Barbarians

3

vs

Central Park

2

Central Park rue the opportunity to go 3 victories on the trot when their run was abruptly halted by leaders Barbarians at Temasek Secondary on Sunday. The opposition took a 2-1 lead at half-time and went on to go 3-1 in the second half before some strong plays by Sharks got them to 2-3. However a glut of opportunities in front of goal which were not capitalised by the boys in yellow allowed the opposition to held on for maximum points in their run-up to consolidate their position.

Sharks started the game knowing that a victory would mean a step closer to safety as they looked to dent the leaders run-up towards the end of the season. Both teams started the game confidently stroking the ball and keeping possession in the middle of the park with Graeme and Steven marshalling in midfield. Barbarians on the other hand look dangerous on the right making it their focal point of attack and it was no surprise that they went to take the lead off a cross from the right in the 13th minute, Sharks clearly given the runaround in their box. The lead didn't last long as on the other end, a quick exchange of passes between Harold and Heng Li allowed the latter to catch the opposition's custodian off his line to make the game leveled. With the game even, Sharks had to rue a couple of opportunities on the break with Nigel and Harold missing from 10 yards on two occasions. Barbarians on the other hand were looking ever so dangerous with dead ball situations but their goal before the break somehow summed up Sharks season as its defense were caught asleep to allow Barbarians to sneak in their 2nd goal just before the break, much to the fury of Sharks manager on the sideline.

The second half started with Sharks trying to get back into the game but Barbarians took full advantage of a lapse of concentration from Jermiah from an innocusous clearance as they took the lead to 3-1. That goal seemed dead and buried but Sharks continued to solder on and got their reward when Isaac was on hand to connect with the slightest of touch to guide Nigel's cross into the net to make the score 2-3. It was all Sharks at this point while Barbarians still look ever dangerous on the ball particularly in the middle of the park. On the other end, Sharks had no less than 3 chances created by some nifty exchanges between Heng Li and Harold but the finishing left much to be desired as Isaac missed a glut of chances in the last 20 minutes of the game. Nigel had his piledriver came off the bar as Sharks rue the opportunities which were missed as they dropped all 3 points in the encounter.

The manager commented, 'With the team's participation in the IWL confirmed, it's disappointing when we still make school boy errors in the back. On the other hand, we knew that in the division, you will be punished for not taking your chances and this was one of those days. Isaac could have netted at least 2 of those opportunities on any given day but this just wasn't it.'

Central Park

4

vs

Barclays Capital

2

Sharks welcomed back captain Vincent for this crucial game against familiar foes Barclays Capital FC as the continued absence of the manager meant the boys had to motivate themselves without the normally inspirational phrases from the manager. In a tightly contested game, Sharks edged ahead in the start of the game only for Barclays to draw level as the teams went into halftime tied 1-1. The second half saw a 20 minute spell where the Sharks scored 3 goals leaving Barclays shell shocked. They managed to pull a goal back but the boys in yellow held on to claim an important 4-2 victory.

On an unusually wet midday kick off, Sharks started the game determined to steer clear of relegation zone. The game was fairly even until a quick counter attack released Harold down the wing and his cross duly tapped into goal by Heng Li after hesitant defending from the Barclays custodian and defenders. Barclays pressed hard for the equalizer and were rewarded when they equalized in similar fashion off a square ball from the wing and a good finish from the forward. 1-1 as the teams went into half time.

The second half started in similar fashion as Barclays had more of the possession but with Sharks looking dangerous on each counter attack. On one of those attacks, Heng Li broke down the left and his cross was met by Harold at the far post who made no mistake from close range. Before both teams could settle, another quick attack down the right saw a neat exchange of passes between Harold and Isaac and the latter bundled home from close range for Sharks to take a 2 goal advantage. The boys in yellow were defending stoutly against the ever dangerous Gareth Edwards who often had two or three yellow shirts breathing down his neck to starve him off time and space. The defensive quartet of Kelvin, Mohan, Charlson and Osman were putting in a great shift while the midfield pairing of Graeme and Steven were forcing the opponents into hurried passes.

