VVNTU

4

vs

Central Park

3

It was déjà vu for the Sharks as they ran out of gas against VVNTU on Sunday as they gave away a 3-1 lead at half-time to lose 4-3 at the death. That's is probably the story of the season for the Sharks as they were unable to keep up their consistency in Season 11 as they languished in 4th place, where a victory would inch them closer to 2nd place. VVNTU got a dream start when they went a goal up in the first minute but a goal each from debutants Harold and Andrew got the team back on their feet. Jiayong however added another with a thumping scorcher just before the break meant that they were comfortably leading at half-time. Nonetheless, bad substitutions and some lacklustre performance in the second-half provided VVNTU back in the game as they collected all 3 points.

With the long weekend for the match, Sharks had to call upon a couple of new faces with the likes of Andrew and Harold up for the game. At the same time, Daniel Tan earned a recall to the team but the custodian first piece of action was to collect the ball off his net when he could only parry a thumping header in the first minute. The goal seemed like it's going to be a long afternoon for the Sharks but in the 15th minute, a surging run on the right from Heng Li found Brendan in the box but the midfielder somehow mistimed his run as the ball rolled over to Harold who was unmarked on the far side and the dimunitive winger finished with ease for the leveler. That set the tempo of the game and the advantage was to the Sharks as they surged in numbers and controlled the tempo in midfield. Six minutes later, Heng Li yet again turned provider when he slid the ball for his new partner upfront as Andrew surged forward and finished with aplomb to give his team a 2-1 lead. That seemed to rock the Vietnamese defense into disarray as they found hard to contain the marauding Sharks. Just as the referee was about to blow for half-time, Jiayong won the ball in the middle with a terrier-like tackle and shot for goal. As soon as it flew off his boot, courtesy of a sponsor from Zhuoneng, it was always going to find the back of the net as the midfielder scored his first ever goal for Sharks after 30 games.

Several substitutions were made at half-time and somehow, the impetus was on VVNTU and they controlled the duration of the half with more hunger and purpose and before long, they narrowed the lead off a corner. Shortly afterwards, they leveled the game with yet another goal, this time round, the referee were non-existent as they pushed and shoved their way into goal. The icing on the cake has to be when Jeremy Tan pass bounced off the referee and with the players caught upfront, the defense was caught off-guard as they strode the ball into goal for the winner.

The manager commented, 'We totally didn't turn up for the second half. Perhaps substitutions could have been better managed but the zest the opposition was showing in the second half was something the team was found wanting.

Central Park

3

vs

Andernese

2

One year, two months, 22 days, and 51 competitive Sharks matches. That was how long it took the last time Jason 'The Birdman' Tan found the back of the net. His last was on 22 June 2008 but the wait was finally over when he found the winner 5 minutes into full-time and grabbed maximum points for his team against Andernese at Bowen Secondary School on Sunday. The goal was a long time coming, as long as the innuendos he have received for the past couple of months but it proved decisive, collecting the ball just outside the box, he turned his marker inside and with one flowing movement, his clincher found the far post leaving the custodian stranded. Sharks needed something special after Andernese clawed their way back in the second-half when Sharks went into half-time with a 2-0 lead, and with his team on the backfoot for the duration of the second-half, the Birdman came on for Jeremy late in the game and his first touch, was enough to send his team-mates and manager into delirium.

Sharks started the game knowing that they have to peg Andernese but the opposition started the brighter of the two sides, making forays particularly on their flanks, making both the likes of Charlson and Yi Quan doing a double-shift to contain the bye-lines. There were a couple of scares early in the game but this time round, the defense stood firm and repel whatever the opposition threw at them. Sharks however were finding it hard to find their feet with the likes of Brendan and Kelvin unable to provide support for their compatriots upfront, in the form of Li and Jeremy. As the game wore on, the battles were clearly in the middle but Yus and Jiayong provided ample cover for their defense, and it one situation, they managed to get Yi Quan into the act and the majestic full-back spotted Heng Li making his run on the far-side midway in the first half, his pin-point cross field ball caught the Andernese defense off-guard and with Heng Li making a push for the loose-ball, the onrushing custodian had to chance as Heng Li gave his team an underserved lead with his signature goal. That somehow deflated the marauding Andernese as Sharks began to push more man forward. Jeremy Lee came closest to increase his team's lead when his sweetly struck free-kick just missed by mere inches. Shortly afterwards, Li was again making a nuisance of himself when he latched on a bad pass but his toe-poke bounced off the post. Two minutes before half-time, there were no denying Sharks their 2nd goal when Iskandar latched on Li's flick-on off a throw from Charlson as the forward smashed the ball with a volley from close range.

Andernese came out strongly for the second-half as they look to get back into the game. Just as quickly, a fortuitous header somehow found the back of the net with Michael stranded in goal as Andernese managed to reduce the deficit. With their tail's up, they look the dangerous team of the two sides but at the other end, Sharks were looking to restore their 2 goal lead and when Mohan was brought down in the box, the referee decided to award a free-kick just outside the area which was dispatched by Iskandar, to the grateful arms of the custodian. The opposition however were duly rewarded when the defense failed to clear their lines with Mohan caught in posession in the middle. A peach of a cross found their lurking forward to level the score. Both teams came out firing on all cyclinders. Iskandar could have given his team the lead shortly after the restart but his finishing were found wanting. The closest Sharks came to scoring was when Jeremy Lee smashed the ball into the box and Brendan headed into the post, only to find the grateful hands of the custodian. That was the last action for the former as he limped off after a late challenge. On came his replacement Jason, coming onto the left wing. With his first touch of the ball, Iskandar found him in space. The burly forward turned his marker and in one flowing move, let rip his shot and to the delight of his team, it found the back of the net as Sharks stood firm to grab maximum points and saw out the remainder of the game.

