Central Park

2

vs

YDM United

3

Central Park winless streak continues as they go down 2-3 to YDM United in a pulsating game over at Bowen Secondary on Sunday. Heng Li scored the opener off a corner from Harold before Vincent commited and uncanny mistake at the back to allow YDM to level the score. However, the Sharks were to rue an opportunity to regain the lead shortly afterwards when Harold was brought down in the box with Murugesan shot a tame penalty. YDM took the lead in the second half from the tightest of angle before Sharks level the game yet again with a sweeping move which was finished by Harold. However, the Sharks were caught sleeping at the back as YDM took the lead yet again in the final moments of the game. Sharks had a fantastic opportunity to level from the last kick of the game when Heng Li intercepted a stray back pass only to see his shot trickled slowly into safety with the custodian well-beaten.

Sharks were looking to bury last weekend defeat and they sure look up for the game with no less than 21 attendees, possibily a record turnout ever for the Sharks. They started the game brightly by putting YDM at the backfoot and just inside 2 minutes, Heng Li scored off the near post from Harold's corner. Just when the Sharks were about to increase the lead again with Harold coming close, Vincent committed an uncanny mistake at the back. Without any pressure whatsoever, the sweeper somehow missed his footing to allow YDM to sneak back into the game, 1-1. Midway in the first half, Sharks brought on Murugesan and Nigel for Heng Li and Srikant respectively. Murugesan's introduction caused a few panics in YDM defense but it was Harold to gave his team the perfect opportunity to regain back the lead when he was brought down in the box. Up step Murugesan who somehow shot a tame penalty, much to the disgust of his manager as both teams go into half-time at 1-1.

The second half started with so much pace from both team as the game opened up with both sides creating ample opportunities down the wings. YDM took the lead when Sharks defense failed to clear their lines and allow the winger to score off the tiniest of angle. However, the game were quickly leveled when Sharks finished off a sweeping move started by Heng Li. The forward collected the ball in the middle of the park to release Nigel on the left as the latter squared the ball nicely for the onrushing Harold on the right to ease home from six yards. At 2-2, both teams go for the jugular with Isaac who somehow have a quiet game by his standards to miss from just inside six yards. With 5 minutes left, YDM got in front when Sharks failed attempt to catch their opposition offside was taken advantage from the opposition hardworking midfield. However, the game could would have taken a twisted turn when with just seconds remaining, Heng Li managed to latch on a stray backpass and while the forward reached the ball first, somehow his shot trickled slowly, missing the goal just inches apart.

The manager commented, 'At 2-2, it was anyone's game as both teams seem intent to capture all 3 points. The team's didn't do pretty badly but we probably gave them too much space in the middle of the park. However, it was definitely a good game by both teams.