REDBACKS : 1
FORZA FC : 1
Venue: MacPherson Sec Sch
Scorer : Mikael
Redbacks defined the word Forza (strength) in today’s highly charged game. Coming back off a win in their Cup tie last week,the Spiders were looking at continuing that form. The challenge that came in for them was Forza FC,who was sitting pretty at second place in the table prior to this match.
Redbacks started with their now familiar 4-5-1 formation.The first 10 minutes into the game was a sight to behold,as Redbacks paid no heed to their opponent’s reputation and stroked the ball with conviction.Passes after passes were strung by the tightly knitted midfielders.Even the defenders got into the act as play was built from the back.Forza FC,who had their attack spearheaded by Hady Mirza of Singapore Idol fame,were left to build their attack on the fringes of loose balls and misplaced passes.It was a cagey affair for both teams as,they tried to grab a dominant stronghold on the midfield.Impressively however,the Spiders Midfield quintuplet was able to choke time and time again, Forza FC’s advances.But such excellent disciplined play came at a premium price,as our players were knocked heavily all over the ground.Capt Azhar in particular received special attention as he had to grapple with the tumbles,fumbles and crumbles of opposing players.But still,the Spiders held on to make the first half a goalless affair.
Second half ensued with the typical changes in personnel as Jaz,Jo,Ajiz,Bob,William and Yusman made their way into their respective roles.Sensing that a game was on hand,both teams were keen on trying to establish an early lead.That lead came in the form of a Spiders goal.A long punt from Sharizan fell onto the feet of Forza’s left defender who attempted to play his way out.His feeble pass was firmly blocked by the advancing feet of Jaz,and the ricocheted ball bounced to Ajis.The central midfielder for the evening advanced with the ball as Jaz made a blind run down the right.Unexpectedly,Ajis decided to make a pass,and his lay off into the D area,was missed by Jo but picked up expertly by Mikael.With a shimmy and a shuffle,Mikael advanced himself just off the penalty area,beating 3 Forza players and unleashed a snap shot!The bouncing ball escaped the grasp of the keeper and it was Redbacks taking the initiative.1-0!
Play restarted and as usual,both sets of midfield squared off evenly like a fencing match.Redback’s defence line that was admirably led by Zaini did well to repel wave after wave of attacks.10 minutes later,Forza earned a corner kick.As each player lined themselves defending,little did they know what was to come.A poorly delivered corner by Forza landed awkwardly onto their player,who acrobatically kicked it back into the box.The Spiders hastily cleared their lines,only to have the ball fall,bouncing sweetly outside the D area.Forza’s dimunitive midfield lynchpin,wasted no time in unleashing a firmly placed volley that seemed to elude everyone but the goal.1-1 was the result.
After that goal,Redbacks went on the juggernaut as they attempted to wrest the game away for their maiden victory.Alas it was not meant to be,as a mixture of bad calls from the man in black and the misfiring strikes of the attacking line,meant that the Spiders had to settle for their third draw in as many matches.
But there was no questioning that this game illustrated yet another highlight of the Spider’s improving style of play.Disciplined positioning,positive call outs and spirited heart meant that the Spiders will take each game to the edge of the final whistle.So in the end,it was deserving for the players and supporters alike to exclaim out aloud:
FORZA REDBACKS!
Team (4-5-1) : Izan, Zaini, Sani, Wan Jr, Aidil, Irwando, Faizal, Azhar, Fai, Mok, Mikael
Subs: Jaz, Jo, William, Yusman, Ajiz, Bob
Match Report by Jaz
