Redbacks Hit Rock Bottom

Redbacks: 1
Orangy Reds: 2

Venue: Damai Secondary School
Scorer: Hazri

The signs did not look good leading up to this game. With a few hours prior to the game, only 10 players confirmed their attendance. Thankfully, Samy’s late reply made us 11. A friendly was arranged with the hope of kick starting our dismal year. We were keen to put last week’s 5-0 hiding behind us. It was so traumatic that I could not bring myself to write a report. Unfortunately, only 9 players were available at kick off. The captains decided on a 4-3-1 formation.

We performed admirably to keep things tight in the earlier part of the first half. It was with great relief that Azam and Desmond joined the fray soon after to even things half. Azam truly stamped his mark on the game. A rushed clearance somehow had just enough height and dip to beat the goalkeeper, our keeper that is. It was disappointing but I have to admit it was the best own goal any Spider has scored eversince we started 6 years ago. Hazri had a good chance to restore parity but he put his effort agonizingly wide after William found him with a great cross.

He would eventually equalize early in the second half. After Fairus was released on the right flank, his effort was parried by the goalkeeper and Hazri was on hand to strike the ball home. Many would think that the Spiders would go on to take control of the game. However, it was not to be as a defensive mix-up between Kai and Abang Sani led to our opponents reclaiming the lead. As we pushed forward, it became evident that we were running out of ideas. We were losing the ball too easily and gave our opponents an easy time yet again. Orangy Reds could have taken advantage of the gaps at the back but Samy did well to keep us in the end.

As the game peppered out, it was clear that we have lost our fire of desire to salvage something from the game. Our attacks were broken down easily, shoulders were dropping and heads were hanging. Perhaps only Rosli and Samy could walk away from the game knowing that they have done their best. Only silence could be heard as the players trudged off once the final whistle was blown. We need to sort things out guys.

In the post-game debriefing, Rosli highlighted that the team played better in the second half and urged the players to keep up the effort and not get too affected by the loss. Azam shared that as players, we should be flexible and explore other avenues when certain things are not working. Play to our strengths and protect our weaknesses. Jaz felt that the losing run was affecting team morale and that it would be a good idea to take a 2-week break. The 11 players present concurred as the captains announced that we will having a FICO session instead of our usual game next Sunday. The purpose of this session is to allow the players a platform to work on the basics of their game without the pressure of having to get a result.

We are hoping that the players will answer our call. Times are hard and truth be told, nobody likes to be a part of a winning team. We are creating an opportunity for all of us to come together to help bring this team back up. A team is only as good as its worst player and by organizing this kickabout, we hope to level up all our players and at the same time, enjoy one another’s company. For now, all we have is hope but we will continue to persevere for this team that we care for.

So come to FICO this Sunday, guys! Bring your friends, bring your family, bring the kiddies. Let’s just kick back, relax and have fun! Look out on this website and our Facebook page for more details in days to come.

WE HOPE THAT YOU WILL ANSWER THE CALL!

Team (4-4-2): Samy, Kai, Sani, William, Azam, Amir, Rosli, Jaz, Fairus, Hazri, Desmond

Redbacks Fall

Redbacks: 0
Samalongkok: 2

Venue: Bowen Secondary School

The Redbacks continue to struggle as they fell 2-0 to Samalongkok. The artifical pitch definitely suited our opponents’ style of play as they adapted well to it. The Spiders were finding the going tough with the speed of play going too quick for their liking.

Poor refereeing added to the team’s woes with some players getting affected by the ineptness of the man in yellow. However, let’s take nothing away from Samalongkok. They played with more hunger and desire. Constantly threatening the Redbacks’ goal, they fully deserved their victory. They played a game of high energy and did not allow the Spiders time to make the most of the possession we had.

The striking conundrum continues to plague the team. Apart from Azhar, there seems to be a lack of goal threat, flair and creativity in the team’s display. Chances were far in between. We need goals to win but unfortunately, it seems to be very elusive at the moment.

For the Spiders, we just have to dust ourselves off and look forward to the next game. May the rot end soon.

