The League Cup is back again, in a new format. The teams have been divided into groups of 3. The Redbacks have their work cut out for them as they have been put into Group E, identified by the league organizers as one of the “Groups of Death”. We have been grouped together with FC Simpang of Division 1 and the current Division 4 league leaders, Kentridge Rangers.

Redbacks will be looking forward to their match with FC Simpang. Last year’s Division 3 leaders spanked the Spiders 5-2 in last season’s opening game. The Redbacks improved in the second leg, narrowly losing 2-1. Since then, FC Simpang enjoyed a double promotion to Division 1, where they have been struggling of late. They have only won 1 out of the 5 games they have played. They will be hoping for an excellent league cup campaign. Against a team of solid, speedy and skillful players who play a tight, short-passing game, the Redbacks must be at their best.

But before that, the Redbacks begin their league cup adventure against Kentridge Rangers. They may be in Division 4 but don’t let that fool you. Kentridge Rangers were in Division 1 last season where they finished 6th. For some reasons unknown, they were given (or requested for) a triple demotion to Division 4. This season, they have brushed aside every challenger, winning all their games and scoring 33 goals in those 7 games. With such scoring prowess, the Spiders’ defense need to be on their A-game.

As clear underdogs, the Spiders have all to gain and nothing to lose. For the Redbacks, the bigger the challenge, the harder we play. Therefore, we hope to see a healthy attendance this weekend. Hopefully, all players will come with fire in their bellies, full of heart and ready for a battle. We will need all of you. Time to stand up and be counted.

FORZA REDBACKS!

Redbacks: 2
Yishun Fire Station: 2

Venue: Greenview Secondary School
Scorers: Azhar, Kai
Assist by: Rosli

A hardly-contested affair where both teams played to a creditable draw. Captain Azhar decided to use a 3-2-3-2 formation to suit the long pitch. The Spiders settled down first, playing a neat passing game. Azhar had a chance to draw first blood but his attempt from a cross struck the upright and rolled agonizingly across the goal. However, our veteran striker was not to be denied. Moments later, Azhar struck a beautiful free kick past the goalkeeper to score the game’s opener.

Yishun Fire Station (YFS) regrouped and got back into the game. With no player closing down an advancing midfielder, a through ball was played down the middle. A YFS striker took advantage of the gap and finished clinically past stand-in goalkeeper Fairus. Both team then traded attacks, eager to wrest control of the game.

It was late into the first half when the Spiders took the lead again. From Rosli’s corner, Kai rose the highest to nod the ball into the goal. It was just reward for the enterprising attacks that the Spiders created. A few minutes later, the referee blew the whistle for the end of the first half.

In the second half, YFS equalized early in the second half. In an attempt to avoid danger, Epul slid the ball into the middle of our penalty area. Unfortunately, newly-wed Raizal slipped at a critical moment, allowing a YFS player time and space to score. The Spiders had various opportunities to take the lead. Trialist Aim utilized his great dribbling skills to break free of the defense. However, his finishing let him down.

YFS themselves threw everything at the Spiders but found our defenders: William, Raizal, Aidil and then Zaini, in bullish mood. Jaz then had a great chance to win the game when he wriggled free on the left side of the pitch. However, he smashed his shot over the crossbar. Thankfully it was just a friendly but once again, it was a story of missed chances. Let’s hope we put up an even better show in our next game.

FORZA REDBACKS!

Team (3-2-3-2): Fairus, William, Aziz, Aidil, Alfiah, Kai, Rosli, Jaz, Amirrudinie, Hazri, Azhar
Subs: Irwan, Joe, Zaini, Raizal, Epul, Aim

Redbacks: 4
Sarcofargo: 4

Venue: Sengkang Secondary School
Scorers: Patrick, Rosli, Azhar (2)
Assists by: Kai, Azhar

Sengkang Secondary continue to be a bogey ground for the Spiders as we were frustrated by Sarcofargo. It was a game we ought to win but a combination of bad luck, lack of discipline and sheer determination by our opponents saw both teams end the game with 4 goals each. Redbacks got the perfect start to game, scoring within the first few minutes. Kai found debutant Patrick on the left side of the pitch and the newbie scored the game’s opener with a rising shot.

Sarcofargo equalized after Izan’s clearance found their right winger. The Sarcofargo player took advantage and struck the ball into the unguarded net. The Spiders went back into the lead as Rosli was released by Azhar with a through ball. Rosli beat the goalkeeper and finished clinically. However, Sarcofargo managed to equalize again before the half was over thanks to some lacklustre defending. We had other great opportunities to pull ahead but were unable to make the chances count.

