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!

X-S 5-2 Astala Vista




Excerpts from the post-match interview:


"Jufri has 8 goals in 3 games for X-S FC, with 2 hat-tricks. And he has mentioned that his boots were very hot after being subbed off just now. Hotshot? Why not."


"Hafiz and Yasin are back among the goals again as they join Juf on the goalscoring charts today."


"The defence are complaining that at this rate, they will never be on the MOTM list. Keep trying, I say."


"Yong Liang was flying all over the pitch today and stood tall in defence with his no-nonsense approach." [Sorry I can't help it Yong :) ]


"Derek brought his swashbuckling wingback play from Thailand and managed to make Chewy misplace a pass cos he was just too fast."

X-S FC 2 -2 Force Majuere


It was a beautiful Sunday morning 
and the X-S boys came out to play.
The grass was green & Sun was burning
and it stayed throughout the day.


We defended well, our line was deep
Our leftback's name is Jasdeep.
He wore new boots that were White & Red
and for breakfast he ate Bonjour bread.


We conceded first to the boys in blue
and I can't remember how it went through.
But slippery singh has a knack for something
and his brilliant pass led to Hilmi scoring. 


The second half began on level terms 
but the opponents led through a sublime volley.
It felt terrible, like playing soccer in berms,
Our heads went down like we were licking a lolly.


Still, we kept pushing and we kept our shape 
with Daniel playing like Scott Parker.
Farrell Tan was like Superman without a cape
But we all know he's still a f*cker.


Chewy and Hilmi kept attacking the wings 
But what came next was stuff that made Kings.
The Captain lined up a harmless corner
And he scored from that, giving everyone a boner.


So it ended 2 all at the end of the day
Despite X-S having some players away.
We should all be proud and keep this up
Who knows maybe we'll end up with a cup.

X-S FC 2-1 SHAMROCK (FRIENDLY GAME OF THE YEAR)

It was a much needed morale-boosting victory for X-S after two previously close-fought league encounters ended in defeat. The fear of getting thrashed escalated even before the game commenced and it reached its zenith when the team conceded yet another scrambled goal. Ali was back to his rampaging best as he supplied two assists amidst countless mazy runs. Derek flew all the way from the land of the smiles to showcase a breathtaking display of fine Sawadeekap football.

First goal came after the team went a man down due to an injury sustained by Yasin. The game was suddenly brought to life as everyone seemed to kick into 2nd gear yet playing at his recreational best and rarely pressurized by whatever the outcome. A typical Ali slalom sliced the midfield as he attempted to switch play to the left. The ball took a fortunate touch off Hafiz's torso, immediately finding himself with plenty of space and time to coolly slot home the equaliser. A sublime second followed after some neat interchange of passes between Shaun and Ali culminating in Shaun striking a sweet right foot volley into the top left hand corner of the goalpost.

There was still time for near misses from both sides as the game drew to a nervy ending. Overall, a mighty fine performance all round which served as timely preparation for the upcoming league games. ... and a reminder that substitutions might not be necessary afterall.

For those who still visit this blog still, this is gonna be a treat.

Yes, we lost. But if you ask me, I think it was a performance that we can be proud of. The opponents had some luck, so did we, but they were lucky first so it changes things a little. In the last two games, we were stringing passes together in midfield to attack, and it is something i have NEVER seen before from the back. Signs that we are finally playing football. I see our fullbacks getting forward and being more constructive with their passes, midfielders are passing to each other properly, instead of everyone just trying to hit the long magical killer pass forward like how we have always played. And this, my friends, is how football should be played. We are still not incisive enough in terms of the final pass, but learning to build-up is always a good start.

Over the years, I have observed that we always play well against good teams. And it's not just random casual observations, but when you're right at the back of the team, you can really see the drive and hunger of the players in front. When we play against good teams, we close them down fast and hard, in twos and threes, the challenges we put in are stronger and it really shows in the desire to win the ball. But whenever we play teams like astala vista, meirda, dunman, we just slack off. If we can have the right mentality, to go into every game thinking like we're playing reunite or elite, we can definitely brush idiots like astala vista off.

It's a MENTAL thing. It's like everyone one of us has this button inside that needs to be pushed, and we can play at a higher level after that.

