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The Sharks were brought back down to earth by yet another team wearing a black strip.
Central Park couldn’t capitalize on their good start to the season, by going down 3-0 after a dismal performance at Meridian Junior College. There was an emotional return for Michael, called out of retirement due to the absence of Mizan and Aaron. Diminutive trialist Darren was a welcome boost to the depleted squad and Issac finally returned from injury to lead the line in attack.
With the sun beating down on the big pitch, the Sharks began the game looking like fish out of water, unable to string even 3 passes together. Team H started with only 9 men, but had the upper hand in the opening exchanges. Their burly forward constantly gave Steven the run around, whipping in some dangerous crosses. The boys in yellow survived an opening onslaught, only to concede a free kick 30 yards out. The defence however couldn’t get organized and were caught out by a floater to the back post. The tall Team H striker was allowed a free header, and duly hit the back of the net. Central Park kept their heads up, and managed some good inter-passing on the left, with Harold the impetus in attack. But they neglected to create any meaningful chances before the break.
Team H finally had their full complement of players in the second half, bolstered by a pacy right winger. Jason came on for Darren. Vince’s prophetic words came back to haunt the team, when he said the team’s performance couldn’t get any worse. Merely 10 minutes into the restart, a freekick was conceded on the right. The curler to the near post was met by Vince, who unwittingly turned the ball into his own net. Two goals up, Team H then took their foot off the pedal, allowing Central Park to surge forward. Heng Li released Jason down the right, but Issac could not connect with his cross.
A corner from Harold was met by Charlson, but the attempt at goal was cleared off the line. The injured Steven was beginning to tire, and Team H’s right winger took full advantage. Diagonal balls from midfield found him time and again, keeping Michael extremely busy in goal. Eventually the Sharks’ defence cracked open, when the winger beat three players and rifled a low shot beyond Michael. Central Park’s best chance fell to Jason, when Ryan slid a through pass. But the striker rushed his shot, which was comfortably saved by the keeper.
The final whistle put an end to a miserable Sharks outing. 3 trialists arrived late on the scene, but would have been a welcome addition to the tiring Central Park side.
The manager said after the game, 'We just did not turn up today. It's forgivable when we were unable to take advantage of the numerical superiority but to concede and being pegged back during those period is rather humiliating.'
He added, 'We were trying to be over-elaborate today when a simple pass to the nearest man would have done it. It doesn't help that we lack movement of any sort and that makes it easier for the oppposition to pick us off.' |