In the second half, Azhar came alive and put the Spiders ahead with a fine effort. Sarcofargo refused to give in and drew level against the run of play. Aidil brought their midfielder down in the penalty box with Izan sent the wrong way from the resultant kick.

Just as Sarcofargo was stubborn in refusing to accept defeat, the Redbacks were determined not to lose two precious points. Azhar made the most of another half-chance, rifling a shot for the team’s fourth and his second goal. With a few minutes left, the Spiders lost focus. Sarcofargo took the direct route and exploited some gaps at the back to score their final equalizer for the game. 4-4 was the final score. The Spiders left the game feeling that they should have gained more from the game.

We hope that everyone gained valuable experience and learning points from the game. The game plan was properly spelled out and every player needs to play his part to ensure that we keep to it. It is important for every person to fulfill their function and perform their roles to the best of the ability. Also, substitutions need to be thought of carefully and should not be done haphazardly. But what’s done is done. Let’s move on to the next game and play hard for a better result.

Forza Redbacks.

Team (4-4-2): Izan, William, Sani, Alfiah, Aidil, Halim, Rosli, Patrick, Amir, Azhar, Kai
Subs: Bob, Juffry, Saiful, Mok, Joe, Fairus, Hazri

Redbacks: 3
Macheda: 2

Venue: Serangoon Secondary School
Scorers: Mikael (3)
Assist: Fairus

For once, it was great to see the Redbacks turn up at the game before our opponents. We lined up in a 4-4-2 formation with the returning Oggy in goal, Azhar, Sani, William and Aidil playing in defence, Joe, Fai, debutant Amir and Jaz in midfield and Kai and Mikael in attack.

Macheda scored first after Azhar fouled one of their players just outside the box. They scored direct from the free kick with the ball bursting through the net. Stunned, the Spiders swung into action. The midfield struggled throughout the first half, much like what happened to Singapore the night before. To make matters worse, Jaz had to limp out of the game due to an injury.

Then, a game-changing event. Hidayat broke clear of the defence after being put through by Mikael. Under pressure, a Macheda defender brought down Hidayat. Being the last man, the referee had no choice but to send the player off for a professional foul. However, even with a man down, Macheda proved to be a very tough nut to crack.

Against the odds, Macheda pulled further ahead. Another free kick conceded, another great attempt, another goal. 2-0 to Macheda. Were the Spiders staring a third straight defeat? Thankfully, we managed to pull a goal back just before half-time. Hidayat and Kai combined to release Mikael down the left side. The striker still had much to do but he powered past all challengers and slammed the ball into the net via a deflection. We were back in the game!

In the second half, multiple substitutions were made. With the one man advantage, the Spiders had to utilize the rolling subs if we were to get anything from the game. One crucial change made was Samy coming into goal. He was called into action early in the half, responding well to punch the ball away after a Macheda player had been put through.

Azhar had a chance to score when he spotted the goalkeeper off his line. Unfortunately his attempt came back off the crossbar. Misery for the Spiders. Was it going to be tour day?

With the Spiders pushing forward in search for an equalizer, gaps were left at the back. Macheda soaked the pressure well and launched some dangerous counter attacks. Then, to everyone’s horror, we conceded a penalty. William brought a Macheda player down in the box. It was a killer sucker punch waiting to be delivered. Up stepped Samy who dove well to his right to palm the penalty away. Samy saves William’s bacon!

That crucial save gave the Spiders belief that the game was there to be taken. Had the penalty gone in, it would have been curtains for sure. Not too long later, the Redbacks won our own penalty. Azhar was brought down in the box as he was pursuing a deep free kick. Mikael scored the penalty but it was ordered to be re-taken after Alfiah encroached into the penalty area as the kick was being taken. Mikael kept his nerve and stroked the penalty home at the second attempt.

Macheda almost took the lead through yet another free kick. However, we were relieved to see the ball come back off the crossbar. The tide was finally turning.

Finally, the Spiders took the lead late into the game. Mok found Fairus on the left flank. Fairus then played a superb ball into the area to Mikael. Mikael controlled the ball well and applied a clinical finish to send the Redbacks into a frenzy. A hat-trick for Mikael and a victory for the Spiders. A tough game against formidable opponents with fortunate circumstances. It could have been so different but we came through in the end.

FORZA REDBACKS!

Team (4-4-2): Oggy, Azhar, Sani, Aidil, William, Joe, Jaz, Amir, Fairus, Kai, Mikael
Subs: Samy, Mok, Alfiah, Hidayat, Wan, Aziz, Bob, Halim

Special mention goes to Yusman for turning up and supporting the team.

