Rock Bottom

Redbacks: 3
Pathfinder: 4

Venue: Punggol Sec Sch
Scorers: Mikael(2), Sani

Sengkang-Punggol continues to be a bad hunting ground for the Spiders as we fell for the third straight game. The result leaves us firmly entrenched near the foot of the table. This game was the perfect chance for us to earn our first win of the season. In the end, it was Pathfinder who got their much-desired first win.

Attendance at kick-off was much better this time around. Desmond started in goal. Kai, Zaini, Aziz and Aidil played in defence with Azhar, Nordin, Jaz and Mok operating in midfield. Hilmi partnered last week’s two goal hero, Mikael, upfront. It did not take long for Pathfinder to score. The defence failed to deal with an over-the-top header and their striker did enough to nudge the ball past Desmond. The second goal was almost a carbon copy, albeit it happened from a long high ball.

We managed to pull one back from a corner. Azhar’s corner kick was met with a good header by Mikael at the far post to keep the Spiders in the game. The half ended 2-1 to Pathfinder.

In the second half, the Spiders started brightly and threatened Pathfinder. Mikael was in the thick of the action again. He volleyed a loose ball in the penalty area into the back of the net to pull the teams level. However, Pathfinder regained the league in a superb manner. Redbacks conceded a free-kick just outside the area and Pathfinder scored another free kick against us.

The Spiders tried to get another equalizer and we were rewarded. Azhar’s initial corner was cleared but it found its way back to the Captain. His cross was sweet and Abang Sani rose highest to nod the ball into the net. 3-3! We tried to search for the winning goal but unfortunately, we could not maintain our focus in defence. The Pathfinder player had too much time to measure a through ball and their striker finished clinically. It was harsh for the Spiders who fought well throughout the game.

There are still 8 games left and things may change soon. The team should continue adopting the winning mentality and never give up. Concentration and Communication are what we need. See you guys next week.

Team (4-4-2): Desmond, Kai, Zaini, Aziz, Aidil, Nordin, Azhar, Jaz, Mok, Hilmi, Mikael
Subs: Bob, Sani, Irwando, Hidayat, Aki, Fai, Joe

Match Preview: vs Pathfinder

The Battle of the Cellar Dwellers

This is unfamiliar territory for the Redbacks. After finishing 4th in our first season in Division 3, we have found life this year a little tougher. We are currently 6th out of 8 teams and 5 points behind the next team above us. Such has been the challenge of the new season. With the team still searching for our first victory, this match against Pathfinder could provide the best possible chance.

Pathfinder have only gained 1 point all season, losing their other games. More interesting to note that the team they drew against were none other than ourselves. Our last encounter with them saw a match of high energy, with both teams trading attacks. However, most players will remember that game as one that got away from the Spiders. We missed a penalty and we gifted them a soft goal. In fact, we have been very generous in the Goals Against column, conceding the most goals in the Division.

Recent performances have been encouraging. A thrilling 4-4 draw with Prestigio was followed up with narrow 1 goal defeats against league leaders Huat FC and FC Tempastella. In both defeats, we were very close to pulling off a result and the general feeling is that this team is getting its act together.

Pathfinder has been having their own troubles too. Losing 6-2 to Prestigio and 3-0 to FZE in their last two games, they may be low on morale on confidence. However, in the Redbacks, they must be fancying their chances too. All signs point to another close encounter as both teams will look to stay away from the foot of the table.

Pathfinder’s strengths come from their set-pieces and tireless front-runners. Besides the excellent free kick that they scored in the lat game, they have the ability to deliver dangerous balls into the penalty box. Therefore, the team needs to avoid conceding free kicks in dangerous areas of the pitch. The defence need to be on top of their game as the attacks will be relentless. The midfield would do well to provide cover for our defense. Concentration will be key.

