Back With a Bang!

Redbacks: 4
Black Knights: 1

Venue: Woodgrove Sec Sch
Scorers: Own goal, Jaz, Hilmi, Ming

The Spiders got the perfect preparation for the new season as they thumped Black Knights 4-1. Having been winless for the last 8 games, it was a huge relief to finally get a comfortable win. We also welcomed the return of some old faces in Nordin and Hilmi and two new faces, Wandi and Wan. We turned out in a 3-5-2 formation due to the lack of defensive-minded players. The Three Stooges: Zaini, Bob and Ajiz formed the backline with Azhar, Jaz, Nordin, Ayyub and Wandi started in midfield and Ming and Kai spearheaded the attack.

We managed to settle into the game quickly and passed the ball around with relative ease. We were more adventurous and had more of the possession in the first half. We opened the scoring when a free kick from Nordin was headed in by a Black Knights’ defender. Not the type of goal we wanted but we’ll take it anyway.

In the second half, the game was more open as more speedy players such as Faiz, Aidil and Hilmi was brought into the fray. The Spiders got a second goal out of the blue. Receiving a ball from Azhar via a throw in and with not many choices present to him, Jaz decided to take a crack at goal. Somehow his shot managed to elude the goalkeeper and found itself in the bottom corner of the net.

Sensing a goal rush, the Redbacks poured forward and scored a third goal in the most fortunate circumstances. Wan Jr’s through ball was completely missed by the goalkeeper and Hilmi was the gleeful recipient, knocking the ball into the empty net. Hilmi: he gets the ball, he scores a goal!

Black Knights pulled one back through an incident that would probably be best described as an “Ajiz Moment”. Overindulging on the ball, Ajiz lost possession and through a series of passes, Black Knights scored. The goal seemed to spark our opponents as they attacked with more energy, especially down our right side. Perhaps they were hoping for more “moments” from Ajiz.

Kai and Ming were sent on with specific instructions to slow the game down and deny the opposition space. The game plan worked and we got a bonus when we scored a fourth goal. Faiz’s stinging shot was too hot for the goalkeeper to handle. Ming swiftly nipped the ball from the keeper’s grasp and scored the team’s fourth. However, the defence made a key contribution earlier on, making TWO goalline clearances in quick succession.

The game peppered out in the end and the relief on the Spiders’ faces was all there to be seen. We know that the competition in the league will be much tougher but at least we got a confidence-boosting win. With a big squad of experienced, senior and junior players, we hope to perform credibly in the D2D league. See everyone on the 19th!

End of Season

Redbacks: 1
Refugees: 4

Venue: Queensway Sec Sch
Scorer: Mok

Not the way we wanted to end the season. However, there would have been no match. Thanks to the persistence of our captain, the organizer managed to arrange another match with another team which also had their match cancelled.

The team struggled on a really small pitch. With our opponents enthusiasm and energy, it made the match more challenging. With some dodgy refereeing, we were really facing an uphill task. The defence really struggled without the presence of the ill Abang Sani. We conceded an own goal and some abject defending meant that the chances kept falling and the goals kept coming.

Only Mok’s equalizer (which happened to be our 100th goal of this season) brought some gloss to the team’s performance. Receiving the ball from Jaz, he embarked on one of his trademark runs down the left flank. The attention of the accompanying defender only helped to deflect his effort over the keeper and into the goal. We had many chances to make the match a closer affair, but once again, poor finishing let us down.

At least we can put the recent performances behind us and look forward to next season. We’re still very much in the rebuilding process, with the influx of many new players and the departure of long-serving Spiders. Hopefully, we will be able to build and improve in the future. Regardless, it’s been a great season.

We wish all Muslims all over the world a fulfilling and blessed Ramadhan. Semoga amalan-amalan anda diterima Allah dan hidup anda diberkati sentiasa. We will be taking a break and resume hopefully by the 3rd week of Syawal. In the meantime, keep fit and make the most of this month full or barakah.

Even though the team is taking a break, do look forward to futsal sessions that will be planned. We hope to see good attendance from everyone. I will also be typing out some articles for your enjoyment over the next few weeks, starting with the Season Review that will be up by the end of next week. Long live Redbacks!

Dramatic Finale!

