and possession football. Congrats to Playouts for fighting the good fight.

MOM – Shao
Despite Isa’s 2-goal heroics, the real unsung hero of the day, and so far the season, was Shao. One year on from his famous shack dog-face against CISCO, he has regained his fitness and his starting place in the line-up, and what a game he had! Overlapping time and again, crossing two or three decent balls, he even remembered to lock his ankle (gasp!). And defensively, what an animal (right, germaine?)! His wall passing with Geoff and Abiel led to many chances being crafted down the right, and we should also not forget that it’s this same boy who brings water and collects money at every game, as if running the right flank and the F1 pitstop weren’t enough on his palette already. Good work Shao, you deserve your recent promotion, time to give the team a treat.

Disclaimer: Please excuse the awful expressions that have been painfully contrived to make this report that much less credible. The author (Captain Edwin Lim) felt like he was dragging roqueforte cheese through a paper shredder and pulling the extruded strands of cheese hair behind him. Please send any comments his way; you can find the author at doyourtalking@thepitch.com.sg.

The afternoon started off well enough, with Playouts streaming in in a timely fashion for a warm-up and a team brief, which we’ve been lacking for the past 4-5 games. The game kicked off fast and furious, with SCC Tigers moving the ball around quickly and giving Playouts no time to settle into the game. Playouts started with a pretty strong line-up with Shaun in goal, Ben Chong GM and Adrian across the back, Geoff Jan Ed and Duns in mids and Raj with Izzy up top. It took us awhile to settle down, by which time SCC were up by 1 goal. The first half quickly ended, and none to soon, for the setting sun was sapping away our juice.

The second half started on a brighter note for Playouts, with Abiel and Zhichun coming in. We started to control play more and saw lots of the ball, while SCC were busy chasing down the ball. Parked in SCC’s half for the opening 10min, we got a deserved break when Izzy’s snapshot slipped past the keeper to nestle in the back of the net. 1-1. The game was evenly contested, despite the physical advantage that SCC held, what with a 9-man strong bench and towering behemoths everywhere in their team. Unfortunately, on one of SCC’s breaks, Ed slipped just at the moment he jumped to head a ball clear, and the SCC giant behind him gleefully headed home. 2-1 to SCC.

The game was still on even at this point, but the lack of subs on Playouts bench was telling, as the tired legs couldn’t quite keep up with the fresh players being introduced from the home team. Abiel had some good incisive runs, and Jansen connected well with Chong on several freekicks to set up a few half chances. Geoff was ever the tireless runner, and Jansen was omnipresent. Dunstan’s lack of match fitness, having just returned from his China sojourn, might have been evident today, but one should never discount our magic Duns anyway. GM was immense in defence, clearing every loose ball, while Adrian had a tough day in the office against some very robust opposition on his flank.

As Playouts pushed forward in a bid to find the equaliser, SCC caught us out on another quick break, with a series of accurate long distributions, ending with a well-taken shot into the top corner. 3-1 to SCC. With little more than 10minutes to go, it was a tough hill to climb. SCC had one last good break, rifling home a shot past 2 defenders and the keeps. 4-1 to SCC. It wasn’t a 4-1 game, but football can be a cruel game.

Man of the Match – Shaun, heroic keeping saved us at least 3 good goals, especially one peach of a one-handed point blank stop. Shaun wanted to play keeper cuz it’s more exciting than striker, and he sure got his fair share of the ball today.

Cheers to SCC for a good game.

——————————-
Match Report by SCC Tigers

Dempsey was in perfect condition for the top of the table clash between SCC Tigers and Playouts. No rain, plenty of sunshine and a warm afternoon. Tigers had a large squad of 18 and once again thanks to the other 8 squad members who had to sit this one out. Some weeks we have too many, some just enough and others the bare
minimum 11. To the 18 that were there thanks for your patience on the subs rotation and to Naka and GD thanks for coming down to support and making up the cheer squad! Tigers lined up as follows:

Marc G
Matt F Simon T Richard Simon B
Adam B
Yossi PJ Richie P Marcus
Luke

We had a really strong bench with Whibs, Pat R, Kai, Matt S, Jon M, Lucas and Duffs.

