X-S 2 - 0 HD Fusion @ Mayflower Sec
For the second game running, X-S broke the deadlock with a fluke goal, this time converted by Thaqif Osteros. His low shot went through the keeper's legs ala Massimo Taibi and Nuri burst out laughing loudest from the bench. His demands for first team football still falling on deaf ears though, for now.
A match full of incidents made the occasion more exciting than it should actually be... and by the time Mat Nur doubled the Happy Harpies' lead with a brilliant solo effort, the players were all too tired to celebrate or moan. One red card awarded to each team, a referee who is an enigma much like Carmen San Diego and arrival of 2 cars filled with 5 Dear Mr. Policemen marked a day to remember for fans and players alike.
Yet again, the formation debate rages on as the players prefer their comfortable and conventional 4-4-2 but Yarsene Wenger wants to play visionary with his dynamic 3-2-3-2. So far, the results are proving to be in favor with the new shape but evidently, honey badgers don't give a fuck. (To the manager's dismay.)
Club spokesperson Jose Booninho said, "Yarsene must be pleased to see the dressing room full again as players he had fallen out with in the past have returned to take part in the matches."
What is clear now is that, X-S FC may be here to stay after all...
X-S FC
Home of the Honey Badgers
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Monday, March 05, 2012
X-S FC 2 -1 HAWKS
X-S claimed an impressive win against favourites HAWKS with a stellar performance. The field was literally littered with stars in their own right, from the defence to the attack. Wei Liang in goal made countless saves and hardly put a foot wrong. He was named MOTM by the field warden, the highest honour in Social Football in Singapore on matchdays. Naqib and Ernest marshalled defence, flanked by Yong Liang who shut out their dangerous number 8 for the full 90mins and Jin, an attacking wingback who enjoys taking on players. Thaqif and Izz took to the wings as Shaun and Boon anchored midfield.
Yazid opened the scoring in the first minute with some wonderful hard pressing straight from kickoff. As HAWKS passed it back to their goalkeeper, Yazid closed him down and the clearance smacked his stomach before bouncing in. Unconvential goal, because scoring with your feet is too mainstream. Our hero then turned clutching his stomach in pain as he returned to the centre circle.
The game continued in this end-to-end fashion but HAWKS slowly grew in confidence as the X-S midfield started to tire out and all the attacking chances X-S had were spurned. A delightful lob by HAWKS' chief playmaker over the X-S defence then allowed their striker to sidefoot home just before half-time. All square at half time.
The second half saw Mat Nur come in to strengthen midfield as X-S reshuffled from 4-4-2 to 4-5-1 to increase the numbers in the middle of the park. Shah came in at right back and Nuri played at right midfield.
The game continued the same way it ended, with HAWKS on the front foot despite their Indian chief (playmaker) going home at half time. Thaqif then decided to punch his weight in midfield to stop their number 21 and he replaced Shaun. That was when the tide changed and Mat Nur started dictating play with Thaqif to tie up the loose ends. The breakthrough came with a delightful exchange of passes between Hafiz, Mat Nur and Nuri. Mat Nur lofted a first time lob over the static HAWKS defenders and Hafiz raced through before slotting home easily. Indeed, that man is scoring goals by the trolley loads like an aunty shopping for groceries with $300 worth of NTUC vouchers.
It is important to note that Jusdriano had made his return to the pitch with great success in the second half, linking up with Hafiz and taking on defenders the only way he knows how; strength and close control. Hafiz even had time to do a Messi as he outrun and outmuscled his way down the left flank before cutting in and being fouled. Of course had he taken a tumble and not shot, it could've been a penalty. An example of this blossoming partnership was when Jus raced to the byeline and pulled the ball back only for Hafiz to smack it against the upright. Could've been the final nail in the coffin.
With many players losing their legs, Yasin finally came in to last the final 10mins (according to the ref, but it felt like 100mins). He got himself a kick in the shin for all his troubles. After much time-wasting tactics by Izz, Mat Nur and Yasin, the final whistle came and blew us off our feet into sweet surrender. Except we lost one matchball. Le Sigh.
X-S claimed an impressive win against favourites HAWKS with a stellar performance. The field was literally littered with stars in their own right, from the defence to the attack. Wei Liang in goal made countless saves and hardly put a foot wrong. He was named MOTM by the field warden, the highest honour in Social Football in Singapore on matchdays. Naqib and Ernest marshalled defence, flanked by Yong Liang who shut out their dangerous number 8 for the full 90mins and Jin, an attacking wingback who enjoys taking on players. Thaqif and Izz took to the wings as Shaun and Boon anchored midfield.
Yazid opened the scoring in the first minute with some wonderful hard pressing straight from kickoff. As HAWKS passed it back to their goalkeeper, Yazid closed him down and the clearance smacked his stomach before bouncing in. Unconvential goal, because scoring with your feet is too mainstream. Our hero then turned clutching his stomach in pain as he returned to the centre circle.
The game continued in this end-to-end fashion but HAWKS slowly grew in confidence as the X-S midfield started to tire out and all the attacking chances X-S had were spurned. A delightful lob by HAWKS' chief playmaker over the X-S defence then allowed their striker to sidefoot home just before half-time. All square at half time.