As Barclays attempted to regain control of the game, Sharks were awarded a free kick couple of yards from the corner flag. Coincidentally, the Jabulani ball which was kicked out earlier was thrown back onto the pitch and Nigel decided to use it. With the narrowest of angles to work on, the speedy winger hit the resulting freekick with such ferocity and precision that it slammed off the keeper and into the roof of the net. The team celebrated the turn of events as Nigel pondered conducting coaching clinics for the World Cup stars on how to strike this much maligned ball.

With a three goal advantage, changes were made to freshen up the squad as the stunned Barclays team tried to get back into the game. With 5 minutes to go, they deservedly pulled a goal back but there was to be no repeat of the earlier season meeting as Sharks held on 3 points to pull further away from relegation and make a belated climb on the league standings.

Hibernians Athletic

3

vs

Central Park

4

Sharks ended a 7 match winless streak to post a gutsy 4-3 win over table toppers Hibernians FC. In a game of 2 halves, Hibs could have put the game to bed in the 1st half if not for the glut of misses that allowed Sharks to go into half time only 2-1 down. The boys in yellow then put in a spirited 2nd half performance to go 3-2 up before 2 late goals from each team ended a thrilling contest on a sauna like Sunday afternoon.

The game started at a high tempo with Hibs having the better of exchanges with crisp passing as the boys in yellow struggled to close down the opponents on the large PSA field. The high defensive line allowed the Hibs forwards to get behind with relative ease and they duly scored on one of those occasions. Sharks were finding chances few and far between and only had a shot from Harold and a chip from Heng Li to show for. When all looked doom and gloom, a short backpass from the Hibs defender allowed Isaac to sneak in and he bundled the ball home. Within minutes of the restart, Hibs quickly found their rhythm and went ahead after their striker rounded Mike in goal. The boys in green went on to miss several gilt edged chances, hitting the post in the process and keeping the score to 2-1 at half time.

A change in tactics in the second half saw Sharks sit back in their own half and attack the spaces on the counter attack. Persistent pressure from Brendan and the speedy Jeremiah forced Hibs into errors and Sharks were awarded a corner for their efforts. A floated ball from a corner by Graeme was attacked by Isaac and deemed to have gone over the line by the referee. Sharks had amazingly stolen an unlikely equalizer and were back in the game. By this time, the speedy wingbacks of Harold and Zhuoneng were restricting the opponents to play through the centre. Kelvin was commanding in defence while the trusted midfield pairing of Steven and Graeme were breaking up attack after attack.

It was an incredible team effort by the Sharks who could have been dead and buried in the first half but lady luck was finally smiling for them after an unlucky run of results. The boys now look forward to a strong finish to the season by cementing their right to play in division 2.

The manager who was out of town was pleased with his charges and commented, 'It's heartening to hear the boys playing their hearts out in my absence and hopefully we can build on this for the remainder of the season.

Fighting Cocks

2

vs

Central Park

2

Central Park season looks bleak as they remained rooted to one of the 2 relegation spots when they could only muster a draw against high flyers Fighting Cocks, who was fortunate to earn a solitary point when they were awarded with a contentious penalty with just 3 minutes remaining. Graeme level the game in the second half after the oppostion had taken an early lead in the second half. The game swung from one end to the other with Sharks creating more chances in front of goal but could not make it count. Heng Li however gave his team hopes of snatching all 3 points when he finished off a great move from Zhuoneng but on the other end, Graeme turned from hero to villain when he concended a penalty with just 3 minutes remaining.

Sharks started the game with hopes of improving its fortunes after having gone for almost half the season without a win. A single win and an array of draws and defeat isn't something the Sharks were accustomed to but they showed more purpose and desire to peg the opposition in the early exchanges. Both teams kept going at each other with the clearest chance falling to Naoki who after some good work on the flank could not get his shot in. Harold almost managed to sneak in a inch perfect cross for Isaac in the final moments of the first half, only to be denied by a last ditch challenge from the defenders as both team went into the break at 0-0.