Cool Guys: 2
Redbacks: 2

Venue: St Joseph’s Institute

Scorer: Ayyub (2)

Same scoreline as the week before, but this time, we were the ones doing the chasing. Our hosts settled quickly into the game and the Spiders spent most of the first half on the backfoot. We conceded two goals when our opponents took advantage of some lapses in concentration, latching onto long punts from their goalkeeper. At the other end, our midfield lacked a creative spark and the strikers could not make any headway either. We did not even make the keeper sweat in the first period.

Things got better in the second half as the team was more settled. We also had the rain to thank for soaking up the field, considerably breaking up our opponents fluid style of play. In such unpredictable conditions, the Redbacks always prosper. After working hard to carve open chances, we got our breakthrough when debutant Ayat was taken out in the box. Ayyub kept his nerve and pulled a goal back for the Spiders.

He added a second goal. I didn’t get to see the goal as I was changing, but all I know was that Irwando supplied the pass and Ayyub applied the finish for the equalizer. I might not have seen the goal, but I heard Irwando’s cries from where I was, insisting that he should be credited with the assist.

Although Ayyub took the plaudits with the two goals, Aki deserves to be named man-of-the-match for his performance between the sticks. We were astonished at his performance in goal. He made three outstanding saves in the second half alone to keep the Spiders in the hunt. Third choice keeper? After seeing the point-blank saves and his superb tip to deny a goal-bound chip, Aki should be our first choice keeper!

Let’s look forward to our next match to finally break our winless streak (which has now extended to 8 games).

Report on Mersing Trip (9th to 10th August 2008)

The Journey
We set off from Singapore a little after 8 in the morning. The expected jam at the Causeway greeted us but we were able to make it through without any real difficulty. Once the cars were topped up, we headed to Carrefour to have lunch and do some grocery shopping. I did not realize that grocery shopping was so much fun, especially when you’re not pushing the trolley and using other people’s money to buy things!

Once all the important supplies were obtained, a two hour drive ensued, taking us through long winding roads at breakneck speeds. We should really make sure that there are at least two qualified drivers in each car so that one person won’t be so overworked! It’s true what they say, better to be driven than drive.

The holiday home

Even though it was tiring, the journey was worth it when we finally arrived at Azam’s holiday home. It was truly a beautiful sight to behold. There was only one other house in the vicinity. Other than that, it was beautiful nature as far as the eyes can see. The trees, hills, sand and the sea, sheeps, monkeys and cows brought a calming feeling to anyone who laid eyes on them. Yes, even the animal droppings added to the unique atmosphere. With little time left before kick-off, we quickly changed into our gear and headed to the venue not too far away from our new-found haven.

The Match
Penyabong: 2
Redbacks: 2

Venue: A local school field

Scorers: Ayyub, Kai

For once, we had a pitch with grass all over it. It was strangely long in some places. Must be well-nourished by the animals. The size of the goalposts were a little off too, but we were not going to complain. Our opponents were physical and energetic. We were in a tough game but we were really looking to break our recent losing streak.

Our top scorer Ayyub got the ball rolling. Spotting his run, Jaz played a superb through ball that split the opponent’s defense. Latching on to the ball, Ayyub chipped the onrushing keeper for a truly classy opener. He has been the main source of goals for the Redbacks recently and he showed everyone how lethal he is when given a chance.

Not long after, Kai got into the act to end his recent goalscoring drought. Looking to take advantage of a loose ball, the striker got a kick in his gut for his troubles. Picking himself up for the free kick, he delivered a fantastic curler that left the keeper rooted to his spot. The local fans shouted, “Beckham!”

The state of the pitch took its toll on the Spiders and we coped by substituting players regularly, so as to keep everyone fresh. We looked on course for the victory but in the second half, things began to go wrong.

Penyabong, fighting for the pride of their home town, went on the offensive and threatened our goal. Spurred on by the partisan crowd, they scored two goals and threatened to steal the win. Instead, it was the Redbacks who had the best chances. Azam missed a header from about 4 metres away from goal. Our manager was quick to point out that the ball had been deflected before and it put him off a bit. What a homecoming that would be.

In the end, a draw was perhaps the fairest result. The Spiders did what we did best afterwards. Celebrate! We went to a nearby food stall to have some drinks. Make that many bottles of drink and we had some ABCs! Heaven.