The second half saw Mat Nur come in to strengthen midfield as X-S reshuffled from 4-4-2 to 4-5-1 to increase the numbers in the middle of the park. Shah came in at right back and Nuri played at right midfield.
The game continued the same way it ended, with HAWKS on the front foot despite their Indian chief (playmaker) going home at half time. Thaqif then decided to punch his weight in midfield to stop their number 21 and he replaced Shaun. That was when the tide changed and Mat Nur started dictating play with Thaqif to tie up the loose ends. The breakthrough came with a delightful exchange of passes between Hafiz, Mat Nur and Nuri. Mat Nur lofted a first time lob over the static HAWKS defenders and Hafiz raced through before slotting home easily. Indeed, that man is scoring goals by the trolley loads like an aunty shopping for groceries with $300 worth of NTUC vouchers.
It is important to note that Jusdriano had made his return to the pitch with great success in the second half, linking up with Hafiz and taking on defenders the only way he knows how; strength and close control. Hafiz even had time to do a Messi as he outrun and outmuscled his way down the left flank before cutting in and being fouled. Of course had he taken a tumble and not shot, it could've been a penalty. An example of this blossoming partnership was when Jus raced to the byeline and pulled the ball back only for Hafiz to smack it against the upright. Could've been the final nail in the coffin.
With many players losing their legs, Yasin finally came in to last the final 10mins (according to the ref, but it felt like 100mins). He got himself a kick in the shin for all his troubles. After much time-wasting tactics by Izz, Mat Nur and Yasin, the final whistle came and blew us off our feet into sweet surrender. Except we lost one matchball. Le Sigh.
Monday, February 13, 2012
X-S FC 0 - 1 Vanguard
An unfortunate game for X-S FC as they lost their last GAFL Challenge Cup group stage match against Vanguard. X-S had a good control of proceedings from the get go, coming close on a few occassions as they restricted the opponents to long balls only. 0-0 at half-time and the huge turnout meant that changes had to be made to ensure playing time for all.
The second half started with differently as X-S switched from 4-5-1 to 4-4-2. Vanguard started to launch attacks on a more consistent basis as X-S struggled to get out of their own half. This problem was compounded as our two centre backs failed to adequately handle the opposition striker who came on at half-time and he rifled in a shot from close range after riding two challenges from the X-S defence.
This sparked a change in tactics and substitutions were made as X-S needed to take the initiative. The biggest flashpoint soon came about as Mat Nur hooked a shot at goal after the keeper had spilled a cross. The player on the line subsequently stretched out his right hand and clawed the ball away. X-S were up in arms and screaming at the referee who claimed to not have seen the incident. Chewy was the only one left playing football on the pitch as everyone else was in disbelief. An off-the-ball scuffle also resulted in yellow cards for both players involved.
The game ended as X-S piled on the pressure but nothing materialised. Thoroughly unfortunate, but this is football and luck simply wasn't on their side.
Nevertheless, a very even game as both sides seemed equal to each other. The unfortunate series of events meant that X-S had nothing to show for their efforts that Sunday morning.
Heads up lads. A fantastic performance and nothing to be ashamed of. We can be proud of how we played and conducted ourselves in the aftermath of the incident. Also big thank yous to those who came to support, even without getting any gametime. Promise that chances will come soon as this coming weekend, X-S face Meirda at Canberra.
An unfortunate game for X-S FC as they lost their last GAFL Challenge Cup group stage match against Vanguard. X-S had a good control of proceedings from the get go, coming close on a few occassions as they restricted the opponents to long balls only. 0-0 at half-time and the huge turnout meant that changes had to be made to ensure playing time for all.
The second half started with differently as X-S switched from 4-5-1 to 4-4-2. Vanguard started to launch attacks on a more consistent basis as X-S struggled to get out of their own half. This problem was compounded as our two centre backs failed to adequately handle the opposition striker who came on at half-time and he rifled in a shot from close range after riding two challenges from the X-S defence.
This sparked a change in tactics and substitutions were made as X-S needed to take the initiative. The biggest flashpoint soon came about as Mat Nur hooked a shot at goal after the keeper had spilled a cross. The player on the line subsequently stretched out his right hand and clawed the ball away. X-S were up in arms and screaming at the referee who claimed to not have seen the incident. Chewy was the only one left playing football on the pitch as everyone else was in disbelief. An off-the-ball scuffle also resulted in yellow cards for both players involved.
The game ended as X-S piled on the pressure but nothing materialised. Thoroughly unfortunate, but this is football and luck simply wasn't on their side.
Nevertheless, a very even game as both sides seemed equal to each other. The unfortunate series of events meant that X-S had nothing to show for their efforts that Sunday morning.
Heads up lads. A fantastic performance and nothing to be ashamed of. We can be proud of how we played and conducted ourselves in the aftermath of the incident. Also big thank yous to those who came to support, even without getting any gametime. Promise that chances will come soon as this coming weekend, X-S face Meirda at Canberra.
Wednesday, February 08, 2012
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 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!
Sunday, April 03, 2011
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."
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."
Sunday, March 27, 2011
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.
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.
Monday, February 14, 2011
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.
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.
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