Saturday, October 15, 2005

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Picking up their second win in 4 matches so far, the Reds sunk the Yellow Submarines at Cantonment, never doubtful of the win. Scoring midway through the first half, Zhenghan tucked home the asisst from the flanks to put the homeside one up before the break. Zhenghan, a player who initially struggled to find his most suitable position in the squad, ended all debate when he scored a quick second just after the restart. Already 2 - 0 up, the opposition showed their determination not to be overwhelmed, replying with a strike from within the box, and pulled one back. Despite the mounting fightback, Zhenghan capped off an inspirational performance by completing a hat-trick, a firmly struck volley from outside the box beating the Subs 'keeper with ease to re-instate the 2 goal advantage.

3 - 1 up and looking to seize the win comfortably, the Reds were punished for their overconfidence when another six-yard effort found its way into the back of their net. With just a goal between them, both teams stepped up their game and with emotions running high, tackles came in fast and furious. With the skipper picking up an early injury, the Reds midfield engine Shawal took the leadership of the team squarely upon his shoulders. A fantastic solo effort down the left flank was followed by a spectacular finish to cap the 4 - 2 victory. With an almost perfect game, the Reds day was marred with 2 players picking up injuries in the first half and a defence that seemed to be shaky at times.

10 minutes from the start of the first half, Reds centre-back Alex attempted a defensive header clearance only to land awkwardly on his left foot. Going to ground immediately clutching his knee, the skipper had to be stretchered off to the sidelines. 5 minutes later, star striker Wong Keng looked to have cut himself through on goal and looked to finish the penetrating run with a strike. A horrendous late tackle from behind by Subs centreback Zhenwen saw none of the ball but all of Keng's right ankle as the striker went to ground, unable to recover on his own power. Having just returned from international duty, the injury came as a blow to the young ace who had to content himself watching the game from the sidelines beside Alex.

Medical reviews immediately after the game revealed that neither player suffered fractures though ligament damage has not been ruled out. With the Reds just starting to come together as a team, this will be a blow to the players who had worked hard to get their match fitness. With the victory now behind them, these two players will now have to triumph over their new opponent, injury.

Man of the Match (nominations):





| The Reds Scored @ 6:31 AM|

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