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Central Park relegation reality looms near as they went down 2-4 against fellow strugglers Tuan Gemuk at Temasek Secondary. Sharks went down early in the first half though Isaac managed to level things up shortly. However Tuan Gemuk took their chances well to finish the half up by 2-1. They ensured the win with another 2 goals in the second half before Isaac managed to pull a goal back, which by then was just mere consolation.
The team made a couple of changes to stop the poor run of form with the likes of regulars Charlson, Anuar and Zhuoneng starting on the bench. In their place was the return of Steven in the middle of the park, Chris which is on a holiday here and Betrand taking over the left back position. Heng Li was a suprise selection on the wings with Brendan partnering Isaac upfront. The opening exchanges saw Sharks intent to stop the run of defeats as they stroke the ball confidently. Just when they look to take the game to TGA, they caught Sharks on the break with the forward finish coolly against Michael on a one-on-one; that despite Sharks ruining their own opportunity at the other end.
Nonetheless, Sharks kept their shape and were soon level when Isaac took advantage of a defensive error to lob over the stranded custodian. Sharks were creating the chances but somehow, an astute TGA defense meant that they kept the scoreline intact. Just as the first goal, TGA took advantage of some slack defending by the Sharks to finish from close range, catching Michael by suprise from close range. Sharks had a couple of opportunities to level before half-time thru Harold but his pull-back was shoved away from Isaac at the last moment for the latter to notch into the open net. Heng Li on the other hand had a penalty call rejected despite being pulled back though the call was 50-50.
The second half started with TGA taking the early initiative and was content to take control of the middle of the park with some confident passing. Sharks on the other hand had a slow second half and midway thru it, it was all TGA and they kept knocking on Sharks door while the latter was unable to make any meaningful headway on the opposition half. Another goal on the half-hour gave TGA a comfortable cushion while the fourth confirmed their victory. Isaac managed to pull another goal back with 10 minutes remaining but at the end of the match, it prove just mere consolation.
The manager which looks resigned to his team's fate this season commented, 'We played better today but TGA took their chances well. If we can't beat a fellow struggler, then we don't deserve to be in the division.
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