In form winger Fardil's strike late in the dying minutes of the second half gave 407united their first win in this lacklustre season. The friendly between the 2 affiliated clubs was organised by wilson and ang sp to get the team together as a testimonial match for Mr Alex Juan who plays for both teams.
407 started the game with only 1 substitute, Melvin who returned from exams leave. Although missing key players, the mood was good in the camp as we were looking forward to end the season on a high. Furthermore many of our players were familiar with the style of BHFC and their players, it was gonna be a enjoyable game.
407 started the game brightly, setting the tempo and dominating possession in the half of BHFC. Our passing game seem to take its toil on the opponents as several of them had their second game in 3 days. Our wingers, wilson and fardil managed to make the flanks their own and were linking up well with in form striker Ivan.
Our Spurs-like defense held firm with BHFC's counter attack limiting them to little chances and goal custodian, Robin managed to sniff out dangerous long punts forward early enough to ensure we keep a clean sheet. Cx Chua was also patrolling the middle of the park to ensure there was no quick breakthrough to our weak center to allow BHFC to break fast. Desmond Tang revering in his new role as RB showed great defensive qualities complemented with great link ups with wilson and even had a few chances on goal as well with his timely overlapping runs.
BHFC survived as Ivan and Fardil attempts went close or wide and stand in GK, Ah Bein was also on form denying 407 any easy chances. However 407 were rewarded for a good spell of pressure when they pulled themselves forward with a deflected goal over Ah Bein by Ivan after good work by Fardil and Zip down the left flank. Ah Leong So (pronounce Alonso) continue his good form and fitness of late as he continue to boss around the center mid with good passes around the park.
As 407 pushed for a second goal, Sing Ping rearrange Amos to steady the back with Gabrier and Chang Sing and tried to make a come back. They almost came close through a poor back pass by Alex which allowed sneaky vincent to almost break through to goal. However the quick reflex run from robin denied him the save although it was debatable whether did he bring down the striker in the process.
With 407 holding on to the lion's share of the possession, BHFC found it hard to deny us a 2nd goal. Substitute Melvin and Desmond Vann making an impact in the center as melvin's venture into the box provided a pass to wilson who coolly placed it pass the goal line, 2-0.
After the break, the players got a bit complacent and the reshuffled BHFC pressed strongly forward to seize the chance to get back into the game. Unable to match our flank play, BHFC placed 2 speedy forwards Gerald Cho and Dave to try to crave openings into our soft center.
Lucky for them, in the opening minutes a mishandle by robin from a long punt by Sing Ping gave gerald an easy goal. 2-1. Freaking pitch......
Sensing that their change in tatic work, Choon seng and gang continued to pour in numbers down the center hoping to open up our defense further. The continual tracking back and pressure from long balls eventually add on to the strain as the team could not afford substitutes.
A great cross in by Amos who managed to get passed zip and initially bounced by Gerald and Alex got to the free man dave who put it pass robin for his first goal for BHFC (product of BHFC youth team). Game level 2-2
Despite the turnaround, the game was far from over and 407 re grouped and try to win the game. Knowing that BHFC was gonna play 'England football' with long balls forward. We tighten the center and the team worked our socks off keeping the score level and peppering their defense with great plays down the sides. Desmond Vann was having a hard time zero-ing with makeshift contact lens and continual pressure by BHFC's trio of hardmen: Yue SF, Amos and Porky. Ivan and Fardil's telepathic link up and calls in malay almost got us back ahead with several break through but BHFC's wall managed to stand tall. Wilson almost got through to Ivan with a great cross to the far post but it was just slightly too high as Ah Bein stood frozen.
As fatigue seeped in, both team slowed down the pace and the game looked to be going for a draw. A short goal kick from Ah Leong forward with several short passes between Zip and Alex got Fardil through and as he worked his magic to the edge of the box, he unleashed a great curling ball past Ah Bein. game set 3-2.
All thanks to the team for such an enjoyable game and the babes on duty: Serene as the great photographer under the hot sun, Jennies as the cake babe and 'Ris' Chua for the support!!!
407 United: Robin, Desmond Tang, Kelvin, Alex, Zip, Jinyu, Wilson, Chengxi, Melvin, Desmond Vann, Fardil, Ivan
BHFC: Bein Shu, Michael, Chang Sing, Samuel, Amos, Yue SF, Choon Seng, ASP, Gerald Cho, Dave, Gabrier, Vincent, Porky, Lim Chai, Jem Ang and Lionel
