Set Piece Folly!

Redbacks: 1
FC Simpang: 2

Venue: Yio Chu Kang Sec
Scorer: Boy

This was a game that had revenge written all over. The Spiders were meeting their league debut opponents, FC Simpang. The latter had triumphed convincingly over the Spiders in their early encounter, winning with 5 goals to 3. Was this going to be a repeat in outcome?

Redbacks had the good fortune of having 15 attending players, amidst the “stock market” confirmation of player’s availability. Bob brought along his nephew, Boy, who will later turn out to be an unearthed gem. Oggy, came back between the sticks after two months hiatus. The Spiders started with their familiar 4-5-1 formation, with Boy lining up as the sole striker in the absence of regular goal getter Mikael.

The game started brightly, with the Spiders breaking the rhythmic play of their opponents time and time again.The Spiders midfield were losing ground on the excellent passing play that FC Simpang dished out with ease. Jaz in particular was struggling to gain an edge as he was closed down instantaneously by Simpang’s centre duo. The only bright spark in the engine room was the industrious play of Wan Jr and Yusman who diligently counter attacked with gusto down the right flank. The game continued with the teams threading passes after passes but to no positive avail.

All that changed however, when the Spider’s inability to clear their lines on the left side of the field , resulted in a nicely weighted cross into the path of an FC Simpang player. Without a moment of hesitation, he side footed the ball past Oggy’s flailing dive. 1-0.

Redbacks regrouped and attacks were launched. One such move led to the marauding Wan Jr,supplying a cross,after a neat one two with Jaz ,into the box.Boy hooked a volley that cannoned off the crossbar. A chorus of disappointment engulfed the Spiders as they trudged into halftime with a deficit.

Capt Azhar made strategic substitutions to add flavour into the game.Installing himself in the center role,much was expected from the man who was carrying a knock. The Spiders managed to dictate the opening minutes of thesecond half with some splendid interpassing,movements and tactical positioning.Jo and Willian in particular stuck their grounds in repelling FC Simpang’s advances.

Then came the moment of magic from Boy,as he raced onto a weighted clearance from William. The last defender who hesitated to clear his line was left chasing the shadow of the debutant. Boy delicately placed a ferocious instep volley that lobbed into the goal,as the advancing keeper watched. 1-1.

A few minutes after the euphoria, Bob conceded a free kick just meters away from the centre half. FC Simpang floated the ball and it was knocked onto the path of a gleeful looking striker, who side footed the ball gently into the net. Once again, the Spiders inability to defend at set pieces will prove to be their bane. 2-1.
The rolling subs were maximised on the Spiders end, as they tried to salvage a result. One such moment came in the form of a free kick that was magnificently driven onto the crossbar, by Azhar. Alas,at the end of it all,the heart and spirited display put forth by the Spiders were not enough to wrest away the result. 2-1 in favour of FC Simpang was the final score. Another effort,another loss and definitely another learning point for the Spiders to put a spin on.

Team(4-5-1): Oggy, Sani, Zaini, Aidil, Ajis, Wan Jr, Yusman, Fai, Mokh, Jaz, Boy
Subs:  Bob, William, Jo, Azhar

Match Report by Jaz

Lost So What!

REDBACKS : 1

SIMPANG FC : 2

Venue: Yio Chu Kang Sec Sch
Scorer : Boi

Battled hard and lost but the won the respect of the opponent. Salute to all who played against the league leaders, full of guts.  Quote from Simpang FC’s Manager ‘Is this the same Redbacks FC we played in the first leg?! Baik ah Redbacks’ unquote.

Special mentioned to Sani, sudden burst of speed that never seen before, down hard twice still going strong.

Attendance: Oggy, Zaini, Aziz, Aidil, Sani, Ridwan, Yusman, Jaz, Fairoz, Mok, Boi, Azhar, Hisham, William, Joe, Bob

Forza Redbacks!

REDBACKS : 1
FORZA FC : 1

Venue: MacPherson Sec Sch
Scorer : Mikael

Redbacks defined the word Forza (strength) in today’s highly charged game. Coming back off a win in their Cup tie last week,the Spiders were looking at continuing that form. The challenge that came in for them was Forza FC,who was sitting pretty at second place in the table prior to this match.