Forza Redbacks.

Team (4-4-2): Samy, Zaini, Kai, Alfiah, William, Azhar, Rosli, Amir, Epul, Hazri, Mok
Subs: Bob, Raizal, Aki, Aidil

All Square

Redbacks: 1
Kambing FC: 1

Venue: Chua Chu Kang Sec Sch
Scorer: Azhar
Assist: Wan Jr.

A healthy turnout of 20 players gave Azhar a selection headache at kick-off. Izan started in goal. Kai, Abang Sani, Aidil and Md Noor were the defenders. Azhar, Rosli, Amir and Wan Jr were in midfield. Jaz and Hazri played as forwards. Both teams were looking to make the most of this fixture to earn some much-needed points and it was no surprise that both sides went all out for the win.

Kambing FC punctured Redbacks on the left side and the winger’s low cross was stroked home for the game’s opener. It was disappointing goal to concede. Redbacks focused our attacks on the right side, where Wan Jr was having a great game. His surging runs often troubled Kambing’s left back. It was no surprise that he was involved in the equalizer. The keeper committed himself to a challenge but Wan was able to wriggle free with the ball in his possession. He played the ball to Captain who finished well through a sea of defenders. He is now the team’s top scorer with 7 goals so far this season.

Kambing FC almost edged ahead once again. This time, they penetrated on the right side of our defense. The ball was played dangerously across the six-yard box. An attacker got a touch to the ball but Kai was there to kick the ball off the goal line. A tense moment but the Spiders survive. The half ended with both teams level with one goal each.

Almost everyone was substituted at half-time. The entire backline was given a new look. Samy came into goal with Zaini, Raizal, Bob and Aziz in defense. Halim and Yusman were deployed as double midfield destroyers. Debutant Hasnul came in at right midfield and Fairus was on the left. Rosli kept his place while Azhar was pushed up to find a winning goal.

Both team had some decent chances to score the winner. The Spiders defense stayed resolute, clearing everything in their path. Bob in particular was impressive with his no-nonsense and physical approach. When they were breached, Samy was alert and made a couple of crucial saves. Redbacks should have scored when Fairus was released on the left side but he could not replicate last week’s scoring heroics, blasting the ball over. Fairus found himself in a good position once again when the ball broke to him in the middle but unfortunately, he scuffed his shot.

He was not the only one disappointed. Another goalscorer from last week, Hazri, saw his attempt sail agonizingly over the crossbar. Wan Jr. could have won the game with his last kick but with the goal and the goalkeeper at his mercy, he blasted over. Not long after, the referee blew the final whistle, drawing an end to a game that could have brought much more to either team.

Team (4-4-2): Izan, Kai, Sani, Aidil, Md Noor, Azhar, Rosli, Amir, Wan Jr, Jaz, Hazri
Subs: Samy, Zaini, Raizal, Aziz, Bob, Yusman, Halim, Fairus, Hasnul

Thank you Patrick for turning up and supporting the team. We wish you a speedy recovery, along with Halim and Aidil who suffered some nasty knocks for their efforts.

Rising in the Rain

Redbacks: 3
NTU Hall 2: 2

Venue: Mayflower Sec Sch
Scorers: Hazri, Fairus, Rosli (p)
Assist: Azhar

The friendly nature of match did not entice a lot of Spiders to turn up. But for the 13 who did, it was a match to remember. With the focus on fixing the team’s defensive weakness, Azhar opted for a 5-3-2 formation. Kai anchored the backline with Abang Sani and Desmond operating as stoppers. William and Aidil were the right-back and left-back respectively. Jaz, Rosli and Amir formed the three-man midfield while Azhar and Hazri played upfront.

NTUH2 utilized their superlative speed, fitness and energy to bombard the Redbacks with waves of attacks in the first half. The defense coped well with the situation. NTUH2 scored the opener after breaching the left side of the Spiders defense. The effort was weak and even though Desmond and Samy tried their best to keep the ball out, it was not enough to prevent the Redbacks from going behind. Being a man short compared to our opponents, the midfield could not exert any control over the game, denying our strikers of any meaningful supply. The half ended 1-0 in favour of NTUH2.