The BBQ
The spread included nasi goreng kampung, fish, chickens, sausages, prawns and squids. The food was delicious, delectable and devilish. Everyone gorged themselves on the food and we even had guests joining us. It was a great time to interact with one another. For some, it was a chance to distract themselves with a game of cards. Even Abu who intended to fish ended up spending more time fishing for good cards instead. Aidil was given a ragging to welcome him to the team and many were just content watching Astro TV, thanks to Captain Azhar and his cable-connecting know-how.

Serial Killers on the Prowl

The Next Day
We woke up early to head to the beach to swim in the open seas. There was nobody else, making the session an exclusive Spiders’ affair. After we were tired of playing in the water, we engaged ourselves in a game of JELON! I’m not going to bother saying how the game was played. But it was just so fun and tiring too. Laughters all over the place and for a short while, we behaved like small kids again. Gosh, I don’t even know if I spelt the name correctly. Captain was a little upset at missing the session. He should be. Haha.

Isn't this relaxing?

Had some roti canai for breakfast afterwards. Fantastic. Some players bought some keropok lekor. Ajis bought enough to open a stall at a Ramadhan Bazaar. The otak-otak was superb too. Why does it seem like the food always taste better in Malaysia? After the meal, we headed home to pack up. The players were obviously attached to the house. Photo-taking session alone took close to an hour. We want to come back!

Health Chendol Part 2

Before we headed home, we stopped at the town centre for chendol! I’m sure Raizal would have loved it. I think the chendol was even better than the one we had in Kluang. Some had second servings. It was a great way to round off the trip.

The team thanks Azam and all those involved in the planning and implementation and of course, the players and the family members that made the trip. It would not have been possible without the contribution of the whole team. Looking forward to the next one.

Oh, and happy birthday to Singapore! What a way to spend the National Day.

Thai Lessons…

Redbacks: 0
Pithoon: 4

Venue: Ang Mo Kio Secondary School

Sure, this might be our third consecutive loss. Were we disappointed? Perhaps. Were we frustrated? Definitely. No reason to panic. This loss was handed to us by a team who is fitter and technically better. No shame in losing to a better team. Scoring 4 goals in a half and taking them in such a clinical manner deserves to be applauded. It’s no wonder that even though Singapore are the reigning kings of South-east Asia, Thailand are still recognized as the true force in the region.

I do wish to applaud the great spirit and camaraderie shown by the players. Even when we were so far behind, we kept trying to play our game and never gave up. The fact that we could still enjoy ourselves and share jokes showed our team spirit. Seeing Raizal, Abang Sani and Azhar appearing after their respective injuries in the previous games truly lifted the team. Fauzi gave everyone a pleasant surprise with his appearance, especially when everyone was wondering who would play in goal. His commitment to the team even while serving NS deserves special mention.

Now, we have greater motivation to break our winning streak next week in Mersing! Looking forward to next weekend.

Missing the Mark

Redbacks: 3
Pioneer Utd: 4

Venue: Yio Chu Kang Sec Sch

Scorers: Ayyub, Aki, Mok

The Spiders were edged out by a team that apparently is very well-versed in the art of taking set-pieces. Captain was late today and we were left to fend for ourselves. We welcomed new players Taufik, Fadly, Kamal and Aidil into the team. 3 of the new faces started the match. We got off to a flying start, scoring two goals early in the game.

First, a clearance by Aki was headed on by Kai. Ayyub took two brilliant touches, first to take the ball past the defender and the second to lift the ball over the onrushing keeper into the empty net for the opening goal.

The second goal was obtained from a corner. Ayyub hit the ball towards the near post and R. Aki-kumar popped up to score the second goal with his shoulder blade. It was just reward for the player selected to fill the role of our captain in the heart of midfield. He truly is Mr. Versatile.

Then nightmare struck. The urgency disappeared and we began losing the ball and committing fouls. Fadly was caught shoving a player in the penalty box and Pioneer pulled one back. Soon after, they equalized from another set-piece. Faiz kicked at one of their players, and their midfielder stepped up to curl a superb free kick into the top corner of the net. No chance Rizal.

Is it any surprise that we started conceding once Abang Sani had to limp off due to an injury? Rizal unfortunately joined our Iron Man at the sidelines after sustaining an injury from taking a goal kick. Unfortunately, the ball went straight to an opponent and he gleefully hit the ball into the unguarded net.

In the second half, the Spiders worked hard to get back into the game and Mok proved that he can sprint after all! Outrunning the defenders, he placed the ball to the keeper’s left to get us back into the game. Sensing a chance to win the game, the Spiders went on the offensive. However, we left gaps at the back and Pioneer gained another free kick. This time, they took it quickly and after a few interchanging of passes, took the lead through a fierce drive.