Redbacks started with their now familiar 4-5-1 formation.The first 10 minutes into the game was a sight to behold,as Redbacks paid no heed to their opponent’s reputation and stroked the ball with conviction.Passes after passes were strung by the tightly knitted midfielders.Even the defenders got into the act as play was built from the back.Forza FC,who had their attack spearheaded by Hady Mirza of Singapore Idol fame,were left to build their attack on the fringes of loose balls and misplaced passes.It was a cagey affair for both teams as,they tried to grab a dominant stronghold on the midfield.Impressively however,the Spiders Midfield  quintuplet was able to choke time and time again, Forza FC’s advances.But such excellent disciplined play came at a premium price,as our players were knocked heavily all over the ground.Capt Azhar in particular received special attention as he had to grapple with the tumbles,fumbles and crumbles of opposing players.But still,the Spiders held on to make the first half a goalless affair.

Second half ensued with the typical changes in personnel as Jaz,Jo,Ajiz,Bob,William and Yusman made their way into their respective roles.Sensing that a game was on hand,both teams were keen on trying to establish an early lead.That lead came in the form of a Spiders goal.A long punt from Sharizan fell onto the feet of Forza’s left defender who attempted to play his way out.His feeble pass was firmly blocked by the advancing feet of Jaz,and the ricocheted ball bounced to Ajis.The central midfielder for the evening advanced with the ball as Jaz made a blind run down the right.Unexpectedly,Ajis decided to make a pass,and his lay off into the D area,was missed by Jo but picked up expertly by Mikael.With a shimmy and a shuffle,Mikael advanced himself just off the penalty area,beating 3 Forza players and unleashed a snap shot!The bouncing ball escaped the grasp of the keeper and it was Redbacks taking the initiative.1-0!

Play restarted and as usual,both sets of midfield squared off evenly like a fencing match.Redback’s defence line that was admirably led by Zaini did well to repel wave after wave of attacks.10 minutes later,Forza earned a corner kick.As each player lined themselves defending,little did they know what was to come.A poorly delivered corner by Forza landed awkwardly onto their player,who acrobatically kicked it back into the box.The Spiders hastily cleared their lines,only to have the ball fall,bouncing sweetly outside the D area.Forza’s dimunitive midfield lynchpin,wasted no time in unleashing a firmly placed volley that seemed to elude everyone but the goal.1-1 was the result.

After that goal,Redbacks went on the juggernaut as they attempted to wrest the game away for their maiden victory.Alas it was not meant to be,as a mixture of bad calls from the man in black and the misfiring strikes of the attacking line,meant that the Spiders had to settle for their third draw in as many matches.

But there was no questioning that this game illustrated yet another highlight of the Spider’s improving style of play.Disciplined positioning,positive call outs and spirited heart meant that the Spiders will take each game to the edge of the final whistle.So in the end,it was deserving for the players and supporters alike to exclaim out aloud:

FORZA REDBACKS!

Team (4-5-1) : Izan, Zaini, Sani, Wan Jr, Aidil, Irwando, Faizal, Azhar, Fai, Mok, Mikael
Subs: Jaz, Jo, William, Yusman, Ajiz, Bob

Match Report by Jaz

Redbacks Advance!

Redbacks: 2
New Eastroids: 2

Redbacks win 2-1 on penalties

Venue: Yio Chu Kang Sec Sch
Scorers: Hilmi, Joe

The Spiders put aside the poor results plaguing their league to knock New Eastroids (NE) out of the League Cup. The players were fired up to turn their season around. With this positive result, could this be the turning point of our season? The odds were clearly stacked against us. With only 12 players turning up, it was the lowest attendance we have experienced so far this season. Thankfully, Izan was able to make the game, enabling us to have our best custodian for this crunch match.

The game was tight until the team experienced what can be described as another Aziz moment. Having messed up his initial clearance, he tried to make amends the second time but only succeeded in laying the ball off for a NE striker to beat Izan at his near post. The defence regrouped and kept the NE attackers at bay, with Juraimi having a standout performance in the stopper’s position.