The rain threatened to put an end to the game but it proved to provide the Spiders with a second wind. It was a welcomed change to the scorching heat that we had to endure in the first half. The team switched to a 4-5-1 formation with some key changes. Halim came into the backline, Fairus played on the left of midfield, Hazri and Azhar dropped down as central midfielders and Jaz operated as a lone striker. It turned out to be an effective overhaul.

With the added numbers, the midfield began to take control of the game. The drenched pitch made dribbling the ball tricky and the game unpredictable. NTUH2 persisted with their direct style of play but found our defenders in uncompromising mood. The defenders threw themselves at everything that came their way. Azhar showed great versatility by effectively plugging all the gaps in midfield. Hazri injected some steel in the middle of the park as the tide began to turn.

The Spiders took the lead in outstanding fashion. A NTUH2 defender headed away a deep corner by Rosli. The ball fell to Fairus who unleashed a first-time volley that gave the keeper no chance at all! It was a goal that dreams are made of. It was definitely a contender for Goal of the Season, if not one of the best goals of all time! That’s Fairus for you. He does not score as regularly as he should, but when he does, it’s always a cracker!

We were not done yet. Not long after, Jaz released Rosli with a good through ball. The midfielder’s progress was impeded and the referee did not hesitate to award the penalty. Rosli took the kick himself and sent the keeper the wrong way to put Redbacks two goals up.

NTUH2 were eager to salvage something from the game and they surged forward to get back into the game. The Spiders did well keeping them at bay and looked to hit them from the counter attack. When NTUH2 managed to create an opening, they found Samy in inspired form. Samy remains the only keeper with a clean sheet and he has been involved in the 3 victories we have recorded this season. Is he becoming the team’s talisman? However, even Samy could not keep out a late attempt by NTUH2 and was beaten at his near post. It made the ending very tense but the Spiders held out for the win. A great start to 2010! May it continue for a long time…

FORZA REDBACKS!

Team (5-3-2): Kai, Desmond, Sani, William, Aidil, Jaz, Rosli, Amir, Hazri, Azhar
Subs: Halim, Fairus

Redbacks Slump Yet Again

Redbacks: 2
FZE: 4

Scorer: Azhar (2)
Assist: Wan Jr.

The Spiders fell to their second consecutive defeat against FZE, with our defensive frailties exposed cruelly time and time again. We enjoyed a dream start to the game when Azhar struck home a beautiful free kick. At this rate, our captain is slowly solidifying his status as the team’s set piece specialist! However, the lead was wiped out almost immediately after FZE literally passed their way into the Redbacks’ goal.

The FZE midfielders were having a field day, stroking the ball around with relative ease with the Spiders struggling to contain them. Another well-worked move resulted in an FZE player scoring from a one-on-one situation. The Spiders upped the ante and drew level. After being released by Azhar on the right flank, Wan Jr’s cross found our captain and he smashed home his second goal of the game. The half ended with both teams scoring two goals a piece.

Unfortunately, the second half was not as evenly matched as we had hoped for. FZE pulled ahead with one of their players scoring from a rebound after Samy had did well to parry away a goalbound effort. The Spiders tried our best to get back into the game. The effort and determination were there, but the team lacked a certain cutting edge and the final ball was often disappointing.

FZE put the result beyond doubt when Samy committed an unfortunate blunder. Our custodian lost his grip on the ball, leaving the goal unguarded for an FZE player to nail the final nail into the Redbacks’ coffin.

The Spiders will be hoping for a quick response to this defeat. We would like to thank the 20 players (that’s right, 20 players) for attending the match and contributing to the cause. Your understanding and team spirit are very much appreciated. We hope to see the same week in, week out.

Go Redbacks.

