Tohari Paijan & Wang Meng Meng, The New Paper
X-S FC chalked up a famous victory at home, beatin Haikal Who Is Hilmie's Brother Football Club (HWIHBFC) 6-2. Jose Booninho's name was chanted at the final whistle by the Khatib faithful, who have called themselves Khatibites. This win was an important one, due to the disappointng run of recent results and the looming summer break that will see the team out of action for around 2-3 weeks.
The team lined up with Muhsin in goal, Farrell, Nizar and Amin in central defence and Thaqif and Yong Liang as the right and left wing-backs respectively. Captain Fabreyaz was deployed at the heart of midfield, flanked by Singh and Daniel. Boon Han was the supporting striker as new recruit Zhong spearheaded the attack. The Portugese management of Jose Booninho and his assitant, Nuri Faria, left Derek and Yong Xiang on the bench. The opening exchanges saw both teams stroking the ball around, without even breaking a sweat. The probing continued until X-S got tired of it and started with a swift counter that saw Zhong latch onto a long ball from the back and his left foot effort found only the side-netting. HWIHBFC responded swiftly and their dangerous, skillful, playmaking, defensive midfielder broke through the packed X-S midfield and defence after a series of one-twos to face Muhsin one-on-one before slotting it in. X-S knew they needed to win this match and they upped the tempo with waves of attack until Boon Han finally found the net with another one of his trademark screamers from 30 metres out. His shot crashed against the underneath of the crossbar before going in, leaving HWIHBFC goalie Hilmie in no-man's land.
Following that, the two captain's collided in the middle of the park and saw Fabreyaz needing treatment. Derek came on in defence as X-S struggled to hold the scoreline. A flurry of activities soon resulted in a lead for HWIHBFC in the 40th minute as The Big, Bad, Dirty, Defender-Pushing, striker broke through and scored, no thanks to poor defending by the home team. Derek was closest to him, but couldn't stop the ball from going in as he was in a daze. Booninho told Captain Fabreyaz to control midfield and keep the scoreline at 2-1 when he came back on. The midfielders did just that as X-S entered the dressing room trailing by a goal.
After both teams were rejuvenated (X-S drank water and HWIHBFC smoked), they took to the field. This time, Zhong and Farrell were paired up in the heart of defence and they were flanked by Sissy-neo and Yongliango Carlos. Daniel and Fabreyaz patrolled central midfield alongside wingers Thierry Nuri and Yong Xiang. Nizar Mansiz supported Thaqif up front. The changes proved to be a masterstroke by Booninho as X-S controlled the proceedings. The defence repelled evrything thrown at them, including sand and bodies. Daniel didn't let anything pass through midfield and the wingers tore down the flanks to devastating effect. Fabreyaz fed the forwards with a healthy dose of passes, and the goals started to flow. Nizar equalised with the help of Lady Luck as his powerful shot hit Hilmie's foot and went over him. That proved to be the turning point of the match as soon afterwards, Nizar added a second by nutmegging someone and finished with aplomb. HWIHBFC were shocked, but they went down fighting. They came close with a free kick, but their defensive midfielder could only head over the bar. Muhsin was also brilliant as he punched away a corner and then rushed out to clear the ball in a one-on-one situation.
Nevertheless, X-S continued attacking. Yong Xiang got in on the scoring act as he slotted in from a tight angle. X-S now led by two goals. Nizar Mansiz then headed over the bar from Thaqif's quick corner. The match was not done as Nizar had other things in mind. He dragged four defenders with him in a mazy run from midfield and completed his hat-trick as he rifled in from the left. Even Henry would have been proud that. Nuri then screamed as he couldn't get on the end of Thaqif's crossfield pass in another counter-attack. Was it frustration? We can't be too sure. Nuri's screams and war cries throughout the match may have been a crucial factor in the victory as Nizar completed the scoring with a tap-in in the 85th minute.
Man-of-the-Match: Nizar Mansiz as his four goals said it all. The chants of "There's only one Nizar" resonated throughout Khatib City.
Injury Update: Mamad Fabreyaz has a swollen ankle and Co-Manager Yarsene Wenger rates him 60-40 for the next match.
Derek O'Leary Verdict: Sacked because he's gay. An insider from the club told us that he has turned his attentions to goalkeeper Muhsin and his muscular body. They have to be careful not to be caught in the shower together. Boon Han was clearly depressed as he left the stadium way before the match ended.
Jose Booninho Verdict: His trademark jacket and bermudas (seen in the pics below) are now being copied by many fans and the X-S player alike. A very fashionable manager with tactical acumen that cannot be doubted.
PHOTOS:
A common sight: Jose Booninho (in trademark jacket and bermudas) has a laugh with his players.
The other players getting ready.
Gunners' Gooners: Cesc Fabreyaz and Thierry Nuri fool around.
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