In the second half, the Redbacks searched for the equalizer. A free kick was punted into the NE penalty area. The initial clearance was poor and amidst the chaos, Hilmi rose the highest to calmly nod the ball into the goal. Opposing teams are beginning to find the Spiders hard to beat and we have definitely built a reputation as a team never to give up until the final whistle.

Our resolve was tested when NE edged ahead. From a corner, an NE player rose to head the ball. The ball then deflected off Zaini’s shoulder and totally wrong-footed Izan. 2-1 to New Eastroids. Were we going to suffer yet another heartbreaking one goal defeat?

But the Spiders pressed on and were duly rewarded. Azhar got the ball on the right flank and crossed to the far post. Mikael was there to head the ball across the goal and Joe appeared to apply the finishing touch. NE players protested, insinuating that Joe was offside but the referee was not having any of it. With both teams unable to find the winner, the game went to sudden death penalty kicks.

Mikael stepped up first and smashed his penalty home. Izan went the right way but was unable to stop NE’s first kick. Hilmi calmly put his penalty away. For NE’s second kick, Izan went the right way again but this time, he managed to save the spot kick, giving the Redbacks a memorable win.

Team (4-5-1): Izan, Zaini, Juraimi, Aziz, Aidil, Azhar, Raizal, Fai, Hilmi, Jaz, Mikael
Sub: Joe

Got to Stop the Rot!

Redbacks: 3
Dirty Dozen: 5

Venue: MacPherson Sec Sch
Scorers: Nordin, Azhar, Jaz

With this defeat, the Spiders are entrenched at the foot of the table, the only team yet to taste victory this season. The defense is clearly struggling and the Redbacks are quickly learning that our opponents’ superlative finishing means that mistakes will be punished. Whenever Dirty Dozen created chances, they always looked like scoring and in this game, they found the back of the net 5 times.

Between the goals conceded, the Spiders tried to make it a contest, eager to stop our recent losing streak. Nordin equalized after Dirty Dozen scored the opener. He hit another masterful free kick into the bottom corner of the goal. Dirty Dozen scored immediately afterwards with Aki beaten at his near post. Azhar then stepped up and restored parity, taking advantage of some hesitant defending and literally forcing the ball into the goal.

Dirty Dozen nudged ahead just before half time. A cross from the left side was met with a karate-like kid, leaving Aki rooted to the spot. Harsh considering that we created a lot of chances in the first half. However, chances do not count for much if you do not take them. One goal behind, the team was very much in it and we were confident that we could get back into the game.

In the second half, the game was a more cagey affair. Neither team was willing to give anything away. Then, the Spiders drew level! A swift counter attack saw Mok receiving the ball on the left flank. Always capable of delivering superb crosses, our winger did his trick and Jaz was there to slot the ball into goal. It was just reward for the effort the team put in. Could we hold out?

Unfortunately, that goal just spurred Dirty Dozen to go for the win. They scored from another corner. It was amazing how the player could jump so high and direct his header downwards with enough power and accuracy to beat Aki and Bob at the same time. Not content on sitting back and letting the Spiders back into the game, they scored another goal for good measure.

Team (4-4-2): Aki, Kai, Sani, Bob, Aidil, Nordin, Azhar, Mok, Fai, Mikael, Irwan
Subs: William, Jaz, Raizal, Hidayat

AKI STEPS UP!

Redbacks’ winger Aki has sensationally announced that he will be stepping in goal on a permanent basis, hoping to inspire the team to greater heights. It is surprising news, considering that he has always been reluctant to take up the gloves. However, his performances have always been solid whenever called upon. Described as “a natural goalkeeper” by Captain Azhar, this move will most likely bring some stability to a position that has always been a big problem to the team.

“The team needs me as a goalkeeper”, Aki shared with this reporter. From his first appearance in goal against K-1-K last season, Aki has impressed with his commanding displays in goal. His quality has taken many Spiders by surprise and calls have been neverending for him to be our permanent keeper. He hopes to inspire the team to “change its losing streak to a winning streak”. Likening his style to Iker Casillas, he hopes to be the final piece of the enigmatic jigsaw that is Redbacks.

Aki shaking the deal with Captain, Abang Sani and Desmond

His decision will allow Desmond to move outfield in his prefered position. Such a selfless gesture is welcomed and appreciated by the team and we wish Aki all the success in his new position. While we will miss the free kicks and penalties he wins from his diving, we hope to benefit from a different type of diving!