The first 15-20 minutes were all Tigers as PJ and Richie moved the ball wide to Yossi and Marcus, Luke’s strength and pace caused the Playouts defenders a lot of trouble up front, Adam stifled any break thru in the
centre and the back four comfortably held of the breakout attacks. I don’t think Marc saw the ball in that period. The breakthrough came on 16 minutes when Luke picked up the ball on the right of the penalty area and advanced into the box. His first shot was blocked but he was first to react and he drove home from a tight angle.

One up and we should have pushed on but this seemed to kick start Playouts who started to find their own rhythm playing some neat football and quickly closing down our midfield. They had a few good counter attacks and seemed to be able to win a lot of 50/50 with there skill and determination. Marc dealt well with the odd long range shot well. The Guv swung some changes, Pat, Kia and Matt S on to try and wrestle control back. Tigers had 2 or 3 chances but the Playouts keeper did well to keep the score at 1-0 at halftime.

2nd half started with:

Marc G
Mike W Simon T Lucas Simon B
Matt S PJ Jon M Pat R
Kai Duffs

It was Playouts who came out firing and for 10 minutes they dictated the game and got a deserved equalizer when we gave away a free kick on the right, the kick was half cleared and the subsequent shot came through the pack and somehow squirmed under Marcs diving body. Tigers then kick started themselves and used the wings
more. After a few half chances eventually on 55 minutes Matt S received the ball wide and he swung over a great cross to Kai who was in the right place to bundle the ball home. 2-1 and we relaxed more.

The Guv rotated Yossi, Marcus back on out wide, Luke in the centre, Richie at fullback! Adam at the back. In what has become typical style of the Tigers we played strongly for the full 80th minute and after both Kia and Duffs went close with headers in the last 10 minutes we closed out the match with a couple of classic goals. The first from a pinpoint cross from Matt S again that found the marauding right back Richie P out wide in the penalty area. His first touch controlled the ball with his right, he made the angle a bit better with a shimmy to the left and then beat the keeper, with his left again, with a great shot. The fourth came as Playouts pushed forward to try and get
back into the game, Adam’s sliced 9 iron clearance was pinpoint enough to skim off a defenders head into the path of Yossi on the right. Yossi’s pace had been effective all game and with the Playouts defenders pushing forward he needed no invitation to drive into the box and finish Benayoun style.

Final score was 4-1, Playouts proved why they are hot favorites for a promotion spot with a very competitive performance. They have good pace, tackle hard but fair and are well organized. Most of all they are a very sporting team with a great attitude and an obvious love for the game. Good luck in the run in guys and we look forward to the rematch at the end of the season. Ref I hardly noticed today so he must have been very good.

Tigers, despite having to satisfy a big squad, were back to playing the ‘SCC Way’ and the rotations never upset the balance of the side or the way we played. All contributed well but special mention to Yossi for his pace down the right, Matt S for some great assists, PJ for getting through 55 minutes! Richie for volunteering to go fullback (or
wide half back as he calls the role), duffs for his defensive duties (something you dont normally expect!) and the rest of the squad for a good afternoon out. MOM however goes to Luke who once again proved a handful upfront and when asked to do a job in centre mid did so with great endeavor.

Thanks Central Park for the thorough lesson on the football field. In doing so, serving as a comprehensive wakeup call that couldn’t have come at a better time. Playouts will hope to bounce back as they face leaders SCC Tigers next week.

