The Rise of the Ayat-ollah

Redbacks: 4
Monforto: 1

Venue: Clementi Woods Sec Sch
Scorers: Ayat (3), Hilmi

Monforto were riding high on their recent record-setting victory over Corpus Christi. Redbacks, on the other hand, had gone 3 games without a win. The Spiders also did not have good memories of Clementi Woods Secondary. The last time we played there, we were mauled 9-2 by the Warriors in the AFL. The signs pointed to yet another upset for the Spiders but thankfully, the players rose to the occassion, with Ayat netting an impressive first-half hat-trick. With the three goals, he is now the outright top scorer of the team. He has scored an astonishing 8 goals in just as many games. Have we unearthed another goalscoring machine?

Some of the players attended our goalkeeper, Wan’s wedding. Selamat Pengantin Baru Wan! There were worries about how the team would cope without our influential custodian, but thankfully, Wan’s spirit possessed Raizal. Raizal turned in a superb performance worthy of being named man-of-the-match. However, with his three-goal salvo, Ayat deserved the title just as much. Raizal made a few crucial saves to keep Monforto at bay, helping us to earn the win. Too bad he didn’t manage to finish the game. He limped off towards the end with another injury. Get well soon bro.

Monforto scored first to rattle the Spiders’ nerves. A free kick attempt was deflected by a few players and it found its way into the back of the net. After that, Ayat took centre stage. Monforto were focused on Ayyub, who scored two goals against them in our first encounter. As they double-teamed (sometimes triple) him, Ayat was able to exploit the space available. His three goals were the result of quick passing from counter attacks. Azhar provided the through ball for the first goal. Ayat then embarked on a mazy run which ended with him scoring from an acute angle. The third goal was created by a superb through ball by Mok. Monforto had no answer to the Ayatollah’s brilliant individual display.

The second half was a cagey affair. The Spiders adopted a more defensive approach, eager to protect our lead. Credit to Monforto, they did much to trouble us, but were let down by poor finishing. Credit to the backline too. Marshalled superbly by Azam, they did well to keep Monforto at bay.

Just as the Spiders continued to repel all that was thrown at us, we hit a sucker punch.  The Monforto defense failed to deal with a long punt by Raizal and Hilmi popped up to head the ball past the goalkeeper for the team’s fourth. Monforto continued piling the pressure, hoping to salvage something from the game but the Spiders held firm. A few minutes later, the referee blew the whistle to signal the end of the game and confirming our return to winning ways. We successfully completed the double over Monforto, boosting our chances to win the league.

Onwards to the next challenge!

Team (4-4-2): Raizal, Ridzwan, Azam, Bob, Mok, Azhar, Ming, Hilmi, Jaz, Ayat, Ayyub
Subs: Kai, Aki, Aidil

Review – November 2008

Football – It’s a Funny Game

The month began in great fashion with the Spiders recording 3 consecutive wins, scoring 10 goals and conceding none in the process. We were truly flying on top of the world, with players performing at their peak. Attendance was healthy and everyone was loving every moment of November. The highlight of the month was the hard-earned 2-0 victory over K1K. It proved that the Redbacks could hang with the big boys. A 7-0 thrashing of Corpus Christi was also a memorable event and not forgetting the Chelsea-like one goal victory over a disciplined Mammoet.

We took part in the ESPN Challenge, along with other teams in the league. The producers were impressed by the camaraderie and fun factor exhibited by the players. We started off well, scoring two goals and hitting the post once in our first three attempts. However, nerves got the better as we missed the next 8 kicks. Our seven points were commendable but alas it was not enough to secure qualification to the regional championships.

In the ensuing game, our proud record fell to K1K, who beat us 4-1. For the first time, our mental strength were questioned as we failed to bounce back from our first setback this season. It is also sad to see the initially healthy attendance slowly dwindling over the next few weeks, culminating in only 12 players turning up for the next game? What has happened? I urge all anchors to motivate their charges to turn up for games. Every player is important to the team. Perhaps a courtesy call or two would help. It would make them feel valued. Players are encouraged to voice out their concerns. We are trying to keep everyone happy.

At the same time, we are now heading into the return legs of the league. All are reminded not to let past results cloud our mind. If we have beaten a team before, it does not mean that we will have an easier match this time around. I’ve seen in the past where players have shown complacency when facing certain teams, thinking they can get away with doing extravagant and unnecessarily outrageous things just because, “we’ve beat them before, they are easy meat”. Always respect your opponents, then beat them with class and dignity. That is the mark of true champions. We don’t aim to win by humiliating or bullying others. At the same time, if we have lost to certain teams, it doesn’t mean they are going to beat us again. When we carry out our game plan well and stick to what we do best, we are capable of winning with beautiful football. Let’s play well, get the points and with Allah’s will, win the league. We can do it guys!

Go Redbacks!

All Square

Redbacks: 1
RSM: 1

Venue: Bendemeer Sec Sch
Scorer: Ayat

The Spiders put out an improved performance to snap our recent losing streak. Attendance has been on a steady decline recently and it was quite disturbing to see only 12 players turn up for the game. Players had to be shifted around to accomodate a 4-4-2 formation. The early instructions were simple: keep it tight, avoid the early goal and pick up from there.

We managed to weather the storm for most of the first half but RSM scored the opener against the run of play. The ball was half-cleared and then it was volleyed back towards goal. The goal was so sudden that Wan didn’t even see it go in! The response after conceding was much better this time, as they players remained patient and stuck to the game plan to get the equalizer.