Listen to what Aki had to say!

Well done Aki!

Rock Bottom

Redbacks: 3
Pathfinder: 4

Venue: Punggol Sec Sch
Scorers: Mikael(2), Sani

Sengkang-Punggol continues to be a bad hunting ground for the Spiders as we fell for the third straight game. The result leaves us firmly entrenched near the foot of the table. This game was the perfect chance for us to earn our first win of the season. In the end, it was Pathfinder who got their much-desired first win.

Attendance at kick-off was much better this time around. Desmond started in goal. Kai, Zaini, Aziz and Aidil played in defence with Azhar, Nordin, Jaz and Mok operating in midfield. Hilmi partnered last week’s two goal hero, Mikael, upfront. It did not take long for Pathfinder to score. The defence failed to deal with an over-the-top header and their striker did enough to nudge the ball past Desmond. The second goal was almost a carbon copy, albeit it happened from a long high ball.

We managed to pull one back from a corner. Azhar’s corner kick was met with a good header by Mikael at the far post to keep the Spiders in the game. The half ended 2-1 to Pathfinder.

In the second half, the Spiders started brightly and threatened Pathfinder. Mikael was in the thick of the action again. He volleyed a loose ball in the penalty area into the back of the net to pull the teams level. However, Pathfinder regained the league in a superb manner. Redbacks conceded a free-kick just outside the area and Pathfinder scored another free kick against us.

The Spiders tried to get another equalizer and we were rewarded. Azhar’s initial corner was cleared but it found its way back to the Captain. His cross was sweet and Abang Sani rose highest to nod the ball into the net. 3-3! We tried to search for the winning goal but unfortunately, we could not maintain our focus in defence. The Pathfinder player had too much time to measure a through ball and their striker finished clinically. It was harsh for the Spiders who fought well throughout the game.

There are still 8 games left and things may change soon. The team should continue adopting the winning mentality and never give up. Concentration and Communication are what we need. See you guys next week.

Team (4-4-2): Desmond, Kai, Zaini, Aziz, Aidil, Nordin, Azhar, Jaz, Mok, Hilmi, Mikael
Subs: Bob, Sani, Irwando, Hidayat, Aki, Fai, Joe

Match Preview: vs Pathfinder

The Battle of the Cellar Dwellers

This is unfamiliar territory for the Redbacks. After finishing 4th in our first season in Division 3, we have found life this year a little tougher. We are currently 6th out of 8 teams and 5 points behind the next team above us. Such has been the challenge of the new season. With the team still searching for our first victory, this match against Pathfinder could provide the best possible chance.

Pathfinder have only gained 1 point all season, losing their other games. More interesting to note that the team they drew against were none other than ourselves. Our last encounter with them saw a match of high energy, with both teams trading attacks. However, most players will remember that game as one that got away from the Spiders. We missed a penalty and we gifted them a soft goal. In fact, we have been very generous in the Goals Against column, conceding the most goals in the Division.

Recent performances have been encouraging. A thrilling 4-4 draw with Prestigio was followed up with narrow 1 goal defeats against league leaders Huat FC and FC Tempastella. In both defeats, we were very close to pulling off a result and the general feeling is that this team is getting its act together.

Pathfinder has been having their own troubles too. Losing 6-2 to Prestigio and 3-0 to FZE in their last two games, they may be low on morale on confidence. However, in the Redbacks, they must be fancying their chances too. All signs point to another close encounter as both teams will look to stay away from the foot of the table.

Pathfinder’s strengths come from their set-pieces and tireless front-runners. Besides the excellent free kick that they scored in the lat game, they have the ability to deliver dangerous balls into the penalty box. Therefore, the team needs to avoid conceding free kicks in dangerous areas of the pitch. The defence need to be on top of their game as the attacks will be relentless. The midfield would do well to provide cover for our defense. Concentration will be key.

