Sunday, February 26, 2006

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Another controversial match ended with the Reds losing 2 - 1 to the Raffles opposition. With several players missing, the midfield was threadbare and a toothless attack resulted in yet another loss, the team's second in three games. With just 1 point from a possible 9, and the increasing speculation over the continued presence of midfield kingpin Shawal, the Reds found themselves on the backfoot for the entire 90 minutes. After 30mins of sustained pressure, the Jonathan of the Rangers was sent tumbling in the box as he raced goalwards after picking up a through pass played to him. The 'keeper raced out to collect but sent the striker tumbling as he cut past him, a clear infringement that resulted in a penalty. Neatly put away, it gave the Rangers a much deserved lead which was consolidated just before half time after a strike down the right flank found its way into the back of the net.

2 goals to the good, the Rangers were caught off guard in the second half when the Reds blitzed attack after attack, turning up the tempo of the game in search of a comeback. With Ivan switching to 'keeper and Fadli taking on outfield responsibility, the move looked to have at least provided some cover in the midfield region. Racing into the box, the 'keeper-turned-midfielder found himself floored by a horrendous challenge, earning a penalty which Zhenghan converted from the spot with a deft chip. 2 - 1 and with every chance of a fightback, the Reds found themselves unable to find that elusive second goal which would at least salvage the respectability of a draw. The Rangers contented themselves with sitting deep and hitting on the counter, a tactic which almost succeeded if not for several spectacular saves from the substitute 'keeper. Ending 2 - 1, in favour of the Rangers, the result was by and large a fair one giving the Reds something to mull over before their next encounter.




| The Reds Scored @ 11:01 PM|

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