Redbacks: 0
Industmarine: 1

Venue: Commonwealth Secondary

An unfortunate loss for the Spiders. We kicked off with only 9 players with several others turning up late for the game. The only goal was conceded early in the game, the numerical disadvantage proving too much for the team. We hope to see punctuality from all players in the future.

There was no urgency in our game. Apart from a few players, the others just did not turn up. After scoring the goal, Industmarine were content to just sit back and soak the pressure in the second half. Chances were minimal with attempts on goal far in between. Maybe the lazy Sunday afternoon was taking its toll on the players.

This is the second game we have failed to score a goal, a worrying situation for the Spiders. With the absence of Mikael and the loss of Azhar through injury, who can we depend on to deliver the goals? Just when we are beginning to shape up defensively, a new complication has surfaced.

Either way, we hope for an improved performance in our next game. Hopefully, everyone will be up to the challenge to return the Spiders to winning ways.

Forza Redbacks.

The unity of a team is symbolized by the shirt that they wear on the pitch. In order to combat the strip “irregularities” plaguing the team recently, we will be taking orders for players who do not have the red Kappa jersey of Redbacks Amateur Football Club.

The Set includes:
1) Red top
2) Red shorts
3) Red socks
4) Printing of number and name

The Set will cost less than $40 each, depending on the number of orders we receive. We will be collecting $40 from the players and any difference will be returned to them upon completion of the order. If you have any difficulty in paying the full amount, please approach any member of the Exco so that we can make proper arrangements.

The following numbers are available:
8, 10, 17, 19, 25-27, 29-44, 46-76 and 78-99

Please provide the payment, number of choice and name to be printed to Jaz. Numbers will be awarded on a first come, first serve basis. You pay it, you keep it. Cut-off date to make reservations and payment will be on the 30th November 2009.

Forza Redbacks.

Total Football: 4
Redbacks: 0

Venue: Siglap Secondary School

A second-half collapse saw the Spiders succumb to their first defeat this season, leaving our captain and chief tactician, Azhar, much to think about. Without Samy nor Izan available, Fai found himself between the sticks today. Rizal volunteered to be the sweeper, assisted by Sani and Kai in the middle with Aidil and Alfiah operating as full-backs. Jo started in midfield alongside Jaz, Mok and Yasser. Azhar was the lone striker.

Total Football offered little threat in the first half, with the defense dealing comfortably with what was thrown at them. Redbacks were content to sit back and soak the offense, while trying to make the most of whatever counter-attacks that we could come up with. Alfiah was the standout performer in the backline once again, doing more than what was required to ensure that the defense was not breached. The first half ended goalless.

Many players were introduced at the break. That unsettled the team a bit and allowed a Total Footballer to take centre stage. Firdaus Paijan, remember the name. The son of renowned coach Tohari Paijan had been identified by D2D to be one of the key players of the team and on this day, he proved to be the difference. Spotting a gap in the middle, Firdaus literally burst through the middle and hit a stiff shot past Fai. However, one would feel that we let him through too easily.

Buoyed by the goal, Total Football piled on the pressure. However, the Redbacks had a few good chances to equalize. Rizal tested his luck with a free kick that the goalkeeper fumbled. Hilmi used all of his speed to get to the rebound but the goalkeeper managed to get to the ball first. Firdaus made his mark on the game again, taking advantage of some loose defending to score the second of the game. He went on tormenting the Redbacks’ defense. After beating Aziz down the left side, he squared the ball for his teammate to score with a simple tap-in. A fourth goal was added late in the game to further compound the Spiders’ misery. With everyone wilting in the scorching afternoon heat, the final whistle brought much relief and disappointment at tasting our first defeat.

Despite the heavy defeat, spirits remain high in the camp and we hope this will just be a one-off letdown. We must take heart at a solid first-half performance and look to improve our fitness so that we can maintain our performance, especially if we need to play a 3pm game again! Players must be prepared to play for one another and fight till the very end. To concede 4 goals in a single half when you’re playing a defensive formation just will not do. There are still many more games to be played and we should look forward to them and aim to make a mark in Division 3 this season. Rest well and see everyone next weekend!

Forza Redbacks!