Upfront, the attackers need to exploit the lack of pace of the Pathfinder defenders. They have also shown a weakness against defending high balls. If our playmakers can get their bearings right, accurate through balls to the front-runners could possiby cause a lot of problems. Hilmi, after being injured in the first encounter, will be raring to go at Pathfinder with his speed and eye for goal. If Mikail plays, he would provide the perfect foil for Hilmi. After scoring his first two goals for the Spiders in the last game, he could prove to be a real goal threat. With the return of Aki, who scored in the first match, the team will be raring to go for goals.

In summary, the game like any other will be another challenge for the Spiders to overcome. The team has been itching for a victory and this could be the week we break our hoodoo. That said, please be on time so that we can field the mot suitable team for the game. See you tomorrow!

Comeback Foiled!

Redbacks: 3
FC Tempastella: 4

Venue: Compassvale Secondary School
Scorers: Mikail(2), Jaz

17 players confirmed their attendance but unfortunately, only 10 were available for selection at kick-off. Bob’s lorry got delayed and denied the team the bulk of its recognized defenders. We turned out in a 4-4-1 formation. Azhar, Kai and Sani were joined by striker Fahmy, operating at right-back. Jaz and Nordin were in the middle once again with Mok and Jason roaming down the flanks. Mikail started alone upfront but he will soon prove to be a handful for Tempastella’s defenders.

We held out well despite playing with 10 men. Tempastella scored the first goal of the game. Goalkeeper Desmond seemed to have the shot covered but the ball took a wicked deflection off a bump on the ground and bounced above him. Better pitches please organizers! The team searched for the equalizer with Mikail causing a lot of trouble with his tireless running and aggressive style. He duly scored the equalizer, controlling a knock-on from Jason despite being heavily marked and smashing the ball into the roof of the net.

Unfortunately, Tempastella scored again immediately after the restart. In his attempt to clear the ball, Abang Sani toe-poked it into his own net and we found ourselves behind again. The team managed to create a few chances but our finishing left much to be desired. It was Tempastella who pulled further ahead by scoring the third goal. A smashing shot after some good work by their right winger who dribbled past 3 players before pulling the ball back across the penalty area.

With the arrival of reinforcements, the team set out in the second half looking to get back into the game. We successfully scored early in the second half. Aidil’s cross escaped the outstretched leg of Nordin but Jaz was there to drill the ball into the bottom corner of the goal. Game on! It was a goal worthy of being awarded the goal of the game but our third took the breath of many away.

Mikail received the ball and broke free on the left side. With little option near the byline, he somehow managed to chip the ball over the goalkeeper from a very acute angel for a truly memorable goal. It was definitely one of the best we’ve seen this year. Have we found another striking gem?

Tempastella were shaken and they were stirred into action. They began to string their passes and probed for a fourth goal. They got it after a beautiful crossfield pass was latched on by an overlapping winger, beating the offside trap in the process. Sharizan is a special keeper who is only beaten by special shots and this time, the winger was unerring in his finish. The ball nestled in the bottom corner of the net, providing another mountain for the Spiders to climb.

We never gave in and continued to search for another equalizer. Desmond had a two glorious chances to become the hero. He managed to get a touch to the ball in front of goal, only to see the goalkeeper deflecting the ball out for a corner. His second attempt saw him bravely putting his head in danger but his header trickled wide of the goalpost. We tried relentlessly but Tempastella’s defense managed to hold out, denying us what would truly be a memorable comeback.

Let’s now look to the next game and turn our season around. We’re playing well and with heart and spirit, good things will happen.

Team (4-5-1): Desmond, Azhar, Kai, Fahmy, Sani, Jaz, Nordin, Fai, Mok, Wan Jr, Mikail
Subs: Sharizan, Aziz, Bob, Zaini, Aidil

Thank you to Capt’s Missus, Hisham and Yusman for coming to support the team. Spiders Spirit embodied!

Baby Joy!

Redbacks Football Club would like to congratulate Jaz and Azam for getting a promotion in their status recently.

THEY ARE FATHERS NOW!

A few months back, Jaz welcomed Fikri into his world.

Muhd. Fikri

At least we know that there is at least one male in the family who has two good knees..

Yesterday, wwe received word that Azam has his own bundle of joy as well!

Aryan Haris

The team is considering fielding Aryan in the right-back position in our next game as a better replacement to his aging father.

Once again, congratulations gentlemen and we wish you all the enjoyment and blessings from Allah in your journey of fatherhood..