Redbacks: 3
Benedetto Utd: 2
Venue: Yio Chu Kang Secondary
Scorers: Azhar, Raizal, Fazil
The Redbacks reported for duty after a two month break. Without any pre-season matches to build up match fitness, the players were thrown in the deep end as we began our second stint in the AFL, this time in the Premier Division.
Much has changed. Several long-serving players have left the team and we are now in the process of a mini rebuilding. However, old habits die hard as we are still plagued by punctuality problems. Only 10 players started the game, forcing Jaz to make an earlier than expected appearance on the pitch. Along with Kai who started up front, the two players continue on their paths to recovery.
The day was also about welcoming new players to the team. The new faces lifted the team’s spirits as they played with much enthusiasm and energy. It was a tightly contested affair in the first half as both teams were restricted to half chances. It ended goalless.
Reinforcement soon arrived and allowed some players to rest their ageing legs. The game opened up soon after and Benedetto took a surprise lead when Sharizan was beaten at his near post through a direct free kick. Questions need to be asked regarding the positioning of the wall in the conceding of that goal. Redbacks soon equalized when Azhar controlled a loose ball and fired a thunderbolt a la Nani, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance.
Benedetto, who have earned only one point from the previous 5 games, were in no mood to let the three points slip from their hands. They took the lead again soon after when their number 9, who have been causing the Redbacks’ defense all sorts of problem, pounced on a loose ball to poke the ball past Sharizan.
With time on our side, the Spiders did not panick. After some patient play, we managed to draw level. A corner was not deat with and Raizal took advantage of the mayhem to squeeze the ball into the net. At that moment, Redbacks smelled blood in the water and decided to look for the winner.
We got it in the most controversial fashion. Moktar mishit his shot and the ball fell to new boy Fazil (hope the name is right). The striker, who have been lively throughout the game, kept his composure and gave Redbacks the lead. The goal sparked massive protest from Benedetto, who felt the goal should have been ruled out for offside. From where we were seated, it was hard to be sure, but Fadhil did seem marginally offside when he got the ball. However, we were not complaining as we knew how important it is to get our campaign going on the right foot.
Benedetto desperately tried to salvage something from the game. Bob got too physical in the encounter and was sent off for his second bookable offence. He will be suspended for the Spiders’ next game. Benedetto threatened the goal a few times but in the end, we held out for a memorable win.