——————–
Match Report from Central Park

Central Park came bouncing back after some inept performance in their last game against Barclays Capital by thumping familiar rivals Playouts Reunited 6-0 at Bedok Green Secondary School. Stefan opened the floodgates after just 3 minutes from the spot and added his second and Sharks 4th just before half-time. Aaron found the net twice while Naoki got his name for Sharks 3rd in the first half. The most unlikely name of the scoresheet though was Michael Wong who scored his first ever goal from his goal line.

Sharks injury list look ever increasing with the likes of Kelvin and Vincent out for the game with the former out for the rest of the season with a facial injury. With Naoki back in the team after missing out on last week defeat with a sore ankle, Sharks look for further reinforcements in the form of old rivals East Avenue with Mohammad Yus, Radzly and Azri being drafted into the side for possibly the rest of the season or even further than that as the team look to beef up its team after some unfortunate injuries which has plagued the team for the season. Sharks opponents today however was a pale shadow from their last meeting in March when a whole army of 20 players turned up as Sharks went down 4-2 over at Marsiling Secondary.

Central Park started the game in positive fashion and the early exchanges proved telling as a long punt from Michael was handled in the box after just 3 minutes. Up step Stefan who gave the custodian no chance as he stood rooted from his spot. The goal seemed to spark a little life into a disarray Playouts side who was almost outplayed in every department as Brendan, Yus and Stefan played key roles in the middle of the park to stifle their opposite number. Barely 20 minutes into the game, Sharks got their second after a floater from Zhuoneng, whom was criticised for his inept display last week found Brendan who headed into an onrushing Aaron in the box and the forward made no mistake from close range. Naoki managed to end his barren run with his team’s third when his fluke shot went thru a sea of legs and into the back of the net as Sharks looked convicingly comfortable for the break before Stefan made sure of the 3 points just before the break with Sharks 4th of the game.

Second half saw Sharks making a couple of chances with the number of personnel they have on the bench but the changes doesn’t seemed break any rythmn in the team as they continued to dictate the game. Nonetheless, Playouts as always doesn’t give up that easily as they went in search of the elusive goal to bring themselves back into the game and they had several close shaves with their closest coming off the bar which summed up their day in front of goal. Play however seemed to stall into a pedestrian stage as both teams keep missing the final pass until the 60th minute. A loose ball collected by Michael in goal as he slowly picked it up for the long punt into the opposition half. With his punt almost dead centre, it innocuously flew above the sea of players and as his opposite number began to sense danger, the custodian inexplicably punched the ball into his own net as Michael celebrated his first ever goal and probably his last as well from where he was standing. That seemed to deflate the spirits of the opposition whom before that, was fighting to get something in the game. As the clock ticked by, Asawin who was here just for a game before flying back to Bangkok released Aaron with a peach of a pass and the forward found the bottom right hand corner for his team’s sixth and final goal of the game.

The beaming manager commented, ‘To be winning by such a margin against an opponent who we know on their day could beat anyone, you don’t ask for anything more.

A record turnout of 20 players on the day belied the fact that half arrived just on the dot, leaving coach Isa, normally late himself but unusally early today, in a fit.

The game commenced with a blend of youth & experience, and age & wide-eyed wonder – the youthful ones brought the experience, while the aged ones watched on in wonder. Zhuang in goal; Adrian, Guoming, Lian, King across the back; Jerry, Lionel, Jansen, Ed and Han in mids; Shaun up top. The first half was a cagey affair. Play was generally scrappy, and neither team took their chances, which were few and far between in any case. Central Park had a free header go wide, much to our relief, while Playouts had a couple shots tucked away into the tree-lined boulevard behind. Or at least figuratively speaking. The breakthrough finally came when the Sharks’ keeper handled a backpass under pressure from “ho-ho-ho-ing” Lionel Kong, and Lionel duly dispatched Han’s layoff from the indirect freekick into the mouse hole to the keeper’s left. 1-0 to Playouts going into the break.

