Midland Wolves - League Game this Sunday 6th Sept

Hi Midland Wolves,

D2D League Season 2009
Match Report
League Game
Attendance
August Schedule
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Table standings:
http://www.d2dsports.com/category/football-leagues/sunday-9am-league/

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Match Report:
Midland Wolves FC vs Morning Glory FC
FT: 1-4
HT: 1-2
Goals: JJ
Cards: Nil
MW MOM: JJ

Lineup: Gabriel, Vincent , PC, Sheares (Jack), Jack (Calvin), Sebas, Welson, Jason (Yeepoo), Yu Xiang (Ray), JJ, Wenjie
Formation: 4-3-3 Atk

It was an overcast day as dark clouds loom over the field before the game began. Not knowing what to expect from the opponents, whom the Wolves never played before till then. The Wolves were coming in from a difficult defeat against a lucky Chinatown FC the previous week, while the opponents Morning Glory FC (MG) had one week's rest the week before, and they were coming in with a good vein of form, being undefeated in the league so far and their last game drawing with Chinatown. Obvious from the height disadvantage, team player-coach Jack prepared the Wolves with instructions to play the ball on the ground, and switch to long ball if it rains.

The game kicked off in drizzling conditions, making the pitch heavy and slick. The opening 15 minutes were on the back foot and the Wolves struggled to get into the game, while Morning Glory was comfortable on the attack. 2 free kicks and 3 corners later, the Wolves finally was able to get into the game. Most of the problem area came through the centre, where MG's main dangerman No.81 towers over everyone on the field and was winning most of the high balls served to him. Both our reliable centre backs PC and Sheares struggled to cope with his height advantage. Whilst the ground attacks were orchestrated by MG's playmaker, who was causing all sorts of problems with his dribbling and distribution. Before long, a free kick conceded in the defensive third by the Wolves resulted in MG's first goal. The Wolves' defence tried to play the offside on the freekick, but the referee didn't blow for it. The receiving No.81 from MG got the ball and had free run on goal, beating Gabriel one-on-one. 0-1. The Wolves surged on, frustrated with the referee's decision, but knowing they can get back into the game. Sebastian was having a good game, as were Vincent and JJ, who in particular was causing hell to the MG's left back with his running. Coupled with Wenjie's support, most of the Wolves attacks came from the right wing. Constant pressure, and some good play found Vincent with the ball near the corner flag, and his cross managed to find JJ who was left unmarked. JJ head the ball into the corner out of reach of the MG keeper. Great goal. 1-1. Game on! It was really starting to pour now and pitch started to get water logged. A free kick on the left wing presented itself to the Wolves. Jason stood over the ball, and his free kick was well wide of the target. Lack of composure, concentration and communication left the left flank of the Wolves toothless, with many possession lost unnecessarily. A free kick was conceded by a body check from Jack. The resulting free kick found the tall No.81 once again and his lucky back header found the back of the net. 1-2. Half-Time.

Second half Jack came off for Calvin, Ray came on for Yu Xiang, in an attempt to reignite the spark in the left wing. Game restarted and it was an even affair in the beginning. Sebas, Welson, PC and Vincent, aware of the threat of No.81, took turns to try to stifle his influence. As the Wolves tried to push forward to attack, it started to rain again and wet conditions made the going tough for the inexperienced Wolves. The passing game broke down and MG players seem to thrive on such conditions with their flicks finding more success at passing. During one such attack in the box, PC fell a MG player in the box and the referee points to the spot, yet again as the Wolves conceded 4 penalties in 5 games. The penalty was retaken twice after infringement into the box, but the last attempt stood as the No.81 scored, making it a hat-trick. 1-3. Eager to restart, Wolves tried to play in the muddy conditions as the quality of the game was reduced to wild punts and stray/stuck balls due to the waterlogged pitch. Again the main cause of the problem was MG's playmaker who found more freedom in the centre with more attention given to the No.81 dangerman by the Wolves. A throughball down the middle split the Wolves defence and as PC tried to recover, he body checked the forward. The free kick was blasted over the bar. Wenjie, Ray and Jason was having a horrible time in the muddy conditions. A fatigued Sheares came off for Jack. Another well worked move by MG players down our left caught Calvin out of position, and the move resulted in a low cross that was converted by the MG midfielder. 1-4. Some last ditch defending from PC and Jack helped keep the score down as MG players started to find space in the middle, where our midfield went missing. As valiant as the effort from the Wolves was in the final 20 minutes, it was too little too late as the lack of creative spark and experience caused the fall of the Wolves this time. Full time.