Team (4-4-2): Samy, Kai, Sani, William, Alfiah, Mok, Jaz, Amir, Wan Jr., Hazri, Azhar
Subs: Oggy, Joe, Desmond, Juffry, Epul, Bob, Aziz, Halim, Fairus

An Agonizing Defeat

Redbacks: 3
Kentridge Rangers: 4

Venue: Tanjong Katong Sec Sch
Scorers: Amirrudinie, Hazri (2)
Assists: Jaz (2)

The Spiders started the game with a 4-4-2 formation. With a few regulars away, the team had to make do with a makeshift defense. At least we had a recognized keeper in Izan. Kai was the sweeper with Raizal playing as stopper, Aidil on the left and William on the right. In midfield, Rosli and Juffry were in the engine room with Amirrudinie and Jaz operating down the left and right flanks respectively. Hazri partnered Azhar upfront.

The Spiders stroked the ball around with confidence in the first 20 minutes or so and we enjoyed a dream start to the game, racing to a 2-0 lead. First, a cross-field pass by Jaz found Boy Rudy (Amirrudinie) in space. Having done well to shake off the attention of his marker, he kept his cool and finished well for the game’s opener. A few minutes later, a similar pass from Jaz ended up in similar fashion, this time Hazri was the beneficiary, scoring his first goal for the team.

Then, somehow we lost our discipline and shape. Rangers pulled one back almost immediately after conceding the first goal. They then equalized via a corner, a free header at the near post somehow finding its way into the top corner of our goal. That was how the team ended the first half.

Things got from bad to worse in the second half. Aidil was dispossessed on the left side and a Rangers attacker’s attempt struck the crossbar amidst a sea of players. Unfortunately, the rebound found its way back to the same player and he made no mistake the second time. After that, a foiled offside trap lead to Rangers pulling even further ahead.

The Spiders reduced the deficit to one goal when Hazri scored what has to be the goal of the game. An attempted headed clearance found its way to our forward and he lashed the ball into the roof of the net with a first-time volley. A smashing finish! Rangers would have added a fifth goal, but Raizal was left with no choice but commit a professional foul with the striker clean through on goal.

Despite being down by one man, it seemed to galvanize the Redbacks as we ended the game the way we started, laying siege to the Rangers’ goal. Jo, Fairus, Azhar and Hazri all had chances to score but the equalizer just did not come. Coupled with the fact that we struck the frame of the goal six times throughout the game, you have a feeling that it was just not meant to be. Only a win against FC Simpang will see the Spiders back in contention to qualify for the next round.

For now, we just have to lick our wounds and strive for better focus and discipline in our play the next time we take to the field. Mental preparation is the key to our success. Let’s bounce back and do better in our next game.

FORZA REDBACKS!

Team (4-4-2): Izan, Kai, Raizal, Aidil, William, Rosli, Juffry, Jaz, Amirrudinie, Azhar, Hazri
Subs: Epul, Joe, Mok, Fairus, Bob

D2D League Cup 2009 Preview

The League Cup is back again, in a new format. The teams have been divided into groups of 3. The Redbacks have their work cut out for them as they have been put into Group E, identified by the league organizers as one of the “Groups of Death”. We have been grouped together with FC Simpang of Division 1 and the current Division 4 league leaders, Kentridge Rangers.

Redbacks will be looking forward to their match with FC Simpang. Last year’s Division 3 leaders spanked the Spiders 5-2 in last season’s opening game. The Redbacks improved in the second leg, narrowly losing 2-1. Since then, FC Simpang enjoyed a double promotion to Division 1, where they have been struggling of late. They have only won 1 out of the 5 games they have played. They will be hoping for an excellent league cup campaign. Against a team of solid, speedy and skillful players who play a tight, short-passing game, the Redbacks must be at their best.

But before that, the Redbacks begin their league cup adventure against Kentridge Rangers. They may be in Division 4 but don’t let that fool you. Kentridge Rangers were in Division 1 last season where they finished 6th. For some reasons unknown, they were given (or requested for) a triple demotion to Division 4. This season, they have brushed aside every challenger, winning all their games and scoring 33 goals in those 7 games. With such scoring prowess, the Spiders’ defense need to be on their A-game.