The second half saw Isa making a bunch of subs – Kong (CM), Shao(LB), Lester(S), Weiming (LM), Haoyi (RB). The result was that most of the old legs were happily seated on the bench, while the energetic, young rabied rabbits were let loose on the pitch. Not long after, Jerry’s long throw from the right bounced over the Sharks’ defence to find Lionel lurking, and he greedily tucked it home, sticking out his lapping tongue in celebration. 2-0. By now, Playouts were playing with some confidence, manifested in one-touch passing and quick layoffs, just about in the style of Arsenal. As Han quipped, this was Playouts’ “Development” squad in action – they were “developing” the senior Playouts and teaching us a thing or two about football. Soon after, Shaun took a good early pass and contrived to let 17.5sec pass before finally taking a shot and scoring to make 3. Somewhere during the half, Weiming even had time to cross from the left wing (gasp, a cross? from the left??) for Shaun to dive-header into the proverbial stands.

By now, we thought we had the game in the bag, but CP had other plans. On one of their increasingly frequent attacks, their nifty winger/striker stole a goal to start a comeback fight. Thankfully, Lester gave another mighty roar and popped up with one goal to restore the margin. Sharks’ nifty winger/striker dude later capitalised on a loose ball to loop-shoot the ball over our keeper into the top corner for a tense finish. The final whistle was blown shortly after, thus concluding the contest for this 90mins. But we’ll be seeing Central Park soon again for Round 2, or Round 4 might we say.

Circus moments in the game:
1) Ageing squad players Jansen, Edwin, Scholes, Shao, Adrian, Giggs, Chong, Han, Neville, Zhi, Isa sitting outside looking in; exuberant youngsters Lionel, Jerry, Shaun, Lester, and company running the show where it matters.
2) Adrian Yeap clocking 4.7km during this match, with 3.5km mileage stolen while taking throw-in’s on the touchline.
3) Coach Isa instructing Haoyi to warm up, and indeed he does – by warming up a cigarette.

Thanks to Central Park for the game, which, as is usual with you, was played in a competitive and sporting spirit. Till the next match, good fun and good fate.

———————————————
Match Report from Central Park:

Central Park capitulated against old rivals Playouts Reunited on Sunday as they went down meekly at Marsiling Secondary School with 2 goals from Aaron Huang, a mere consolation.

The match started with Sharks shorn of a whole slew of players and could only muster 13 for the game but they got off to a good start when Heng Li could have given his team the lead, only to miss a delicious cross from Lasser in the opening exchanges. Then on, things were on the downhill as the opposition controlled almost every aspect of the game as Sharks were put on the backfoot for almost the entire half of the game. It took a turn for the worse when Jorgensen had to limp off the game and shortly afterwards, Brendan rolled his ankle in the space of 20 minutes. With not much option on the bench, the Sharks made use of the players that is left and it didn’t help matters when the opposition took the lead after Michael and Yi Quan was caught in an uncanny situation and they converted the freekick from inside the area. The pattern of play seemed all to similar for the remainder of the half but the opposition were unable to increase their lead as Sharks looked to a very long 2nd half.

Several positions were switched at half-time but before Sharks could make any inroads to the scoreline, a mistake by Lasser giftwrapped the opposition with the 2nd goal. That seemed to be the cue as Playouts ran rings in Sharks half as the defense were caught napping on several occasions with stand-in sweeper Charlson unable to control his backline. It was 3 midway in the second-half before Aaron pulled a goal back but whatever comeback the Sharks was having up their sleeves were quickly extinguished when yet another howler from the defense make sure of the points for Playouts. Aaron however made the scoreline respectable when he found the custodian off his line to notch his 2nd goal of the game.

The manager commented, ‘This has to be the worst turnout for the team. We were clearly missing so many players out thru injuries and personal commitments and those that come in, just didn’t have that extra zest in them. The defense and midfield today was in shambles and they did little to protect Michael in goal. Overall, the team has to play better than what was on show today and the only way is up.

Both sides were left to rue missed opportunities in a generally dismal affair in the first half when real chances were few and far between.

