The End of a Streak

Redbacks: 1
K-1-K FU: 4

Venue: Singapore Khalsa Association
Scorer: Ayat

When we first arrived at the field, we were looking forward to playing on a nice, grassy and flat pitch. Unfortunately the rain turned it into a muddy, soggy and dirty one. The rain threatened to end our game before it started but thankfully it stopped just in time for kick-off.

Before that, we took part in the ESPN Challenge where players tried to score a goal direct from a corner kick. Of the 11 players who stepped up, only Jaz and Azam successfully scored. With Azhar hitting the post, we managed to score 7 points. Unfortunately it was not enough for us to qualify for the regional competition. However, we had a lot of fun playing the fool in front of the camera.

The game itself was equally unfortunate. Things were tight in the first half. We had to endure 15 minutes of torrid football before we finally settled into the game. K1K deservedly went ahead with a fine effort. We tried to get back into the game but found their defence hard to break.

In the second half, we played slightly better but K1K upped the ante and went on the offensive. They scored another three well-taken goals and immediately took their foot off the pedal afterwards. We can take pride in the fact that we continued searching for the goal towards the very end. Our efforts paid off when Ayyub’s deep free kick found Ayat in the penalty box. The striker kept his cool and scored the team’s consolation goal.

Azhar was concerned at the lack of mental strength displayed by the players when we went a goal down. It was as if we have already conceded defeat so early in the game. If we are to make an impact in the league, we need to adopt a more positive attitude and a more supportive stance need to be taken. This game goes to show that we still need to learn a few things from our stronger and more established opponents.

Still, let’s not despair and look forward to getting back on the winning track in the next game. As Ayat aptly put it, “It’s only our first defeat of the game, it doesn’t matter.” After all we’re still top of the league. Let’s work towards keeping it that way.

Team (4-4-2): Wan, Aziz, Bob, Zaini, Azam, Azhar, Faizal, Jaz, Mok, Ayyub, Kai
Subs: Irwando, Ridzwan, Taufik, Yusman, Faiz, Aki, Hilmi, Ayat

Jaz Do It!

Redbacks: 1
Mammoet: 0

Venue: Bendemeer Sec Sch
Scorer: Jaz

In a very tight game, the team that scored first won. Fortunately that team was us, enabling the Spiders to maintain our 100% record in the league. This result is testament to the growing maturity of the team and has installed Redbacks as the favourites to win the league.

We tried out two different formations in the match: 3-5-2 in the first half and 3-4-3 in the second. Throughout the game, the team showed great defensive resilience. Everyone worked hard for one another, especially the backline which held firm against wave after wave of attack. When Mammoet did find a way through, they found Wan in inspired form, repelling everything that came his way, and giving us a few heart attacks in the process. We have managed to keep clean sheets in our last 3 games and given our defensive record over the years, that is something to shout about.

The winning goal was obtained midway through the second half. A free kick was half cleared and the ball found its way to Jaz. With little option, he struck the ball towards the goal. With the goalkeeper slightly out of position, he could not do anything about the attempt. A goal worthy of winning any game. Yet another thing to shout about!

With three games left, we will be looking to keep our focus. The title run-in will be a challenging one, with Ventz, Apex Rangers and RSM looking to halt the march of the big red machine. The challenge has been laid down, let’s do it guys!

Go Redbacks.

Team (3-5-2): Wan, Bob, Zaini, Sani, Aidil, Azhar, Jaz, Mok, Aki, Ayat, Ayyub
Subs: Taufik, Ming, Kai, Izat, Fauzy

Grinding Out a Win

Redbacks: 2
K-1-K FC: 0

Venue: Tampines Avenue 5
Scorers: Ayyub, Azhar

It was a game that separated the men from the boys. K1K, a relatively younger team filled with skill and stamina, provided the Spiders’ toughest test to date. Through a disciplined performance and an element of luck, we were able to pull off a truly Chelsea-like performance.

With no keeper, Aki stepped up to take the gloves and he did not disappoint yet again. Showing good positioning, awareness and braveness, he recorded his first clean sheet of the season. The highlight of his performance had to be when he made a one-on-one save from a K1K player after Azhar lost possession close to goal.

Faizal made his long awaited return to the team. The player who made an impact last season as the team’s premier defensive midfielder churned out a stunning performance at centre back. He ate up everything that came in his way, ball or player alike. His assured display provided the foundation for the defense to produce its best collective display to date. He truly deserve to be named the man-of-the-match.