Points to note:
- MOM goes to JJ, who's causing the most problems to the MG defence and he scored the consolation goal, which is our first in the league from open play.
- Wet conditions killed us. We weren't used to changing our tactics and playing in wet conditions, though there was a couple of training sessions in the past on playing in wet conditions.
- Lack of creativity in the middle. Once the pitch got soggy, our attackers were bereft of attacking ideas.
- Penalties are a killer. Too often, too many. Our defenders and players must learn to be more mindful of physical challenges in the box. While some penalties were doubtful due to the referee's call, but nonetheless we shouldn't present the opportunity in the first place.
- Individually, Yu Xiang needs to improve his reaction speed and anticipation of high balls. Jason needs to learn to stick to his position. Vincent had a good game attacking, but was too often out of position when defending, likewise for Calvin. Wenjie had an off game and had a quiet game. JJ could do well to be more vocal and louder. Ray can improve by learning how to play in wet conditions. PC needs to watch his tackles in the box and read the game better when it comes to setting the offside trap (set the trap when play is deep, contain and play deep when the ball is wide).
- On the plus side, Sebas, JJ, Gabriel and Vincent had a relatively good game.
- Also, the scoreline did not reflect the games we played so far. Most of the games, we could do much better if we play to our potential. As the monsoon season begins, we can expect more wet conditions. It would do us well to quickly adapt to playing in such conditions.
- We have played the all the top teams in the league already. We have yet to play the weaker (on paper) teams, namely Hougang North and Phoenix. So the best is yet ahead of us. Based on past performances of the opponents as an indicator, we should have won at least 2 out of our last 5 games. Other than a couple of the teams, we matched if not better the other teams in terms of game play and team work. The league gives us a very good opportunity to learn. Lets learn from these experiences and do better in the remaining games and win us some. We will start playing the teams we have played before again. We should be wiser now. They took 3 points from us. Lets take them back. Just do it.
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League Game:
Midland Wolves FC vs Ace Galaxy FC
Last result: 0-2 loss
Team notes: This is the all malay team we played, wearing the pink jerseys. They have a good touch and ball control individually, but lack co-ordination in attack and likes to play through balls down the centre. We caught them offside till the cows came home last time round. Their keeper is probably their best player. They have very quick, physical and tricky players down the flanks. They aren't very good in the air and prefers to play ball to feet. This month is Ramadan and opponents should be fasting on normal days, so come game day they might be slightly physically weaker, but still we shouldn't underestimate them.

Details as follows:
Date: 06/09/2009
Time: 9.00am (PLS BE THERE BY LATEST 8.30am)
Location: Punggol Sec Sch, 51 Edgefield Plains. See attached link.
http://sg.streetdirectory.com/asia_travel/travel/travel_id_7069/travel_site_135489/

Notes:
- Midland Wolves to WEAR the WHITE JERSEY SET.
- Bring own water bottles and boots.
- Toilet/water point is in school field.
- Pls bring shin guards.
- In the case of inclement weather (heavy downpour, thunderstorm, etc) game will be postponed. Will inform u guys on the morning itself, so it's imperative I have your contact numbers.

Team Sheet:
Gk - Gabriel/Kunyi (TBC)
Def - Yeepoo
Def - PC
Def - Keegan
Def - Alastair
Def - Sheares
Def - Calvin
Mid - Sebas (C)
Mid - Yu Xiang
Mid - Welson
Mid - Vincent
Mid - Ray
Mid - JJ
Fwd - Jason
Fwd - Wenjie

Standby Replacements: Jack, Nickorasu

Please inform your respective captains before Sunday whether you can make it for the game or not. PC will be the stand in VICE captain in Dansen's absence until his return. Sms to Sebas at 96201130, PC at 91555257. Captains please revert attendance to JACK on Sat.

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Attendance:
Jeff is away on long term absence.
Kelvin, Jia Jun, Dun Rong, Issac and Martin will be coming less for training due to O Levels this year.
Raj is away overseas till end of the year.
Naren is away on NS.
Melvin will be away for table tennis training till mid Sept.
Mark is league tied.
Dansen is overseas till 13 Oct.
Shawn will be away on Sundays due to remedial training till October.
Alvin is overseas till end Sept.
BX is has classes on Sunday mornings.
Aloysius is in reservist.
Syafiq and Khairi are fasting.
Fabian is away for whole of Sept for personal reasons.
Ray will be away in October and November due to A levels.

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August Schedule:
06/09/09 - League Game 9am @ Punggol Sec vs Ace Galaxy
13/09/09 - League Game 9am
20/09/09 - League Game 9am
27/08/09 - League Game 9am


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Visit us at our website at www.midlandwolves.blogspot.com
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Thats all. Midland Wolves turns 2 years old this August 4th! Happy Birthday Midland Wolves!

Go Wolves!

Mr Wolf