Upfront, the attackers need to exploit the lack of pace of the Pathfinder defenders. They have also shown a weakness against defending high balls. If our playmakers can get their bearings right, accurate through balls to the front-runners could possiby cause a lot of problems. Hilmi, after being injured in the first encounter, will be raring to go at Pathfinder with his speed and eye for goal. If Mikail plays, he would provide the perfect foil for Hilmi. After scoring his first two goals for the Spiders in the last game, he could prove to be a real goal threat. With the return of Aki, who scored in the first match, the team will be raring to go for goals.

In summary, the game like any other will be another challenge for the Spiders to overcome. The team has been itching for a victory and this could be the week we break our hoodoo. That said, please be on time so that we can field the mot suitable team for the game. See you tomorrow!

Comeback Foiled!

Redbacks: 3
FC Tempastella: 4

Venue: Compassvale Secondary School
Scorers: Mikail(2), Jaz

17 players confirmed their attendance but unfortunately, only 10 were available for selection at kick-off. Bob’s lorry got delayed and denied the team the bulk of its recognized defenders. We turned out in a 4-4-1 formation. Azhar, Kai and Sani were joined by striker Fahmy, operating at right-back. Jaz and Nordin were in the middle once again with Mok and Jason roaming down the flanks. Mikail started alone upfront but he will soon prove to be a handful for Tempastella’s defenders.

We held out well despite playing with 10 men. Tempastella scored the first goal of the game. Goalkeeper Desmond seemed to have the shot covered but the ball took a wicked deflection off a bump on the ground and bounced above him. Better pitches please organizers! The team searched for the equalizer with Mikail causing a lot of trouble with his tireless running and aggressive style. He duly scored the equalizer, controlling a knock-on from Jason despite being heavily marked and smashing the ball into the roof of the net.

Unfortunately, Tempastella scored again immediately after the restart. In his attempt to clear the ball, Abang Sani toe-poked it into his own net and we found ourselves behind again. The team managed to create a few chances but our finishing left much to be desired. It was Tempastella who pulled further ahead by scoring the third goal. A smashing shot after some good work by their right winger who dribbled past 3 players before pulling the ball back across the penalty area.

With the arrival of reinforcements, the team set out in the second half looking to get back into the game. We successfully scored early in the second half. Aidil’s cross escaped the outstretched leg of Nordin but Jaz was there to drill the ball into the bottom corner of the goal. Game on! It was a goal worthy of being awarded the goal of the game but our third took the breath of many away.

Mikail received the ball and broke free on the left side. With little option near the byline, he somehow managed to chip the ball over the goalkeeper from a very acute angel for a truly memorable goal. It was definitely one of the best we’ve seen this year. Have we found another striking gem?

Tempastella were shaken and they were stirred into action. They began to string their passes and probed for a fourth goal. They got it after a beautiful crossfield pass was latched on by an overlapping winger, beating the offside trap in the process. Sharizan is a special keeper who is only beaten by special shots and this time, the winger was unerring in his finish. The ball nestled in the bottom corner of the net, providing another mountain for the Spiders to climb.

We never gave in and continued to search for another equalizer. Desmond had a two glorious chances to become the hero. He managed to get a touch to the ball in front of goal, only to see the goalkeeper deflecting the ball out for a corner. His second attempt saw him bravely putting his head in danger but his header trickled wide of the goalpost. We tried relentlessly but Tempastella’s defense managed to hold out, denying us what would truly be a memorable comeback.

Let’s now look to the next game and turn our season around. We’re playing well and with heart and spirit, good things will happen.

Team (4-5-1): Desmond, Azhar, Kai, Fahmy, Sani, Jaz, Nordin, Fai, Mok, Wan Jr, Mikail
Subs: Sharizan, Aziz, Bob, Zaini, Aidil

Thank you to Capt’s Missus, Hisham and Yusman for coming to support the team. Spiders Spirit embodied!

Baby Joy!

Redbacks Football Club would like to congratulate Jaz and Azam for getting a promotion in their status recently.

THEY ARE FATHERS NOW!

A few months back, Jaz welcomed Fikri into his world.

Muhd. Fikri

At least we know that there is at least one male in the family who has two good knees..