After numerous attempts, we finally made the breakthrough deep in the first half. A flowing team move involving Ayat, Ayyub and Jaz ended up with Ayat providing the finishing touch to Jaz’s cross to draw us level.

In the second half, we continued pouring ahead searching for the winner. RSM were reduced to launching counter attacks and trying from set pieces, however they were still dangerous and the Spiders were determined not to lose this game. Then again, we really should have won the game. Chances fell for players such as Azhar, Ayyub, Ayat and Kai but none of them could provide the killer punch.

We may have not won the game but it was still a credible team performance. We’ll return back to winning ways soon, insyaAllah.

Team (4-4-2): Wan, Azam, Sani, Aidil, Raizal, Jaz, Ming, Azhar, Mok, Ayat, Ayyub
Sub: Kai

SELAMAT HARI RAYA AIDILADHA

Kami dari Redbacks FC Singapura ingin mengucapkan:

SELAMAT HARI RAYA AIDILADHA, BUAT KORBAN KE TAK?

Hehehe… Jangan marah ha….

WTF!

Redbacks: 1
Ventz: 3

Venue: Greenview Sec Sch

Scorer: Kai

The Spiders slumped to yet another defeat, this time to Ventz. In a game where we dominated possession and carved out chance after chance, we were outdone by our opponents who scored from an economy of opportunities. Attendance was not so good so we had to do with whoever we had. Kudos to Yusman for volunteering to take up the gloves in the absence of ur regular goalkeepers.

From a defensive lapse, Ventz scored their first goal. Their striker powered his way through the defense and scored the opener. Without ample protection, we conceded a second goal through yet another defensive lapse. Having performed so well previously, we are beginning to concede soft goals at an alarming regularity.

As if that was not bad enough, the strikers were having an off day as well. Kai did pull one back after taking advantage of a mistake by their goalkeeper. It seems a comeback was on the cards, seeing that the Spiders usually win when Kai scores. We launched attack after attack on Ventz’s goal but were were unable to get the equalizer.

In the second half, we were more determined to get something back from the game. However, we were dealt a sucker punch when Ventz were the one who pulled further ahead from a counter attack. Three passes were all it took for the ball to move from end to end, leaving the Spiders deflated.

Somehow, we began to panic and tried hard to score. Too hard it seems. It was almost as it the pressures of being the top team was getting to the players. The usual smiles and laughter were absent. Our repeated attempts were blocked by a wall that was made up of the Ventz players. Eventually, we ran out of time and allowed Ventz to walk away claiming a tactical victory. Perhaps everyone needs to just relax and enjoy our game. Maybe that would help us to get back to winning ways.

Till next week and the next battle, have a great week.

Team (3-4-1-2): Yusman, Azam, Taufik, Sani, Jaz, Ming, Mok, Raizal, Azhar, Ayyub, Kai
Subs: Ayat, Wan, Aki, Bob

Final Confirmation of Jersey Orders…

Gentlemen..

The time is almost upon us.. I give you the final list of jerseys to be ordered…

1- Wan (M) – ordering? We are under the impression that keepers are not ordering…
2- Aidil (S)
3- Taufik (XL)
4- Ridzwan (S)
5- Sani (XL)
6- Hisham (XL)
7- Azhar (S)
8- Faiz (S)
9- Khairil (L)
10- Ayyub (S)
11- Azam (L)
12- Izat (XL)
13- Hilmi (S)
14- Raizal (L)
15- Faizal (L)
16- Yusman (L)
17- Ayat (S)
18- Fauzy (M)
19- Ming (S)
20- Nordin (M)
21- Zaini (M)
22- Aziz (S)
23- Irwando (L)
24- Aki (L)
28- Mok (XL)
45- Bob (M)
77- Jaz (S)
*Sharizan is not ordering a set since he’s our goalkeeper and he can only make games on certain occasions.

Please have a look and tell me if there are any mistakes. For change of numbers, you need to get in touch with the person who is assigned the number. For example, if Hilmi wants number 3, he needs to ask Taufik if he’s willing to swap. After both players have agreed, inform me and I’ll make the change. Don’t have the number, ask. Be resourceful. Haha.

I filled in the sizes for the players who did not have a chance to try the samples based on other similar-sized players. I apologize for losing the samples at the game yesterday. I should have checked with Azam first when the jerseys went missing. Goes to show how important communication is between team members.

Please inform me of any changes regarding jersey numbers and sizes latest by this weekend. Those who have not paid up (Nordin, Hisham, Ming, Faizal, Hilmi, Fauzy), you can transfer the money to Jaz’s bank account. Call him or myself to get the number. I can’t show the number here right? That would be a breach of the Security and Confidentiality Act.

Those people who have paid partially (Zaini, Ayat, Faiz), please make arrangements with the Treasurer. We will use the surplus team funds to top up the shortfall of your amount first. We have a sound financial planner as the team treasurer, so you guys cannot escape! Haha. For those who have not paid, we are sorry to inform you that we need the full amount from you guys as the team funds are not enough to cover up for all of you. Since Zaini, Ayat and Faiz have paid a bit, the benefit goes to them. Still, if you guys can settle the cash by this weekend, it would be much appreciated. The longer we take to collect the cash, the later the jerseys will come. Gosh, how I wish an Arab Sheik will buy over this club…

Have a great week ahead…