Edwin Lim had the pick of them – the ball was headed back across the goal and he stretched for the ball to put it agonisingly over the bar at the end of the first half. Maybe he wanted to add on another playout of the day to the list after thinking that the match was at 1pm! Any candidates for a new captain?

In the second half, it started off the way the first half went until Barclays scored. It looked like it was going to be a bad day for the Playouts when from out of nowhere, Kong took a long range shot and it ended up at the bottom left of the net. 1-1, game on!

Barclays searched in vain for a late winner. Instead, the decisive blow came when Lionel found Geoffrey at the edge of the box with a defence splitting pass. Having received the ball, he took forever to take his shot. Meanwhile, Isa was screaming for a pass from him, getting ready to punch Geoffrey if he did not score. Finally, he took a left foot shot. GOAL! What a way to come back from a lengthy lay off.

Looking forward to another tough game against the Barclays. Cheers!

MOM — Zhuang

– by Geoffrey

Faced with a worryingly recurring shortage of players, Playouts were once more down to their bare bones. Both teams started tentatively – Playouts with an eye on conversing energy, and Benedetto sussing the Div 6 champions out.

Playouts launched high balls into the opposition penalty area with the intention to test their keeper. It paid off in the middle of the first half with a well-taken goal via a layoff header that formidable defender-turned-makelele Chong smashed into the net.

The half time break provided a welcome retreat from the sweltering midday sun. Playouts came out of the break with aplomb. Manager-turned-Ruud Isa scored with virtually his first touches of the game, bundling the ball into the net after the opposition keeper dived to save his shot.
A few minutes later, the Benedetto defense failed to clear their lines and matured and successful-in-life rugby maestro-turned-football magician Renhan scored from 2 yards out. 3-0 and the Playouts went to sleep.

The game, by now, had been reduced to a start-stop match overflowing with bad tackles, screaming and telling-offs by the Referee. In the last 15 minutes, the physical nature of Benedetto’s game paid off as position-jostling during a corner kick resulted in a penalty. Zhuang had no answer to the penalty.

The game looked to turn from bad to worse as ever-youthful centreback Guoming was forced off with an injury and Playouts were beginning to lose their shape and composure. Thankfully, with some stoic defending and poor finishing, the scoreline remained 3-1.

It was a good, hard-earned 3 points that the Playouts of yesterseason would’ve thrown away. Chins up for the game against Barclays next weekend! Thanks Benedetto for a good game and all the best for the upcoming fixtures.

MOM — Zhicong

It was a gloomy day, rain was pouring heavily throughout the island and soccer just didn’t seem possible. I remember telling Shao that I thought soccer will probably be cancelled but after a few calls, we decided to head up to Admiralty just in case.

The grounds were wet and it was still raining. I must say I was surprised at the good turnout despite the weather. I’d give an A+ for commitment on this one. Jenson had forgotten his boots but he still showed up for the game in the hopes of being able to borrow a pair. Kenneth too had left his boots at home and he actually drove the long way back just to get it. I was pretty impressed that even though it was seriously raining like there was no tomorrow – lightning, thunder and all; and in spite of the God forbidden location of the pitch, almost everyone showed including many new faces.

And so after much deliberation, the match began with Isa declaring “4-3-2-1”. I figure that is some game strategy which essentially means 4 back defenders and 1 striker? Well I don’t think it worked very well at first (sorry Isa!!). From where I was sitting, the opponents were attacking relentlessly and making many attempts at goal. It seemed to take a lot of effort for us just to get the ball into our attacking half, and it just wasn’t well supported. I’d say the opponents were pretty rough and they were pushing our guys about, and perhaps it was also due to the slippery pitch; I really don’t know, but we didn’t seem to be holding our own. Playouts was being taken for a ride and playing the opponent’s game.