The second half started with Sharks taking the early initiation but the opposition took the lead against the run of play, no thanks to some poor ball play from the Sharks defense which allow the opposition the opportunity to take the lead from a scorcher from the resulting throw-in. The goal seemed to deflate the Sharks but shortly afterwards, Heng Li revived his team's hope when he was won a penalty after being pulled back in the area. Up step Graeme who made no mistake from the resulting penalty. The goal seemed to put the team in its second gear as they moved the ball with confidence. Harold almost gave his team the lead when his shot beat the custodian but the crossbar denied him. Shortly afterwards, Jason could have nicked in from close range but he could only muster a shot which was way off target.

The pressure paid off when Zhuoneng bulldozed his way from right-back into the opposition penalty area as he harrassed, won the and made a inch perfect cross for Heng Li to finish with aplomb, much to the delight of the rest of the team. However, the celebration was short-lived as soon after, Graeme was adjudged to have brought his man down and the opposition made no mistake from the resulting penalty.

The manager said, 'At this juncture, we can't even buy a win. However, it seemed that we just couldn't finish opponents off this season. We kept keeping them in the game. The team should learn to kill games off as they are so many instances this season that a win was translated to draws, draws are not going to do the team any favour now.

Central Park

3

vs

Barbarians

5

Central Park winless streak continues as they went down 3-5 against Barbarians at Bowen Secondary School on Sunday. Barbarians were off to a good start and were two goals up after just 15 minutes before Heng Li narrowed the gap to 1-2. However, poor goalkeeping and defending allowed the opposition to regain their two goal advantage to go into the break 1-3. Sharks however came back strongly with Graeme scoring inside five minutes of the restart before Isaac finished off from close range after a sweeping move by Mohan from right back. Their good work was undone after some indifferent goalkeeping and defending as Barbarians ran out 3-5 winners.

Sharks started the game in an unfamiliar position as they looked to gain some ground in the league standings with only a solitary victory to show after 6 games. The two week break didn't do Sharks any favour as Barbarians took the early initiative with their sweeping display in the middle of the park and they were duly rewarded when they were awarded a freekick just outside the box with the resulting freekick headed in with the slightest of touch which some rooted Michael to his spot. Shortly afterwards, Nigel conceded a penalty and the opposition made no mistake from the spot. Nonetheless, Sharks kept going forward and they narrowed the gap when Heng Li's superlative shot outside the area somehow deflected in the opposite direction with the opposition custodian well beaten.

Barbarians however continued going forward and were yet again rewarded as Sharks failed to clear their lines with Michael caught in no man's land, the custodian possibly having one of his worst game in a Sharks shirt as the team went into the break 1-3 down.

Second half was a better showing from Sharks as they made a couple of position to control the middle of the park with Brendan brought in the middle and it paid instant dividends as the opposition were cut off their supply lines. Graeme close the gap to 2-3 with a tremendous effort which found the top right hand corner of the net, capping one of his better performances with the goal. Shortly afterwards, Barbarians were rocked when a sweeping move by Mohan were finished off by Isaac to level the score to 3-3. Sharks were probably the rub of the green when the opposition defender handled the ball in the penalty box and shortly afterwards, Heng Li could have given his team the lead when the opposition were caught on the break. It was a surprise when the custodian only escaped with a booking after handling the ball outside the area.

Barbarians were on the backfoot wondering what hit them but alas, events on the other hand somewhat summed up what kind of season the defenders and goalkeeper is having. An innocuous ball and some bad or non-existent communication between Michael and Charlson allowed the opposition to regain the lead and they ensured the victory when Michael was beaten on his near post from an obscure angle.

The furious manager commented, 'It was a team forte to come back from behind but today, it was just disappointing to see how we are conceding goals at the back. It was just appaling to see that at this level, we are conceding goals like a Division 10 team. We do not have any problems in finding the net but the way we are conceding them, it was just too easy. Records don't lie and the number of goals we have been conceding, the backline and goalkeeper has to buck up their performances.

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.

