X-S FC 2- 6 CinaBengs Shide : First by the Indians, Now the Chinese

A six goal super show by Team CinaBengs Shide just weeks after being defeated by Team Vasantham re-ignited the debate whether or not a team plays better if they speak one language. Manager Derek O' Leary put himself back in the spotlight as the Maroons were stunned by the 6 goal blitz by the fast Chinese early in the second half. For the first time in club history, the 6 goals were shared equally by 3 goal keepers.

David "Tauhid" James was tested right at the kick off when Swee, the Chinese striker took a shot from the middle of the field. The ball went just over the bar. This Chinese striker went on to score from a free kick to make it 1-0 early in the game. The Chinese made it 2-0 when their fast striker capitalised on a defensive error between keeper and central defender by stealing the loose ball and smashing it home from a tight angle.

Bhai the Singh scored a superb goal from forty yards. The opposition's keeper, back facing the ball, was too engrossed talking a substitute; only to realise that the ball went in after the loud cheer, and laughter from the X-S bench.

"Paiseh. Paiseh. Paiseh." Was all he could say after being &##^@ by his teammates. Yong Tevez (I think) made it 2-2 before the referee blows the whistle for half time. Defender Bacanury Sagna was made to stand between the goal post for the first half of second half as David "Tauhid" James had to rush off to work. He conceded 2 goals in quick succession.

Enough was enough as manager Derek O'Leary was forced to make a substitution in the 55th minute when the manager himself replaced the misplaced defender at the heart of the post. He too conceded 2 goals in quick succession.

Hudi had a good chance when he took a shot from 25 yards only to see the keeper pushed the ball skywards which lobbed towards the goal only to hit the top of the bar. His elder brother Huda too had a couple one decent chance, one of which hit the wodwork from close range. Such precision.

Shahraul came late in the second half. Brilliant movement by Huda on the left saw the defence open up. Huda laid a simple ball for "panache" Shahraul only for his tame effort to be calmly collected by the keeper. Everyone worked their socks off under the hot hot 11 am sun that sunny sunday.

The dying seconds of injury time saw Ali Giggs, who was playing well below his usual game, sent a 50 metres cross-field ball from the left touchline into the 6 yard box only to have Ilhan Manqif miss the goal by a whisker. Michael Carrick would have been proud of that cross. Match ended 6-2.

Match Analysis by match commentator RonALIdinho. The Maroons sorely needs a goalkeeper. It is one thing to lose. But to lose because of goals that could be save by a thorough-bred goalkeeper is another. The scoreline simply does not reflect the team's performance. Kudos to the 3 brave souls who stood between the post. The Board should look into the matter forthwith. Potential targets include young keepers from secondary school or above looking for a team to improve their goalkeeping skills as well as to gain match experience. I repeat myself, we need a keeper lest we want to keep conceding more goals.

Defence line seem to be pushing up to high. Like Team Vasantham, Team Cinabengs Shide played the frequent long balls over the central defence which led to 3 goals being conceded.

Team News: We have a free agent currently on a one month trial with X-S FC given the first priority to sign the player for a 5 year deal. Wei Jia used to play for team AJC as a right back. He used to be the tireless player who runs up and down the right flank to support the attack as well as running back to defend. I was told he was singled out by the coach back in those days when the coach told the team that he wants everyone to play like him, commited and gives his 100%. I believe he would be a good addition to the team. His first 90 minutes for the club went well. Only question is can he prove his worth on a weekly basis.

The team is still missing key players like captain Fabreyaz, stopper Nizarazu, midfield engine ziDaniel. Influential player Booney didnt make the trip in the defeat by Cinabengs Shide.

Something to consider....