X-S FC 2 - 0 HD FUSION

X-S returned to full strength and showed what they were capable of as they rolled back the years to keep a clean sheet and score 2 goals against formidable opponents. Everyone played to the best of their ability and hardly put a foot wrong throughout the game.

Wei Jia even had time to pass towards his own goal and then make a sliding goal-line clearance just because he can. That was Hyder's only real test in the game, otherwise he was busy keeping his sheet clean. Ernest, Ipen and Yong Liang formed an unsurmountable triumvirate as they repelled attack after attack.

In midfield, Shaun and Taka provided cover and pressed the opponents hard to win back possession. They were succeeded by Daniel, Boon and Pai in the second half who worked to the same effect, with Pai adding flair  and Boon adding silk to Dan's grit.

Solidity meant a clean sheet but goals win you games. Chief architect of the day was Fabreyas, playing in a roaming attacking midfield role trying to thread through balls and spread play. He also did what he loved best, running at the defence from time to time. He was ably supported on the flanks by Izz and WeiJia who ran the channels and provided options and created chances.

Hafiz and Yazid kept their defence occupied upfront; darting through the lines and holding up play well. First goal came from Hafiz's pass to Fabreyas, who held up the ball looking for options. Hafiz had made an immediate run from deep after the pass and was untracked. Seeing this, Fab dissected the backline with a perfectly weighted pass that left Hafiz with only the keeper to beat, and he buried his shot gleefully.

X-S kept possession and continued mounting attack after attack. A succession of corners ensued from the relentless pressure and Fabreyas' dipping centre was very well-met by the head of Hafiz who was unmarked. It looped into the far corner and X-S celebrated.

Second half continued very much in the same vein, except that HD Fusion pressed harder in search of a goal to bring them back into the game. X-S kept in tight at the back despite making numerous changes to the team and bringing in some new and some very old faces in midfield and attack. Nuri returned from his ACL injury and was looking to do a Henry at Arsenal, but it was not to be. Boon also returned from a long absence as Ali showed his continual improvement. Able to keep possession well and press opponents better than before, he can play an important role in the team if he keeps it up.

Next weekend will see a revitalised X-S face Vanguard. They will require a win to see them to the next round of the GAFL Challenge Cup. Allez Honey Badgers!