Central Park

2

vs

Hibernians Athletic

6

Central Park run of 4 unbeaten streak came to a humbling end as they were taught a footballing lesson, going down 2-6 at PSA Keppel Pitch on Sunday. Heng Li gave Sharks the lead but the opposition quickly leveled at the other end before taking the lead shortly afterwards. Isaac managed to level the game just before half-time to end the game with 2 goals a piece for each team. The second-half however, Sharks crumbled as they succumbed to one of their heaviest defeat in its history.

Sharks started the game knowing that they need to keep a tight ship in defense where they are missing the duo of Charlson and Vincent due to suspension. To make matters worse, the team were without any custodian as Yi Quan takes the helm as stand-in between the post. Nonetheless, Sharks played right to instructions as they opened the scoring just inside five minutes. Heng Li finishing first time off a cross from trialist Daniel, a half-volley which left the custodian stranded. The lead was shortlived as alarm bells start ringing at the other end when Khairi failed to clear his lines and allow the opposition to sneak in a goal. To add to the Sharks misery, Hibs went ahead midway in the second half as Yi Quan could only parry the shot towards an oncoming player who made no mistake from 6 yards. That was costly as just a minute earlier, Heng Li could have given his team the lead but his cheeky chip were denied by the crossbar.

Hibs continued to pour forward but Sharks took full advantage of a quick counter masterminded by Naoki who found Li in space. The latter then unselfishly found Isaac who made no mistake from close range as both teams go into half-time with 2 goals apiece.

The second half, Sharks were non-existence as Hibs showed their flowing football with Sharks having less than 30% possession. However, Sharks have themselves to blame as the defensive duo of Khairi and Anuar were caught in posession in their own half as Hibs sneak ahead. The rest of the half belonged to Hibs as they found the back of the next 3 more times. The best opportunity for Sharks to reduce the deficit was when Sho beat a sea of defenders but with only the custodian to beat, his tame shot was easily parried away to safety. That somehow pretty much summed up a very poor Sharks performance.

The manager blasted, 'We were pretty poor in every area of the field. We just didn't turn up for the game. The loss of our defenders was bad enough, coupled with the custodian and having your best defender in goal, that just summed up the result. Nonetheless, the Sharks don't deserve to get anything for the game, it was just poor.

Central Park

3

vs

Fighting Cocks

3

Central Park yet again had to settle for a point with another high scoring game against Fighting Cocks at Bowen Secondary. However, the boys in yellow could take heart that it was a point gained than a point lost as they clawed back from 2 goals down after both teams had a player sent off in the first half. Sharks took the lead at 3-2 before the opposition level things up just before half-time. In the second half, chances were scarce as both teams played out to an entertaining 3-3 game.

Sharks were looking to improve their standings in the table against Fighting Cocks and the boys showed their intentions early on with both Sho and Heng Li having shots in the early exchanges. Isaac could have given his team the lead in the opening 10 minutes after Sho's initial shot was parried towards former but somehow, a nudge by his marker were left unpunished as Sharks rue the opportunity. At the other end, against the run of play, Charlson gave the opposition an opportunity to take the lead when he brought his man down and they duly obliged. Before Sharks could gain their early momentum back, they were staring at a 2 goal deficit after some innocuous defending by the Sharks.

Things look to be heading for the worse when each team were reduced to 10 man with Charlson heading for an early showers, much to the disgust of his manager. However, the sending-off seemed to provide Sharks with an impetus as they went on a magical 6 minute spree. Just a minute after, Sho reduced his team's deficit to finish with aplomb as he beat a sea of defenders in the box to smash home from close range. Two minutes later, Murugesan who came on for Heng Li tore the opposition defense apart as Isaac level things up. Fighting Cocks were in disarray and before they could regroup, a mazy run by Nigel finished with Isaac getting onto his low crisp cross from the left to give his team a 3-2 lead, much to the amazement of the stands. However, some slack defending yet again by the Sharks allowed the opposition to level the game just before half-time.