We got our first goal early in the game. Who else but Ayyub to score it? He got the ball out on the right side of the pitch. He spotted the goalkeeper out of position and tried his luck. His cross-shot found the back of the net and our top-scorer continued his hot streak, scoring 5 goals in just 4 games. Ayyub was obviously pleased with his effort, describing it as one of his best goals scored for the Spiders.

After that, K1K got into the game and had a big share of the possession. They carved out a few chances but failed to make the most of the chances. The defence held firm and repelled everything that K1K threw. As our opponents are competent ball players, we had to use a physical approach to the game. Hard but fair that is. Kudos to K1K, they did not let our physical approach unsettle them as they relentlessly searched for an equalizer.

In the second half, things were really tight as K1K tried shot after shot to get back into the game. Against the run of play, Azhar provided the sucker punch. He twisted and turned his way free of his minders and his shot managed to trickle in the net after the goalkeeper failed to hold onto it. The goal left K1K shell-shocked and gave the Spiders great belief that we were going to win the game.

Shots continued to rain on our goal but it was not meant to be as we maintained our 100% record and second consecutive cleansheet. It was not a flashy performance, just effective and assured. In tight games such as this, tactics make the difference and it was great to see everyone playing to the game plan.

Go Redbacks!

Team (4-4-2): Aki, Zaini, Faizal, Ridzwan, Bob, Nordin, Azhar, Jaz, Mok, Ayyub, Kai
Subs: Aziz, Aidil, Ayat, Ming

Seventh Heaven

Redbacks: 7
FC Corpus Christi: 0

Venue: Broadrick Sec
Scorers: Hilmi, Ayat (2), Ayyub (2), Jaz, Kai

On days like this where the team goes on a scoring spree, the webmaster (that’s me) has a nightmare. The Redbacks made it two wins out of two with a resounding win over FC Corpus Christi (FCCC). This is the team’s biggest win in recent months and with a clean sheet to boot, it was truly a sweet victory.

Our goalie Wan got the team going when his long punt was headed in by Hilmi. The striker did well to take advantage of the bouncing ball, using his speed to get his head to the ball first. The floodgates did not open as FCCC proved to be a tought nut to crack. FCCC thought they equalized when a long ball from a free kick went into the Spiders’ goal but the referee signalled for a goal kick instead since it was an indirect free kick. When called into action, Wan did not disappoint, doing well to palm the ball over the bar after a good effort by an FCCC player.

We got a second goal when Aki found Ayat with an intelligent pass. The striker twisted his way into space and applied a good finish. It gave us the cushion we were yearning for. That was how things ended in the first half.

Azhar called on the substitutes to step up their game in the second half and boy did they step it up a notch (or two)! After taking time to settle, Ayyub pressured their goalkeeper into losing the ball near the goal and scored a third for the team. The fourth goal was simply breathtaking. Ayyub’s cross was met with a superb scissors kick by Jaz (like the great Fandi Ahmad). His shot rocketed into the bottom corner, giving the goalkeeper no chance.

We got our fifth almost immediately after the game was restarted. Kai pounced on Ayyub’s no-look pass and the striker chipped the ball over the keeper. The goalie got a touch on the ball, but it was not enough to keep it out. We were truly cruising. The movement of the players was excellent and the passing was crispy. When FCCC ventured forward, they found the defence marshalled by Taufik, Aziz and Zaini hard to beat. With Nordin pulling the strings in the middle, it was a question of how many more goals we could score.

Ayat was reintroduced to the game and within moments, scored his second goal and the team’s sixth. Dispossessing a FCCC player, he lined up his shot and unleashed a screamer that almost burst the opponent’s net! After scoring, he promptly left the field. Impact player indeed.

Azhar then kept up his “one assist per game record” when he found Ayyub in acres of space in the penalty box. Given the situation, it was hard for Ayyub not to miss. We continued to carve out numerous chances but failed to add to the goal tally. Looks like Ayyub has to wait for yet another game to get his hat-trick.

When asked about his goal, Jaz shared a truly divine experience. “When I saw the ball, everything else was a blur. I could see only the ball travelling at me in slow motion. I heard the singing of angels in the air. A voice in my head told me to try the scissors kick. When the ball hit the net, time stood still.” After consulting with the team doctors, they agreed that Jaz should be sent for psychiatric treatment before his condition gets worse!

A great win indeed but Captain Azhar warned the team against complaceny as we will be up against tougher opponents in future matches. After seeing Ventz beat the skillful RSM 3-1 in an earlier game, we should heed that gentle reminder.

Go Redbacks!