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 Chinatown FC
FT: 1-2
HT: 0-1
Goals: Wenjie (Pen)
Cards: Nil
MW MOM: Welson
Lineup: Kunyi, Yeepoo (Calvin), PC, Fabian (Sheares), Alastair (Ray), Jack, Welson, Jason, Yu Xiang, JJ (BX), Wenjie
Formation: 4-3-3 DV
Before the game, the match has a tinge of anticipation as the Wolves limber up to get ready to battle the league leaders Chinatown FC. Boasting a good scoring record, defence and undefeated so far in the 3rd Div, the Wolves know they are in for a tough game. The tactical strategy is to play short passes on the ground to neutralise the opponent's height advantage. Sure enough, upon kick off, the first 35 minutes were dominated by Chinatown players. As the long punts from Kunyi and the defence fell to Chinatown midfielders, who won 9 out of 10 balls in the air, a lot of which were unchallenged, they managed to dominate possession and applied huge pressure on the Wolves as the Wolves were pinned in their own half. Corners after corners, freekicks after freekicks, pressure plied on the Wolves, who were limited to sparse counter attack chances. Openings not taken by Chinatown players, and a superb save by Kunyi against a swerving shot kept the score clean. In the last 15 mins of the half, a controversial incident in the Wolves box occurred. PC slip while defending in the box and the Chinatown forward tripped over the hapless PC. Referee points to the spot. The penalty duly converted straight down the middle as Kunyi dived the wrong way. Half time.
Some reminders and tactical changes were made. Calvin came in for Yeepoo who was over powered and out paced by the physical Chinatown players. Game resumed with Chinatown players playing much deeper in the second half. The Wolves opening move was elaborate and effective, a series of passes that resulted in a chance, but wasn't converted. Wenjie was free on the right side of the box, but his outside foot shot was off target. The Wolves showed better composure in midfield and series of 4-5 passes helped maintain possession as Wolves started to dominate. Chances started to come for the Wolves as they moved forward in search of the equalizer. Before long, Wolves was caught in a counter attack as a shot by a Chinatown winger outside the box was deflected by another botak uncle from Chinatown who has slipped and fell in the box. Clueless about the shot, the botak uncle's aerodynamic head was hit at the back by the ball deflecting it's path into the corner, just out of reach of Kunyi. 2-0. Wolves pushed for goals and Ray came in for Alastair. Ray had an immediate impact as his trickery created problems for the Chinatown fullback and Ray even had a chance to shoot at goal, which was saved. Fabian pulled up with a strain and Sheares came in. Despite being out of the game for a long time, ol' Sheares showed he hasn't lost his positioning and reading of the game and helped calm the defence with some calm and effective defending. BX came on for JJ. Within 5 mins he had an immediate effect. Pulled back in the box, he was fouled in the Chinatown box and referee points to the spot. Chance for Wolves to score their first goal in the League. Up steps Wenjie and he puts the ball in the corner beyond the helpless keeper. 2-1! Game on! (Goal was for you, Ramesh! Congrats on your wedding!) Wolves continued to press and Chinatown were pinned in the last 10 mins in their own half. Some time wasting tactics employed and eventually time was against the Wolves as the ref blew for full time.
Points to note:
- MOM goes to Welson, who's overall work rate and performance was exemplary. He showed good anticipation and intercepted several passes from the opponents, and matched the Chinatown players in physical challenges.
- On the whole we played much better than the first 3 games, in that there was more passing done. We played against
a tough team who was organised and experienced and they had the physical advantage. But we did well enough and if not for a controversial penalty and a fluke of a goal, we could have drawn the game if not won. If Chinatown is the best this Division has to offer, we could win a lot of the games. Players just have to believe in each other and start playing a TEAM game.
- Corner kicks were more co-ordinated as players remember the set-pieces. Delivery however was still lacking accuracy.
- The instruction was to play short passes, to keep the ball on the ground, to play to our strengths. This was not adhered to in the first half and we paid the price. Midfielders need to drop to support the short passes and defenders need to be more composed to find the passes.
- Finishing was not good enough. Attacking lacked creativity and flair. Forwards need to take more chances.
- On a positive note, some of the players are getting more seasoned after playing so many games and it showed.
- We still have 10 more games to go, lets make the most of it. Go Wolves!
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League Game:
Midland Wolves FC vs Morning Glory FC (Game vs Ace Galaxy has been rescheduled)
Details as follows:
Date: 30/08/2009
Time: 9.00am (PLS BE THERE BY LATEST 8.30am)
Location: Bishan Park Sec Sch, 2 Sin Ming Walk. See attached link.
http://sg.streetdirectory.com/asia_travel/travel/travel_id_826/travel_site_103020/?lat=1.3650434859042&long=103.83275835917&level=9
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 - Kunyi
Def - Yeepoo
Def - PC
Def - Fabian
Def - Alastair
Def - Sheares
Mid - Sebas (C)
Mid - Yu Xiang
Mid - Welson
Mid - Jason
Mid - Vincent
Mid - Ray
Fwd - BX
Fwd - JJ
Fwd - Wenjie
Standby Replacements: Calvin, Jack
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 Oct.
Shawn will be away on Sundays due to remedial training till September.
Alvin is overseas till end Sept.
Keegan is on duty for the weekend.
Syafiq and Khairi are fasting.
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August Schedule:
02/08/09 - League Game 9am @ East View Sec vs Bo Chup (0:1)
09/08/09 - No program
16/08/09 - League Game 9am @ Clementi Woods Sec vs Ace Galaxy FC (Postponed)
23/08/09 - League Game 9am @ Broaderick Sec vs Chinatown FC
30/08/09 - League game 9am @ Bishan Park Sec vs Morning Glory FC
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Visit us at our website at www.midlandwolves.blogspot.com-------------------------------------------
Thats all. Midland Wolves turns 2 years old this August 4th! Happy Birthday Midland Wolves!
Go Wolves!
Mr Wolf