The second half started with the manager boldly taking the game to the opposition as he continued to put his charges in an offensive formation. It could have paid off in a couple of occasion but some poor finishing meant that the score remained for the duration of the game as both teams fought closely in the middle of the part. The closest Sharks came was thru Graeme's 25m freekick which looked to be headed to the top corner. At the other end, the opposition had a glorious opportunity to seal all 3 points but captain Vincent took one for the team to bring the onrushing midfielder down which left the referee with no choice but to send him off.

The manager commented, 'The team showed a lot of character to come back from being 2 goals down but we have to learn to defend as a unit. We have no problems going forward but defensively, it seemed to be a chink in the team's performance. With 2 of our defenders suspended for the next match, things looked to be gloomy in the Sharks camp.'

Barclays Capital

3

vs

Central Park

3

Sharks threw away a two goal lead at half-time to allow familiar rivals Barclays Capital to draw 3-3, perhaps the unpredictability of the Jabulani ball, courtesy from Barclays summed up the Jerkyll and Hyde performance for the boys in yellow as Central Park ran the boys from Barclays ragged in the first half while Barclays came back strongly against a poor Sharks performance in the second-half.

After a stop and start to Season 13, Sharks were back in the league and their opponents for this encounter were the familiar sight of Barclays. Central Park were looking to build on a good result against FC Venom on their last league outing and everything seemed to go accordingly to script when a low cross driven by Srikant on the right were bundled in by Heng Li after just 12 minutes. However, Barclays came back strongly to draw level shortly afterwards. In the 20th minute, Heng Li gave his team the lead again when he caught the custodian off his line and he completed his hat-trick two minutes later. 3-1 up and Barclays were rocked as Sharks continued to build on the score. Nonetheless, they squandred a couple of opportunities with Murugesan missing no less than 3 clear chances, which was to prove crucial in the second half. In defense, Sharks were rock solid after conceding a goal with Jaleel and Charlson forming a formidable line against countless Barclays attack. Just before half-time, Graeme had a glorious opportunity to put the game in the bag but his tame shot was easily gathered by the opposition custodian who somewhat began to gain his composure as the game wore on.

A couple of chances were made during half-time which could possibly prove crucial as it left a big gap between midfield and attack as Barclays looked to take control the middle of the park and they made their posession count in the opening minutes to pull a goal back. The goal seemed to provide the opposition with added impetus while Sharks could not get a grip of the game. Midway in the second-half, Barclays level the score with some quick thinking while Sharks defense fell asleep. They could have taken the lead on a number of occasions but Micheal, when called upon were up to the task.

Sharks introduced Heng Li and Murugesan for the final 15 minutes but the latter's finishing were disappointing, missing no less than 4 chances since his introduction despite being one of Sharks dangerous man in the match. Harold had the best opportunity to seal all 3 points in the final Sharks play when a cross from Srikant found him at the far post but his tame shot was yet again easily gathered by the custodian. Both teams ended the game 3-3, a result which could have gone either way, just like how the Jabulani showed both teams how unpredictable the ball could be.

The manager commented, 'The game could have gone either way in the second half. However, the way we are missing opportunities in the first half was a cause for concern. Second half, we just didn't turn up and allow Barclays to rein themselves back in. The forwards have to make the opportunities we created count or we will be punished in future tight games.

Central Park

5

vs

FC Venom

0

The season is just 2 games old but Sharks were facing their season opener opponents FC Venom for the return leg in only its second game of the year. The latter however are on a high after notching their first win last week against Changi Simei United. Sharks on the other hand were looking to improve on their lethargic display a fortnight ago when they could only muster a 2-2 draw against the opposition.

Sharks kicked the game off, welcoming back the likes of Heng Li to spearhead Sharks attack who clearly was missing the extra thrust in the opener while Graeme returned for his first game of the season. However, the team were missing the likes of captain Vincent, Harold, Kay Hwee and Kelvin and with the bench comprising of 3 trialist for the game, Sharks were looking to pace themselves into the game. The game started with both teams cancelling each other out in the middle of the park with Steven and Graeme combining well to neutralise a very energetic Venom's midfield. On both side, Jiayong and Brendan were tracking their man well. Despite the dull early exchanges, Sharks took full advantage of some adject defending when Sho latched on a Heng Li's pass and while the former's shot was blocked the first time, Brendan was on hand to find the back of the net. That seemed to put the impetus on Sharks as they gain confidence as the game wore on, particularly with Jiayong providing some pin-point passes to the trio of Sho, Heng Li and Brendan.

