Monday, January 28, 2008

X-S FC 3
Team Refugees 1

Yet another atrociously wonderful display allowed X-S FC to continue their unbeaten form(assuming that the match against anderson juniors and si-liaoning werent counted). Vice-captain Farrell was slapped with a 3 match ban and a hefty fine of 5 cigarette sticks by the FA for violent conduct in the previous game. Determined not to let his vice-captain miss the game, Rafarrell Benitez filed an appeal to DBS(Desperate for Brotherhood Society).
Section 15 of the brotherhood law is as such: Any player who pushes an opponent in defence of his own teammate shall not receive any ban from playing and any confiscation of cigarettes.
The successful appeal allowed Farrell to start the game alongside Amin and Eng at the heart of defence. A brave decision by O'Leary which didnt quite turn out as expected. The midfield consisted of Fabreyaz, Booney and Ahlongso in the middle with Yong and Thong as wingbacks. Huda and the other Yong played together for the first ever time upfront and the fans salivated at the thought of the 2 most exciting forwards in X-S FC leading the line.

X-S were made to chase the game in the early minutes, with the opponents exploiting the space at the back. The pitch was uninvitingly narrow and small which created problems for X-S as it didnt suit their style of play. An early scare for the team came when their striker was put through on goal but was tripped unintentionally(?) by Eng at the last minute. Television replays showed Eng mouthing the following words to Farrell: I had to do it. Sensing something fishy, O'Leary made immediate changes to switch to 4-4-2, choosing to attack by the flanks bypassing the sardine-packed midfield. A stroke of genius as Ahlongso charged up into space and pummelled the ball into the net giving X-S a 1-0 lead going into the break.

The 2nd half started worryingly for the team as opponents had a few near miss opportunities and one could sense the Refugees gaining confidence. And it came when a mistake from our player, horror of horrors, Nanizar, horror of horrors, gave the ball away at the edge of the penalty area allowing them to shoot and score from range. 1-1. But it was all gonna be X-S from that point on. A corner kick ensued and the bench was gesticulating for Fabreyaz to take the corner and allow Nanizar the opportunity to head. The difference in height obviously tells who should be the one heading. However, Fabreyaz proved his critics wrong and rose high and proud to power a header at goal only to be cleared off the line, leaving the bench mouth agaped, awaiting thick cocks.(By the way, credit to his first half effort which shaved the post, earning a pat on the back from the ref. Scotland Yard will be sure to investigate the duo for any match-fixing).

As the match went on there were no doubts which side was stronger physically and technically. And it all showed when Amin headed towards goal only to hit the woodwork. Hudi was at the right place at the right time and gave X-S a well-deserved lead. As the attacks continued, Farrell showed why he deserved not to be suspended as he charged upfield and upon receiving a well weighted pass from his captain, beat the man, and sent a cross that YongXiang connected sweetly only for the keeper to palm it away. Fans at Marseille Secondary felt a sense of dejavu as it seems as if Dani Alves just graced the pitch.

The final blow came when Hudi set up YongXiang for a finish to give him a well-deserved goal. A truly inspiring performance by X-S as the players battled hard for the victory.

Man to watch: Hudi. Might seem a little lightweight but his touches showed class and maturity. Definitely one for the future.

Verdict: The team looks to be on its way up with classy performances in recent times. Teamwork and brotherhood seems to be instilled in many of the players already as observers noticed the amount of work put in by the players in closing down the opponents and chasing back to defend. The team seems to be build on the mantra :" Defence is the best form of attack". However, attacking organisation could be better improved and will come to the team with more playing time. Lastly, guys if we're gonna lose, we better go down fighting.





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