As clear underdogs, the Spiders have all to gain and nothing to lose. For the Redbacks, the bigger the challenge, the harder we play. Therefore, we hope to see a healthy attendance this weekend. Hopefully, all players will come with fire in their bellies, full of heart and ready for a battle. We will need all of you. Time to stand up and be counted.

FORZA REDBACKS!

Another Draw

Redbacks: 2
Yishun Fire Station: 2

Venue: Greenview Secondary School
Scorers: Azhar, Kai
Assist by: Rosli

A hardly-contested affair where both teams played to a creditable draw. Captain Azhar decided to use a 3-2-3-2 formation to suit the long pitch. The Spiders settled down first, playing a neat passing game. Azhar had a chance to draw first blood but his attempt from a cross struck the upright and rolled agonizingly across the goal. However, our veteran striker was not to be denied. Moments later, Azhar struck a beautiful free kick past the goalkeeper to score the game’s opener.

Yishun Fire Station (YFS) regrouped and got back into the game. With no player closing down an advancing midfielder, a through ball was played down the middle. A YFS striker took advantage of the gap and finished clinically past stand-in goalkeeper Fairus. Both team then traded attacks, eager to wrest control of the game.

It was late into the first half when the Spiders took the lead again. From Rosli’s corner, Kai rose the highest to nod the ball into the goal. It was just reward for the enterprising attacks that the Spiders created. A few minutes later, the referee blew the whistle for the end of the first half.

In the second half, YFS equalized early in the second half. In an attempt to avoid danger, Epul slid the ball into the middle of our penalty area. Unfortunately, newly-wed Raizal slipped at a critical moment, allowing a YFS player time and space to score. The Spiders had various opportunities to take the lead. Trialist Aim utilized his great dribbling skills to break free of the defense. However, his finishing let him down.

YFS themselves threw everything at the Spiders but found our defenders: William, Raizal, Aidil and then Zaini, in bullish mood. Jaz then had a great chance to win the game when he wriggled free on the left side of the pitch. However, he smashed his shot over the crossbar. Thankfully it was just a friendly but once again, it was a story of missed chances. Let’s hope we put up an even better show in our next game.

FORZA REDBACKS!

Team (3-2-3-2): Fairus, William, Aziz, Aidil, Alfiah, Kai, Rosli, Jaz, Amirrudinie, Hazri, Azhar
Subs: Irwan, Joe, Zaini, Raizal, Epul, Aim

Redbacks Held in 8-Goal Thriller!

Redbacks: 4
Sarcofargo: 4

Venue: Sengkang Secondary School
Scorers: Patrick, Rosli, Azhar (2)
Assists by: Kai, Azhar

Sengkang Secondary continue to be a bogey ground for the Spiders as we were frustrated by Sarcofargo. It was a game we ought to win but a combination of bad luck, lack of discipline and sheer determination by our opponents saw both teams end the game with 4 goals each. Redbacks got the perfect start to game, scoring within the first few minutes. Kai found debutant Patrick on the left side of the pitch and the newbie scored the game’s opener with a rising shot.

Sarcofargo equalized after Izan’s clearance found their right winger. The Sarcofargo player took advantage and struck the ball into the unguarded net. The Spiders went back into the lead as Rosli was released by Azhar with a through ball. Rosli beat the goalkeeper and finished clinically. However, Sarcofargo managed to equalize again before the half was over thanks to some lacklustre defending. We had other great opportunities to pull ahead but were unable to make the chances count.

In the second half, Azhar came alive and put the Spiders ahead with a fine effort. Sarcofargo refused to give in and drew level against the run of play. Aidil brought their midfielder down in the penalty box with Izan sent the wrong way from the resultant kick.

Just as Sarcofargo was stubborn in refusing to accept defeat, the Redbacks were determined not to lose two precious points. Azhar made the most of another half-chance, rifling a shot for the team’s fourth and his second goal. With a few minutes left, the Spiders lost focus. Sarcofargo took the direct route and exploited some gaps at the back to score their final equalizer for the game. 4-4 was the final score. The Spiders left the game feeling that they should have gained more from the game.