Team (5-4-1): Fairoz, Rizal, Sani, Kai, Aidil, Alfiah, Jo, Jaz, Mok, Yasser, Azhar
Subs: Hilmi, Halim, Yusman, Aziz, Taufiq

GAME ABANDONED

Score at time of abandonment:

Redbacks: 2
1980s United: 1

Scorers: Azhar, Fairoz

Venue: Sembawang Secondary School

With only 11 players available, the Redbacks had to make do with whoever we had in a 5-4-1 formation. Raizal gamely took up the responsibility of goalkeeping. Zaini was the sweeper with defenders Sani, Bob, William and Alfiah. Kai, Jaz, Mok and Yasser were the midfielders and Azhar played alone upfront. In fact, we kicked off the game with only 10 players as Bob arrived late. However, being one man down did not prevent us from taking the lead. Noticing that 1980s’ goalkeeper liked to stray out of his goal area, Azhar showed great technique by simply lobbing the ball from 30 yards out over the stranded goalkeeper after receiving the ball from Mok. That would have been the veteran’s first goal this season.

1980s came at the Spiders with everything that they got but Redbacks were resilient defensively and refused to give anything away. William, Sani and Alfiah in particular were majestic at the back. The defense stood tall against all the challenges, proving that the newly-found defensive stability is no coincidence. However, this has been the result of dogged determination and faithfulness to execute a well-thought game plan. It would be a great challenge to keep 1980s out and they got their equalizer from a direct free kick.

Multiple changes were made at the break. Irwan, Jo, Samy, Fairoz and debutant Asri were thrown into the fray, replacing Azhar, Kai, Raizal, Mok and Bob. The game became more open and 1980s threatened to take the lead. They manage to create some good opportunities but when they managed to puncture the defense, they found Samy to be in bullish mood. Buoyed by a clean sheet in the last match, our custodian is keen to ensure that he keeps up his streak.

The Redbacks had our chances too. Alfiah had a great effort from a free kick tipped over the crossbar by the goalkeeper. Asri then made a telling contribution as he was fouled when he embarked on a run down the right flank. Unfortunately, our debutant got injured in the process. Jaz sent the free kick in and the keeper punched it away. The ball pinballed its way to Jo who hit it towards goal, only to be blocked by a 1980s’ player. The ball then fell to Fairoz, who hit it first time beautifully. The ball found its way into the top right-hand corner of the goal. He had waited so long for his first goal, and that would have been his first ever for the team. Will it be just reward for his positive performances recently.

The game became more intense, as both teams tried to get the upper hand, it was clear that the challenges were becoming more physical. Unfortunately, the game was thrown into disrepute in the 65th minute when 1980s midfielder and Bob got entangled with an ugly contact, which the 1980s Midfielder retaliated by kicking Bob off the ball. The Referee immediately rushed to scene and flashed the red card to both of the player involved in effort to contain the situation. One thing led to another, a few blows were delivered and unfortunately, a pitch invasion occurred and the referee lost control of the situation. One more red cards were shown to a 1980s player and the referee decided that it was best to abandon the game. Salute to the Redbacks substitutes and supporters in containing their emotion and respecting the spirit of the game by staying at the sidelines.

This shows that in the heat of the moment, things can happen. It’s easy to say that everyone should have kept their cool but there are times when people just lose it. Redbacks do not condone such behaviour and we have upheld that belief ever since we started kicking together 5 years ago. All in all, we hope that all parties will take this opportunity to reflect on what had happened. It’s a waste that such an epic encounter had to end in such a manner.

Redbacks and 1980s United will now wait for the disciplinary board of D2D League to decide on the outcome of the match. Let’s hope for a favourable outcome and look forward to another great weekend of football.

FORZA REDBACKS!

Team (5-4-1): Raizal, Zaini, Sani, Bob, William, Alfiah, Kai, Jaz, Mok, Yasser, Azhar
Subs: Samy, Irwan, Jo, Fairoz, Asri

Thank you to Izat for turning up to support the team. Your feedback, guidance and assistance is always treasured and your presence has been missed. We wish you recovery and hope to see you play for us once again.

Match Preview vs 1980s United FC

This Sunday’s encounter with 1980s might be the biggest challenge that the Spiders will face. Throughout the years, we have faced some tough adversaries but 1980s threaten to be the toughest one of all. Many neutral observers have already written off the Spiders’ chances, predicting a huge win for 1980s as a mere formality. A look through 1980s impressive CV is enough to send shivers down the spines of most teams. Six-time champions of eleven tournaments that they have taken part in, 1980s sure is a mean machine. A team of extreme footballing pedigree, they boast of players who have played at some of the highest level of local football.

However, the Spiders are not like most teams.