Yesterday, wwe received word that Azam has his own bundle of joy as well!

Aryan Haris

The team is considering fielding Aryan in the right-back position in our next game as a better replacement to his aging father.

Once again, congratulations gentlemen and we wish you all the enjoyment and blessings from Allah in your journey of fatherhood..

Tight Game

Redbacks: 1
Huat FC: 2

Venue: Woodlands Ring Sec Sch
Scorer: Aki

In a tightly-contested affair, the Spiders were unfortunate not to come away with a point. However, the team can take heart from a fantastic performance and the way we brought the game to one of the league’s strongest team.

There was a slight moment of concern when our goalkeeper did not turn up at kick-off. Fairoz gamely took up the gloves. Aziz, Bob, Azhar and Abang Sani formed the backline. Jaz and Nordin were in the midfield engine room with Wan Jr and Rosli working the flanks. Hilmi and Imran operated upfront.

Huat FC were a disciplined and organized bunch and they stuck to their game plan. They continuously launched long searching balls to their front runners, with their playmaker pulling the strings in midfield. The Redbacks’ gameplan was simple: keep things tight and try to make the most of the chances that came our way. It was a waste that we did not manage to trouble their keeper enough in the first half. Huat scored from a set piece. A free kick sent deep to the far post was met with a header for the game’s opener. The team did well to repel anymore attempts by Huat to score and we went into the break just one goal behind.

A few changes were made for the second half. Kai came in for Abang Sani, Aki came in for Bob, Fairoz left the goal to Samy to play in right midfield and last week’s goalscorer Irwan and Fahmy formed a new strike partnership. Some players were also shifted around the pitch and it brought a change to the face of the game. Things began to click and we began threatening Huat’s goal with more intent.

We were also given a huge break by the referee. From a corner, the ball was headed goalwards. Wan Jr valiantly tried to kick the ball off the line but miraculously, the ball ended up going through a hole in the roof of the net. The Huat players celebrated but surprisingly, the referee did not award the goal.

Buoyed by the lucky break, the Redbacks doubled our efforts to find the equalizer and we did so in a breathtaking manner. Receiving the ball on the right flank, Fairoz delivered a great cross into the box. There was much for Aki to do, but he rose highest to direct his header just beyond the reach of the goalkeeper. One all! It was the perfect birthday gift for our birthday boy (although we did give him something else after that).

We had a chance to capture the lead. Irwan found himself all alone in the penalty area. With only the keeper and the goal at his mercy, you would have bet your entire life savings on him scoring. If he was clinical and classy with his finish last week, this week’s was rushed and impulsive. He ballooned his shot, letting Huat off the hook.

Unfortunately, things did not remain that way for long. Kai conceded a needless free kick, unaware that there was still cover behind him. Samy seemed to have the resulting free-kick covered, but he misjudged the swerve of the shot. He tried all he could to keep the ball out of the goal, but an onrushing striker made sure the ball found its way into the back of the net. 2-1.

We poured forward again, trying to pull off another great escape. We had a few half-chances but some resolute defending kept us out. They had a few chances to score as well, but Samy pulled off a couple of good saves to make sure we remained in the hunt. In the end, we ran out of time but credit to us, we never stopped running and trying. It was a great game and was played in great spirit. We look forward to our next encounter and at the same time, we look forward to putting up an even better performance in our next game.

Team (4-4-2): Fairoz, Bob, Aziz, Azhar, Sani, Nordin, Jaz, Wan Jr, Rosli, Hilmi, Imran
Subs: Samy, Kai, Aki, Fahmy, Irwando

Match Preview: vs Huat FC

This will be an encounter fitting of the “David vs Goliath” tag. Huat FC have started strongly in the league, beating Pathfinder and FC Simpang in their first two games. They may have lost their last game 6-0 but we should not read too much into that result as they were playing with less than 11 players for the whole game. As for the Redbacks who have lost to FC Simpang in our opener and drawing with Pathfinder in the following game, the statistics do not bode well for the Spiders.