We had a great opportunity to equalize when Kamal was fouled in the box. Kai stepped up to take the kick and saw his shot bouncing off the inside of the left upright agonizingly. He will now have to make good on his promise not to take any more penalty kicks for the team. The team poured forward to salvage the game, but in the end, we just did not have enough time.

Sterile

Dark Blues: 2
Redbacks: 0

Venue: Punggol Sec Sch

If we could use one word to describe our performance just now, it would have been sterile. There were only 10 players available for selection. We had to borrow a goalkeeper from last week’s opponents, albeit only for one half. The good news is we broke our streak of draws, the bad news is we lost the game. It was truly a rare collector’s item, just one of the few matches that we failed to score!

A lot of regular faces were missing and with Fauzi beginning his National Service, there was no keeper to call upon. Our stand-in did credibly well, but even he could not stop our opponents from scoring twice. The display was lacking spirit and cutting edge in the first half. However, there were a few bright spots. Aki, restored upfront, had a few chances to score but unfortunately was unable to apply the finishing touch. Lady Luck seemed to have deserted the Spiders as many chances went begging.

Our opponents were content to sit back and repel waves of the Spiders attack. Ming broke clear of the defense on a few occasions but he too lacked composure to slot the ball into the goal. Credit to him though, without his resilience and determination, those chances wouldn’t have been created in the first place.

Kudos to Hisham for stepping up to play in goal in the second half. His presence clearly unsettled the opponents and he provided a calming influence for the Redbacks to build on. However, it was clear that the Spiders were not playing to our capability, failing to string passes as we usually do. Our opponents, on the other hand, showed great comfort on the ball and it is something that the Spiders can learn from.

Still, we can take heart from the fact that we never gave in and until the final whistle, we continued trying hard to break down our opponents. We do hope to see more Spiders in future matches as this low turnout is becoming a really scary trend. Every player is important and I think it’s time all of us stand up and be counted.

Oh, did I mention that Ajis returned and played a credible game as lastman? Together with Bob, their defending was truly a sight to behold. We always welcome long-lost Spiders. Hope to see them on a more regular basis.

Chasing the Game

Green Goblins: 4
Redbacks: 4

Venue: Ahmad Ibrahim Sec Sch
Scorers: Ayyub x 2, Faiz, Wan Jr.

AISS has always been a good hunting ground for the Spiders. However, this was not to be one of those days. It was a nightmare start for the Spiders, conceding two quick goals in the first 10 minutes. Everyone seemed to be affected by the early kick-off. I swear I saw some players sleeping as they were calling for the ball and running around the field!

Even so, we were confident in our ability to score goals. We always score. Ayyub pulled one back for the Spiders. Receiving the ball in midfield, Faiz spotted the run of Ayyub before lofting the ball into the striker’s path. Our top scorer did not disappoint, stroking the ball into the bottom corner of the net.

As we went in search for the equalizer, we inevitably left gaps at the back. Kai narrowly scored from a corner and was unfortunate to see his effort cannon off Ayyub. From the ensuing counter attack, the GG doubled their lead, leaving the Spiders with a mountain to climb.

Still, we were not disheartened. Ayyub received the ball near the byline and his cutback was met with a fierce low drive from Faiz. Having seen an earlier shot stopped by the keeper’s feet, he was not to be disappointed this time. The keeper tried the same trick but completely missed his kick. 3-2! “Not every Sunday!” shouted Faiz.

Before starting the second half, the team huddled and dedicated the next period of play to Aki’s mum, who is reportedly undergoing a steady recovery. Hooray! We started full of fervor and made a few threatening attacks. Then, a defender’s clearance ricocheted off Ming’s knee and the rebound fell kindly to Ayyub who broke clear. He showed more of his clinical finishing and pulled the team level. 

Just when we thought the match was ours for the taking, GG struck again through another well-worked counter attack. We should really learn how to defend better as a team. Jaz (who decided to play for them when they were short of players) broke free on the right after escaping the attention of Bob. He played the ball across for a GG striker to score from an easy tap in. 

