Crash and Burn

Redbacks:  2
Tanker FC: 5

Scorers: Rizal, Aiman

A disappointing outcome for a game that the Spiders needed to win in order to secure a top 3 finish in the league. This match proved that in the AFL, anything can happen. Bottom placed Tanker FC scored an upset and successfully moved off the bottom of the table.

The sun was scorching and the Redbacks whithered in the heat. We were unable to settle down quick enough. Tanker capitalized on a goalkeeping error to score the first goal of the game. Khairil then released Jaz down the right flank. Jaz’s attempt was deflected onto the crossbar by the goalkeeper. Thankfully, Rizal was on hand to nod home the rebound. Redbacks tried to wrest control of the match away from Tanker FC but it was the visitors who edged forward when they scored from a direct free kick.  The Spiders had numerous chances to draw level, but poor finishing proved to be the bane of the Redbacks.

Poor finishing continued to dog the Spiders in the second half. Unfortunately, injuries ravaged the team as well. Zaini went down with suspected knee ligament damage. Fauzi then fell victim to an ankle injury and trialist goalkeeper Alan would suffer a forearm injury. With the team having conceded 2 goals before Alan left the game, we were only left with pride to play. Without any goalkeepers left, Khairil stepped into goal. His first task was to pick the ball from the net after Tanker FC scored another breakaway goal. Aiman, who missed a penalty earlier, made amends by scoring a goal late in the game. It was one of a few bright spots in what truly was a torrid display.

We urge all players to come to the pitch by 4.45pm next Sunday so that we can get in tune to the game. We have to try and beat our next 3 opponents in order to maintain the faint chance of finishing within the top 3. We’re up against Damai Rovers next. After the previous 5-5 encounter, we are surely in for a smashing match!

In the meantime, enjoy the previous video to get your spirits up!

The Long Awaited Video

Black Jersey to be Unveiled

Team manager Nahar has announced that the team will collect about $25 to $30 for a new black adidas strip. We will be collecting the cash in July, so please get your wallets ready. The team would like to call upon any suggestions from the players regarding the design of the jersey, what is to be printed, etc.

We will try our best to limit jersey purchases to one set for every two years. Please share your thoughts and opinions on all team matters. Thank you.

Victorious In Melaka

Date : 17th June 2007

Venue: Stadium Tun Fatimah, Melaka

Redbacks: 3
TNB Melaka: 2

Scorers: Aki, Aiman, Nordin

The Redbacks suffered some hiccups before we were able to take to the field against our Malaysian hosts. Ajis was almost refused entry into the country due to a mysterious “tax issues”. At kick-off, there were only 10 spiders. We had no choice but to borrow a goalkeeper from our kind hosts who were gracious enough to allow the game to start a little later than planned.

In the first 15 minutes, the Redbacks struggled to gel as the players were clearly exhausted by the journey. We were forced to sit back as the home team stringed a few passes with confidence. Once we got into our groove, we began to initiate dangerous attacks. Much-maligned striker Aki got the first goal, pouncing on a loose ball in the penalty area. Not wanting to be upstaged in front of their supporters, TNB equalized when Abu failed to hold on to a stinging shot. TNB scored an absolute beauty of a second goal when a superb team moved was clinically finished by their striker.

Unfortunately for the hosts, fatigue hampered their progress and a resurgent Redbacks team looked to snatch a victory. Azhar should have put us level but somehow our captain missed from about 5 yards out. Aiman equalized when a defender misjudged a punt from goalkeeper Abu. The man who cannot stop scoring raced free and applied a delicate finish. He should have had another afterwards but the TNB goalie was quick off his line to snuff out the danger. Nordin then raised the roof when he spotted the keeper off his line. The midfielder’s attempt from 40 yards out caught the goalkeeper napping and gave the Spiders yet another victory on Malaysian soil. A great team effort all around.