X-S records an emphatic 3-0 victory to open their account this season with captain Fabreyas providing the first 2 goals for Adam and Eng. Ipin sealed the win with a peach of a shot from the left. Eng returns with an imperious performance alongside partner-in-crime Farrell. Ipin staking a very good claim to a first team spot with his showing.

Manager Yarsene Wenger's decision to play tricky wingers Adam and Ernest might turn out to be a master plan, as X-S can now roam the wings.

Despite Wee Meng repeatedly insisting on passing the ball to the opponents, we cleared our lines with aplomb. Young goalkeeper Ariff passed the test with flying colours.

There was still time for the returning RonAlidinho to volley over TWICE in front of goal when Thaqif's long throws wrecked havoc in the opponents penalty area.

Note:

Let's have some common sense and fairplay guys. When we win, we want to win with pride and dignity. Not with the opponents hating our guts. Keep this is mind, it may cost us at the end of the season with all these stupid yellows as there will be point deductions.

Hey guys, its been awhile. Thought I'd take some time off my busy schedule tonight to prep ourselves for season 2. As usual, I don't know how many can commit and how many cannot. Doesn't matter, its usual. What we need though, is some pride.

We were never a bad team. So why are we playing like one sometimes? God knows. I wonder what happened to the X-S of the first half of the season. It seems as though we've lost it.

Of course, that's not true. We're still a great team. We can match FMFC on their home turf, though we lost 2-1. We can trash Re-Unite. We can take a 3-0 lead within minutes against that team in green at Simpang Bedok. But then we we can also lose to Dunman All-Stars.

We need a boost. And to be honest, noone can push the team except ourselves. If you can will yourself to perform better and concentrate and improve with every minute you play football, we will be back stronger than ever. If we continue being complacent and just hit and hope, not listening to each others' opinions and continue making the same mistakes we've been doing, we'll never get out of this rut. And I speak for everyone.

I've been in charge of this team for as long as I can remember. It's been draining at times, heart-wrenching at times, extremely hilarious at times and fun all the time. Every season I start with new hope, new resolve and more expectations. Next season is no different. It's the first time in our history that we're staying on in the same league under the same organisers.

For now, we have about 2 weeks of rest from football. I hope the void fuels a hunger to succeed in you guys.

Here's a player-by-player analysis I've always wanted to do:

WL: You've been a great servant to the club. An ever-present. Through all these years you've improved much, but you dare not improve more. I think you can practice on your goalkicks. It would be a great asset to the team to have; accurate long-range missiles to chase. Secondly, confidence on the ball. There may be situations whereby you need to be able to play the ball at your feet. Before/after every game, just practice these 2 things. Grab someone to partner you and just go at it.

Boon: Aggression. I want to see more drive and fierceness from you. In fact, every player on the pitch. Its great that you're heading more, you've put most of your injuries behind. Still haven't lost that ability to make a telling pass. Secondly, have more confidence to shoot. You have a great shot, very straight n direct (I rmbr from street soccer). But we hardly ever see it on the pitch. So these 2 things for you to work on.

YL: Composure and judgement. You're almost complete. Can head, can use both feet. Its all good. But you need more composure. You need to practice your first touch so that you can make time and space for yourself on the ball. As a left back, you would normally have time and space but you seem to panic sometimes. Judgement-wise, sometimes you try to rush the play unnecessarily. I like your drive and hunger, but you'll have to talk more to your team-mates to adjust your style accordingly.

Dan and Shaun: As central players, you guys need a lighter first touch that can set yourself up immediately for a pass. You're both great ball-winners, undoubtedly. But there is also that chance of losing it with a poor first touch. Secondly, if we're in possession, you need to be more dynamic. Move into space immediately after your pass. 80% of the time, the opponent will stay and you'll have more time on the ball to plot your next move.

Wee Meng: Positioning and consistency. Counter speedy wingers by pushing them to where you want them to go. If you've got cover in the middle, usher them inwards. You don't always have to tackle them. And more consistency, you can play out of your skin sometimes!

Okay I'm tired already, but this applies to everyone including myself. We do make mistakes at times. What's important is we learn from them. The players above, don't feel victimised or singled-out. I have your names up there because I know you guys can play much better, and I need you guys to believe it too. There are others of course, I could go on all-day. But I need to eat dinner now. HAHA.

Keep the faith boys. See you soon.

P.S. Help me keep the blog alive leh!