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.
Monday, February 13, 2012
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!
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