We hope that everyone gained valuable experience and learning points from the game. The game plan was properly spelled out and every player needs to play his part to ensure that we keep to it. It is important for every person to fulfill their function and perform their roles to the best of the ability. Also, substitutions need to be thought of carefully and should not be done haphazardly. But what’s done is done. Let’s move on to the next game and play hard for a better result.

Forza Redbacks.

Team (4-4-2): Izan, William, Sani, Alfiah, Aidil, Halim, Rosli, Patrick, Amir, Azhar, Kai
Subs: Bob, Juffry, Saiful, Mok, Joe, Fairus, Hazri

Redbacks Make It Count

Redbacks: 3
Macheda: 2

Venue: Serangoon Secondary School
Scorers: Mikael (3)
Assist: Fairus

For once, it was great to see the Redbacks turn up at the game before our opponents. We lined up in a 4-4-2 formation with the returning Oggy in goal, Azhar, Sani, William and Aidil playing in defence, Joe, Fai, debutant Amir and Jaz in midfield and Kai and Mikael in attack.

Macheda scored first after Azhar fouled one of their players just outside the box. They scored direct from the free kick with the ball bursting through the net. Stunned, the Spiders swung into action. The midfield struggled throughout the first half, much like what happened to Singapore the night before. To make matters worse, Jaz had to limp out of the game due to an injury.

Then, a game-changing event. Hidayat broke clear of the defence after being put through by Mikael. Under pressure, a Macheda defender brought down Hidayat. Being the last man, the referee had no choice but to send the player off for a professional foul. However, even with a man down, Macheda proved to be a very tough nut to crack.

Against the odds, Macheda pulled further ahead. Another free kick conceded, another great attempt, another goal. 2-0 to Macheda. Were the Spiders staring a third straight defeat? Thankfully, we managed to pull a goal back just before half-time. Hidayat and Kai combined to release Mikael down the left side. The striker still had much to do but he powered past all challengers and slammed the ball into the net via a deflection. We were back in the game!

In the second half, multiple substitutions were made. With the one man advantage, the Spiders had to utilize the rolling subs if we were to get anything from the game. One crucial change made was Samy coming into goal. He was called into action early in the half, responding well to punch the ball away after a Macheda player had been put through.

Azhar had a chance to score when he spotted the goalkeeper off his line. Unfortunately his attempt came back off the crossbar. Misery for the Spiders. Was it going to be tour day?

With the Spiders pushing forward in search for an equalizer, gaps were left at the back. Macheda soaked the pressure well and launched some dangerous counter attacks. Then, to everyone’s horror, we conceded a penalty. William brought a Macheda player down in the box. It was a killer sucker punch waiting to be delivered. Up stepped Samy who dove well to his right to palm the penalty away. Samy saves William’s bacon!

That crucial save gave the Spiders belief that the game was there to be taken. Had the penalty gone in, it would have been curtains for sure. Not too long later, the Redbacks won our own penalty. Azhar was brought down in the box as he was pursuing a deep free kick. Mikael scored the penalty but it was ordered to be re-taken after Alfiah encroached into the penalty area as the kick was being taken. Mikael kept his nerve and stroked the penalty home at the second attempt.

Macheda almost took the lead through yet another free kick. However, we were relieved to see the ball come back off the crossbar. The tide was finally turning.

Finally, the Spiders took the lead late into the game. Mok found Fairus on the left flank. Fairus then played a superb ball into the area to Mikael. Mikael controlled the ball well and applied a clinical finish to send the Redbacks into a frenzy. A hat-trick for Mikael and a victory for the Spiders. A tough game against formidable opponents with fortunate circumstances. It could have been so different but we came through in the end.

FORZA REDBACKS!

Team (4-4-2): Oggy, Azhar, Sani, Aidil, William, Joe, Jaz, Amir, Fairus, Kai, Mikael
Subs: Samy, Mok, Alfiah, Hidayat, Wan, Aziz, Bob, Halim

Special mention goes to Yusman for turning up and supporting the team.