In defense, Zhuoneng's bad first game meant that he have much to improve and he did admirably well to contain FC Venom's attack, who as to no surprise making the left flank their main focal point of attack. Just before half-time, Sho put his team two goals up after Heng Li managed to draw the opposition defense into disarray. With the custodian badly exposed, Sho had the simplest of task to strike the ball into the empty net as Sharks ended the half with a comfortable 2-0 lead.

The second half started with Sharks looking for their 3rd goal and they were duly rewarded when they put the opposition defense into making an uncalled error off an innocuous throw-in. This time round, Heng Li was on hand to round the custodian to make it 3-0. 10 minutes later, a lovely interchange of passes found Brendan to strike his second and his team's fourth while Murugesan added his team's fifth of the game shortly afterwards. Sharks could have extended the lead further but they were unable to increase their lead with Heng Li coming closest with a chip that was tipped acrobatically by the custodian.

The manager commented, 'We showed more desire today and we were quick to close down their midfield, something which attributed to the results today.

FC Venom

2

vs

Central Park

2

Season 13 kicked off with Sharks being held 2-2 by FC Venom, formerly known as Happy United at Broadrick Secondary School on Sunday. Jiayong put his team in front with a fortuitous effort after just four minutes into the new season but FC Venom came back strongly for the 2nd half with two quick goals to take the lead. Howevever the spoils were shared when Murugesan leveled the game with a thumping free-kick midway in the half. Both teams had opportunities to take all 3 points but both were left floundering in front of goal.

Sharks started the game strongly by keeping the game compact and denying space and time for the opposition. With the length of the field leaving much to be desired, shots were raining fast and quick and it was in one of those effort when Jiayong found his shot flying into goal to give his team an early lead. The opposition somehow were not having the best of half as their attacks and forays on the other hand were easily cut off, thanks to some astute defending from the quartet of Vincent, Yi Quan, Jaleel and Zhuoneng. Sharks on the other hand were carving out opportunities at the other hand. What was missing was the finishing touches to some wonderful crosses provided by Brendan and Harold as Sho and Murugesan were unable to dictate the team's pattern of play. Nonetheless, the duo were a constant threat whenever they were in possesion.

As the half wore on, it was a battle in the middle of the park as the opposition were dictating play and were unlucky not to have level the game on two occasion after some poor defending. Michael in goal had only one save to make in the first half as the Sharks trooped off the field with a solitary advantage.

The second half kicked off with FC Venom showing their early intentions with some dangerous play from the flanks. With Sharks struggling to maintain their tempo from the first half, FC Venom strucked early to level the score when an innocuous ball floated off a freekick missed everyone due to poor communication to allow the opposition to sneak the ball. Shortly afterwards, buoyed by the goal, FC Venom went on the offensive and got their just reward. This time round, Michael completely missed the ball off a corner to allow the opposition to yet again sneak in for their second goal. The goal seemed to dent Sharks morale as they were on the backfoot for long periods of the game.

Sharks however managed to get a break-thru in the 61st minute when Sho was fouled just outside the box. Up step Murugesan who was having a quiet game by his standard as his thumping drive deflected off the wall and found the back of the net. 2-2 as both teams craved out chances after chances though FC Venom created more opportunities at the other end and we unlucky not to take taken the lead yet again. Sharks came closest when Harold's fierce drive off a corner missed everyone in the box where a single touch from anyone would have allowed the ball to end up anywhere behind the net as both teams settled for a point each for the season opener.

The Sharks manager commented, 'It was a bad goal to give away but on the other hand, the team didn't play particularly well especially in attack. However, a point in the opening game is not a disaster.