The first half was frustrating to watch frankly as we were missing many opportunities due to lack of communication, not spacing out, some inaccurate passes, and just no follow through. We would intercept the ball but then we would lose it just as quickly. We were playing a defensive game I think, for we really weren’t attacking much. (Just so you know, Shao isn’t around so he has no idea what I am typing here…) From where I was sitting, I think many opportunities were lost because people didn’t take a shot at goal when they could have. Maybe in soccer, it’s different, so please don’t mind my ignorance.

I have no idea who from the other team scored, but it was 2 nil, with us down, in the first half and both goals happened very quickly. To some extent, I’d say it was a case of bad luck, yet with a semi-blocked view because of the pillar (and no, I didn’t get up and move), I think there was a lapse of duty in the goal box. Everyone just seemed all over the place and the opponent was literally given a free shot.

Maybe it was because you were trying a new combination of players, but there really just wasn’t any team work. Not apparent to me at the stands anyways. Plus I must say that the opponents were rather distracting as they kept yelling and calling for the ball; which was really quite annoying at some point. As for you guys, you kept calling “Israel”, but no one that called him really offered him an option. It was like we were rooting for a country or something at a soccer stadium as opposed to calling to a team mate and saying “hEy! I am free! Here!”

So that was the first half. You guys seemed pretty beaten after the 2 goals which was to be expected but I applaud you as I felt you didn’t give up. In previous matches, I have seen you guys completely just go flat after the opponents score, but this match, you guys fought on and hard. So WELL DONE!!!  The 2nd half was A LOT better.

The 2nd half saw the opponents still persistently attacking but our defence seemed stronger. I think its because Guoming shifted position. I am not sure, but he seemed to be at his usual position as opposed to the first half whereby he was running around like a centre or midfielder. I think the Guoming-Shao-Chong-(oMG please don’t kill me, but I can’t seem to recall who plays this. Does it always change? Sometimes I think I saw Ryan play) defence line is quite formidable. The opponents didn’t get to score this 2nd half. Instead, Israel scored the breakthrough goal easily and with restored and renewed vigour, Playouts fought harder. Everyone was watching the ball and I think the defence was seriously tighter this time. Finally, Shao did one of his fluke ‘supposed-to-be-a-shot-at-goal’ passes and Kenneth confirmed the equaliser. That was some adrenalin pumping there! Good follow through!

Towards the end of the match, we had more opportunities for goals but I guess it was a mixture of luck as well as hesitance. Nonetheless, I think it was a great game and you guys have come a long way since the first few times I saw you play the last season.

You guys are a strong team with good fundamentals, and I would say you have many gems amongst the team for various reasons. I am proud of you guys and I think you will do just great this season. 

Some take-aways:
1) Follow through!! Your job ain’t done right after you pass the ball. A lot of you tend to pass the ball then “close shop” until the next time the ball comes your way.
2) It doesn’t matter if the opponent scores first. It’s only who wins at the end that matters. So don’t lose steam and don’t hang your heads low. They score first, you score MORE!
3) I get it that we should try to pass the ball and I guess try to plan the goal attack. BUT if you are 2 down already, or if you are in a fairly good position, just TAKE THE SHOT. No one is going to think you are action balek but at least you are giving the team more chances at goal. ALTHOUGH having said that, if the play is still nil-nil, or if you are at an advantage then there is no need to take such risks or play so frivolously. It really depends on the situation. But do keep that option in mind.

You guys are an excellent team so keep it up! Playouts must be division champs again yah! 

Disclaimer: I didn’t run this by Shao. I watch soccer but I am really not very in tune with it so some of the stuff I say are just purely off the top of my head. Sorry if it they sound silly and ignorant. I know match reports aren’t supposed to be like that but with no knowledge of soccer, this is just what I think and feel watching you guys from the stands. Hope you don’t mind my directness. It’s just me. I probably don’t make sense at all so that’s your review from a clueless girl sitting at the stands.

- by Germaine Lim – “WAG”

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