Therefore, is a Huat victory a foregone conclusion? Definitely not! Redbacks Football Club have a tendency to up our game when we square off against stronger opponents and we expect the players to rise to the occassion once again. We were in the same situation against Apex Rangers last season. Apex were on a rampage, destroying every team that stood in their path. However, the Spiders gave them their toughest match yet by taking the lead and keeping their rampant attackers at bay. Unfortunately, a lack of mental strength and composure saw us throwing the game away, allowing Apex to score two goals in the dying minutes of the game.

Then there was our previous game against Prestigio. After leading thrice and throwing the lead away thrice, we fell behind late in the game. Rather than let our heads drop and resign ourselves to another defeat, we doubled our efforts. Defying the tiring legs and overworked lungs, we tried incessantly and we were rewarded with the equalizer. Had the game gone for another 10 minutes, who knows what could have happened? Perhaps some of us needing mouth-to-mouth resuscitation!

Having conceded 11 goals in our last 3 league games do not look pretty. Over the years, we have continued to struggle defensively. Captain Azhar called for defensive discipline in the last game. We need everyone to contribute defensively. It must start from the front. Harrass every player. Do not give them the luxury of time on the ball to deliver a proper pass. Keep the line tight. Look out for one another. Often, we always look at defenders to do the defending. We forget that together with the goalkeeper, they should be the last line of defense. As a team, we need to make life difficult for them. We need to make teams work for their goals and not gift-wrap them. After all, Christmas is still many months away!

REMEMBER: DEFENSIVE DISCIPLINE

Having Hilmi back for this game is definitely a boost for the team. Being the fastest player in the team and a tendency to score goals whenever he plays, he might prove to be a key factor in this game. No pressure aight, mate? The team will be looking at him to trouble the opposition defense with his pace. A selection headache for Azhar would be who to partner him upfront. Irwan stated his case with a well-taken goal last week, but will he be needed more in the backline to cope with the potential speedsters of Huat? Chances will be at a premium and every player needs to be ready to strike when they are presented with an opportunity.

The battle will definitely be in midfield. Mok will be sorely missed on the left but in Aki, we will have an able replacement. Aidil’s injury means that we will be denied width on the right side of the pitch. However, should Wan Jr make the match, he will definitely be another key player in this game. His marauding runs and never-say-die attitude will ask questions of Huat’s backline. He has been in good goalscoring form of late and we will be hoping he continues to hit the back of the net. The dilemma is in the engine room. Nordin and Jaz played well in the middle offensively last week but there were too many gaps in the middle when we were attacked. Does this mean that Azhar will play in the middle to bring stability and steel? If he does that, we will be denying the backline his experience and reading of the game as sweeper.

Therefore, it seems that whoever plays this Sunday, a balance need to be struck within the team. We should play to our strengths and cover up our weaknesses. Regardless of the formation, playing personnel or the tactics, every player that steps onto the pitch that day needs to be ready to do battle and fight for the team. Most importantly, we should still enjoy our game and play our best. The result is secondary. Play to our best and look back with no regret. Only then we will be able to walk off the pitch with our heads held high, knowing that we have played a good game.

HIDUP REDBACKS!

REDBACKS BOLEH!

Redbacks Draw in Eight-Goal Thriller!

Redbacks: 4
Prestigio: 4

Venue: Anderson Secondary School
Scorers: Din, Wan Jr, Irwando, Azhar

We anticipated a tough game and it certainly lived up to its billing. Prior before kick-off, Azhar cautioned the players to be prepared to do battle with another young and skillful team. With nothing to lose and everything to gain, the Spiders set out to enjoy ourselves and play our best.

We scored from our first meaningful attack. Nordin lined up a free kick and his shot found the roof of the net, sending the team into delirium. However, Prestigio came back strongly and their efforts paid off. A cross ball found its way to one of their players unmarked on the left side of the pitch and his rocket found the back of the net.