The Spiders were then awarded a penalty after Azhar was brought down in the box. Our captain decided to go for something cute. His plan was to play a one-two with Kai before scoring. That was the plan until Kai had other plans. Instead of passing back to Azhar, he shot. To his horror, the rotund goalkeeper saved it with his feet! GG, apparently puzzled by the legality of the kick, hesitated and in all the confusion, Wan Jr. popped out of nowhere to knock the ball into the net. Kai breathed easy and that’s was how the game ended.

Tied Up Again

Redbacks: 2
KB United: 2

Venue: Bishan Park Sec Sch

Scorers: Kai, Ayyub

Once again, the Spiders let victory slip from our hands, allowing our opponents to equalize twice in the game. Credit to our opponents though, they thoroughly deserved it with an intense display of desire and discipline. We welcome Mok back into the team after a long absence due to paternity leave.

In the first half, both team tried hard to make headway into the game. Chances were few and far in between. Fauzi Lehmann was called into action a few times and stood tall. Our offense lacked a cutting edge and we were unable to trouble the goalkeeper. A half-time team talk sorted that out as we headed out for the second half.

The first goal was scored when Azhar Ballack had his shot blocked by a KB defender. The ball bounced towards Kai Klose. Even though the build-up was messy, there was no such nature in the finish. Kai took his time to whip the ball into the bottom corner of the net through a sea of players. Manic celebrations ensued with Kai mimicking a celebration made popular by ex-Indonesian striker Rocky Phutiray.

KB got their equalizer when Fauzi palmed away an effort into the path of an opposing player. We have to admit that KB had been knocking on our door before they made the breakthrough. We should really stop gifting goals to our opponents. Haha.

We would score what many would believe to be the winner. Once again, Azhar was involved, playing a through ball to Ayyub Podolski. Our top scorer kept his cool and applied a superb finish. We were confident that our defense would be able to keep KB out.

But it was not meant to be. KB laid siege on the Spiders’ goal and duly got their equalizer when one of their players flicked the ball into the net after some confusion at the back. The game almost took an ugly turn when Faiz got involved in a minor scuffle with one of their players. Thankfully no player saw red and the referee brought a competitive game to an ultimately fair conclusion.

Azhar commended the team, saying that we are beginning to see our “true colours”. “We must continue pitting ourselves against stronger opponents. That way, we will be able to improve our game and become better as players.” Touche captain…

Robbed!

Redbacks: 3
Venz: 3

Venue: Orchid Park Secondary School

Scorers: Azhar, Zaini, Ayyub

The Spiders let victory slip from their hands thanks to some defensive blunders and bad refereeing.

We could not get into the game quick enough, adapting to the artificial turf provided a new challenge for us. Our opponents settled quicker and opened the scoring when Bob was adjudged to have fouled their striker in the box. He received a yellow card for his troubles and Venz converted the penalty. Ming had a few excellent chances to equalize and Ayyub saw his looping header cleared off the line. We went into half-time a goal down.

Improvement was showed in the second half and we managed to equalize. Ayyub looked set to shoot before he was closed down by the defenders. He found Azhar to his left and our captain’s shot found the bottom corner of the net.

Boosted by the goal, we went for the kill. After receiving a pass from Kai, Fauzi relayed the ball to Zaini. From about 25 metres out, the defender hit a dipping shot that the keeper failed to keep out. A beautiful goal that marked manic celebrations among the players.

The Spiders thought they pulled further ahead soon after. After the keeper’s clearance was intercepted by Wan Jr, the ball found its way to Kai. Spotting the keeper out of position, he hit a shot from 35 metres out. His attempt hit the crossbar and went into the goal and bounced out. However, the referee felt that the ball did not cross the goal-line and therefore disallowed the goal. Weird considering how he managed to award a goal kick to the opponents when we kept the ball in play in the first half. He was standing even further away.

Then, an unexpected turn of events. A speculative through-ball found its way past the Redbacks’ backline. Azam, who tried to catch a striker offside, was unaware of his fellow defenders positioning. From the resulting mix-up, their striker made no mistake to draw level.

Once again, we successfully took the lead again. Azhar found Ayyub with a pass. Ayyub did brilliantly to make space for himself before hitting a low shot past the keeper. We failed to hold on to the lead and our opponents scored from a looping shot via a throw-in. We tried hard to grab the win but in the end, we had to be happy with a draw.

When asked about the disallowed goal, Kai said, “That man is not fit to referee a game. He needs to lose weight and start running more. We pay him good money man! The least he could do is show some dedication and professionalism. At the end of it all, his poor standards cost us the game.”