The comparisons cannot be any different. 1980s are filled with youthful, fit and fast 20-year-olds while Redbacks are made up of players as young as 19 to as old as 50 plus. However, the one thing in common that both teams share is the passion for the game. We hope that the passion will be brought out in a positive way. If it does, the match will be a spectacle indeed. While it can be expected that 1980s will look to utilize their pace, skill and power to overwhelm the Spiders, the Redbacks could probably use one thing that we have in abundance: our experience. We might not have played for any S-League team (most of us were too old when it first started anyway), but we have played quite a bit. Trying to match them pace for pace might be suicide. Therefore, expect a tactical battle to ensue. This will be a match that might be decided by the team which is smarter. Another quality that the Spiders can count on is our fighting spirit. The bigger the opponents, the more fired up we are and the better we play.

Brotherhood. That’s what we stand for. Brothers in arms, we fight to the end.

We will be hoping for a healthy turnout this Sunday as we can expect a tiring and bruising outing. Make no mistake, 1980s will run us to the ground and given our lack of fitness, we might have to rely on the rolling substitute rule more than ever. Expect to play in short bursts as it will keep everyone fresh. No matter how hard 1980s run, make sure we run harder. No matter how incessant they attack us, make sure we are as stubborn. No matter how little attacking we create, make sure we are ready to make the little chances count. Will we park the bus (as William has mentioned) and hold out for the draw? Let’s keep the cards close to our chests for now but I’m sure the tacticians of the team have a game plan. They may be the favourites for the title, but we are just as hungry for our first win of the season. Much have been made about the Spiders’ defensive abilities lately and this Sunday’s match will be the acid test for the team.

The test is tough, but we are up for it.

Therefore, I call upon all Spiders to stand up and be counted. Play with your hearts and your brains. Regardless of how good 1980s United are made out to be, it is still a game played with eleven men on each side. It is still a game played on the same rectangular pitch. It is still a game played with one spherical ball. It is still a game of football and all is fair in this game we love. Win, lose or draw, we will play to the end. Let’s go into the match with our heads held high and leave the field in the same way.

FORZA REDBACKS!

FORZA REDBACKS!

FORZA REDBACKS!

Redbacks: 0
Ultras: 0

Venue: Yio Chu Kang Secondary School

It is very rare indeed for the Spiders to be involved in a goalless draw. A terribly dry and bumpy pitch welcomed both teams. 20 players turned up for the game for the Redbacks, providing Azhar and Jaz with a big headache. We opted to start in our familiar 5-3-2 formation. Samy was in goal. Kai played as the libero with Sani and Raizal as the stoppers. Aidil and Alfiah operated as the overlapping full backs. Jaz, Fai and Mok were the three midfield generals. Azhar and Rizal played upfront.

The defence showed great stability in the first half and managed to deal with the Ultras’ threats comfortably. At the other end, the attackers were really missing the panache and direct style of Mikael but we did manage to create some meaningful chances. However, the finish was sorely lacking with Mok and Rizal not being able to make the most of whatever opportunity that came their way. Ultras had a great chance to open the scoring. From a throw-in, the ball was headed on by one of their attackers. An Ultras midfielder almost made contact with the ball but thankfully he missed it.

The second half saw multiple changes and also a change of formation to a more attacking 4-4-2. It led to a more open game with both teams enjoying attacking spells of possession. Once again, the defence of both teams stood tall and it was proving to be a really frustrating outing for the attackers. Fai saw his cross graze the top of the crossbar and Ultras had to depend on some last ditch defending to keep the Spiders away. Ultras themselves had a great chance to win it deep into the match when their striker twisted and turned inside the penalty area but was unable to apply the finishing touch, allowing the Spiders to clear the danger.

Even though we could feel that we missed a great chance to win our first match, we can take pride in the fact that we played a good defensive game, one which is not really synonymous with the Spiders.  Hopefully, this will be a sign of things to come and will send a message to the other teams in the league that we never give in and we will fight to the end. Some might say we missed Mikael but it’s up to everyone to raise their game and play their parts. Alfiah, in particular had an outstanding game at left-back, gobbling up everything that came in his way. Fai had a standout performance too, troubling Ultras on the left side of the field. Jufri and Jo showed great aggression and consistency today and Yasser showed great enterprise and initiative attacking down the left. With such assured performances, the future of the Spiders look very bright indeed.

We would like welcome new additions to the family: Taufiq, Halim, Ernest and Yasser. We hope you will enjoy your time with us and look forward to growing together as a team and a family of brothers. In this team, it’s all about passion, brotherhood and a healthy lifestyle. If you’re down with that, then we got two words for you: WELCOME HOME!

Let’s look forward to our next game and notch our first win of the season. Forza Redbacks!

Team (5-3-2): Samy, Kai, Sani, Raizal, Alfiah, Aidil, Jaz, Mok, Fai, Azhar, Rizal
Subs: Hidayat, Bob, Aziz, Ernest, Yasser, Halim, Taufiq, Jo, Jufri