The Redbacks edged ahead once more. A cross was played into the box. Kai got a touch to the ball and as it trickled across the goal, Wan Jr raced forward and tapped the ball into the net. There was some suspicion of offside, so much so that the players didn’t know whether they should be celebrating the goal. Once again, Prestigio equalized, proving how competitive the D2D league is. Their winger found a teammate with a smart pass. Once again, the player was umarked and he was unerring in his finishing. 2-2 was the score at half-time.

In the second half, a few changes were made. Irwando was introduced into the game in attack and it paid immediate dividends. A long punt by goalkeeper Desmond was headed backwards by a Prestigio defender and Irwan raced onto it. Keeping his cool, he lifted the ball over the onrushing goalie for a truly exquisite goal. It could be Irwan’s best goal yet for the team.

Prestigio then earned a corner and things got ugly before it was taken as Bob got into a verbal tussle with one of their players. Perhaps distracted by what was going on, Prestigio found another equalizer when the ensuing corner was met with a firm header by one of their players.

Things got worse for the Spiders when Prestigio decided to take the initiative and take the lead. After losing possession in attack, we got hit by a quick counter attack and Prestigio scored the goal that sent shivers down the Spiders’ backs. After taking the lead thrice, were we in danger in getting nothing from the game?

Fortunately, there was still one more twist left in this amazing tale. We won another free kick and this time, it was the turn of the Captain to show off his party trick. His free kick beat the goalkeeper and we got out of jail! Captain Marvel leading by example. The goal shook Prestigio as the Spiders poured forward looking for the winner. We had a few half-chances but could not capitalize. At the same time, we were fortunate that Prestigio did not score from their chances too. In the end, a draw was a fair result but the Spiders would feel that we could have won this game.Unfortunately for us, the match was marred by a sending off for Bob. It was a little harsh but that is football for you.

Team (4-4-2): Desmond, Bob, Aziz, Azhar, Sani, Nordin, Jaz, Hidayat, Wan Jr, Aki, Kai
Subs: Faizal, Irwando

Special thanks to Zaini who turned up to support the team. Looking forward to seeing you on the pitch again and thank you for all the supporters (Azhar’s brood and Desmond’s family). Hope you will come to future games and spur the team on to victory!

And to all mothers, HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!

New Logo Proposals

Gentlemen. I give you some suggestions on a new logo for our team. Have a look and leave your comments…

Looking forward to your feedback.

Getting There Slowly

Redbacks: 0
Black Milan: 2

Venue: Fuhua Sec Sch

A great attendance for the Redbacks with 18 players available for selection. Given that there were a few last minute pull-outs, we could have had enough players to field two teams. With a selection headache on his hands, Azhar sent a team out in our familiar 3-5-2 formation. Unfortunately, the personnel for the strategy were not quite up to the challenge thrown to us by Milan. A team sorely lacking of pace, we were exposed time and time again by the endless long balls by our opponents. They made the most of the chances they got, scoring two goals in the process. Azhar was then forced to pull utility man Kai into defence to help keep the attackers at bay.

Things were much better in the second half as fresh players took to the field. The team maintained the 4-4-2 formation and threatened Milan’s goal. A couple of new faces impressed for the team. Imran was effective in the middle of the park, displaying silky skills and good understanding with the returning Nordin. Upfront, Mikael troubled Milan’s defense with his direct approach and tenacity. Could we have found the missing piece of the jigsaw puzzle?

It was unfortunate that for all the industry and credible play exhibited by the team, we were unable to break through Milan’s defense. It was the least that our play deserved but with so many new players on board, it would be quite a while before the team gels as a powerful cohesive unit. However, this is a team with great potential as observed by Captain Azhar.

“I have a good feeling that given time, this team will come good,” were the words that summed up the postmortem. We hope to see an equally resounding attendance for our upcoming game. Looking at the high standard of competition this year, we have to be at our best.

Forza Redbacks.

Team (3-5-2): Samy, Sani, Aziz, Bob, Nordin, Jaz, Kai, Aidil, Mok, Fariz, Fairuz
Subs: Imran, Juraimi, Wan Jr., Irwan, Mikael, Azhar, Manazil