The delighted manager commented, 'It's games like this that make you want to see games week-in, week-out. The winner was fantastic, and to be coming from a player who have been at the back of so much criticisms lately, the goal and securing maximum points is just what he needed. Perhaps, the innuendos made pre-game probably had it's effect.'

Central Park

2

vs

Barclays Capital

4

Central Park rue the opportunities in front of goal as they went down 2-4 against Barclays Capital on Sunday at Springfield Secondary. They were slow off the blocks and were quickly down by 0-2 in just 3 minutes of the first half but Heng Li managed to reduce the deficit only for Barclays to be awarded a contentious penalty as they go into the break with the 2 goal cushion. Nonetheless, the second-half was an absymal affair as Barclays increased their lead before Heng Li netted his second to finish the game 2-4.

Sharks made several changes in defense with the like of Yi Quan and captain Vincent missing for the game and the makeshift defense were quickly put on the backfoot and with a blink of an eye, they were staring at a 2 goal deficit as Barclays were quick off the blocks for the game. That somehow put the Sharks into action as they began to create opportunities of their own but somehow, they failed to find the pass at the final third as the likes of Graeme and Jiayong were unable to find their passing range. However, Sharks reduced the deficit midway in the first half when Kit floated a freekick into the box and Heng Li somehow found himself with the simplest of tap-in in front of goal. That places the impetus on the Sharks and they were unlucky not to equalise shortly afterwards when Graeme's volley struck the post after Barclays failed to clear their lines.At the other end, Mohan were adjudged to bring his man down in the box and Barclays made no mistake from the spot to go into the break with a 2 goal cushion.

The manager commented, 'The first two goals was surprising as they were so many players just ball-watching. But take nothing away from the opposition, they showed more hunger for the 3 points today.'

Baclays Capital

1

vs

Central Park

4

Central slowly prodded up the league standings as they continued their fine rein of form in front of goal with a 4-1 victory over Barclays Capital, their first win after 3 meetings with the opposition. A goal against the run of play from Heng Li in the first half gave his team a slender 1-0 lead at half-time. The dimunitive forward added another 2 to complete his hat-trick in the second half while an own goal provided the Sharks a comfortable 3 points.

There were 3 changes made to the starting lineup with the omission of Naoki, Jeremy Lee and Murugesan that kicked the game off and Sharks were immediately put on the backfoot as Barclays laid a siege in the opening minutes. It seemed like a long afternoon for the defense who had to deal with the early pressure from the opposition but against the run of play, Sharks managed conjure up their first attack of the game. Heng Li managed to sneak behind his marker and took full advantage of the slip by Barclay's defense to give his team the lead after just 6 minutes, leaving Barclays bewildered. The goal somewhat dented the confidence in the opposition pattern of play as Sharks came to grip especially in midfield. Nonetheless, Barclays were always dangerous when they attack and it put the Sharks under a lot of pressure during the duration of the first half. The quartet of Vincent, Charlson, Jaleel and Yi Quan however were always quick to nullify the attacks and when the opposition did manage to put a shot on goal, Michael came up on top with a tremendous save which he tipped just above the crossbar to preserve his team's slender lead. Sharks on the other hand were relying more on their quick breakaway and had ample opportunities to increase the lead but hesistation on the likes of Brendan, Jason and Aaron meant that Sharks were only a goal up. Heng Li came closest to double his tally when his diagonal run towards goal were only denied by the post, with Barclays custodian beaten on a one-on-one situation. Half-time came and Sharks were only up by 1 goal.

The second half started the best way possible for Sharks as they killed off any hopes of a quick leveler from the opposition. Mohan broke free on the right after some timely pass by Graeme in the middle. The former raced into goal but his square ball into the box was swept in by the onrushing defender. 2-0 and it looked a little more confortable for the team till shortly afterwards, captain Vincent brought his marker down in the box but the resulting penalty was well-saved by Michael. As the game swung from one end to the other, both teams created ample chance in front of goal. With 15 minutes left of the game, Barclays were awarded with yet another penalty after Kelvin brought the same man down in the box. This time round, he made no mistake from the spot to send Michael the wrong way. The goal placed added impetus to Barclays as Sharks were on the backfoot until Heng Li gave his team a breather after finishing clinically. The forward ensured that the game ended comfortably for his team by completin his hat-trick 5 minutes later after Aaron flicked the ball into his direction. He could have put his name in the scoresheet but his goal was ruled out for offside.

The manager commented, 'The first two goals came at a very crucial stage of the game and that was important against the ever dangerous Barclays team. The hat-trick from Heng Li was a long time coming but he was particularly sharp in front of goal today.'

Central Park

5

vs

DHL

1

The match tilted slightly towards the away team having a better head-to-head statistics since they first met in 2007. With 2 wins in 4 meetings, Sharks were looking for a long afternoon when they could only muster a barebone team for the fixture. With only 1 substitute for the mid-afternoon kickoff, the team knew that they had to double their efforts if they wanted to come away with anything for the game. They did just that and came away with a masterful 5-1 victory with a brace from Murugesan and Naoki while Aaron grabbed another. DHL managed a consolation when Micheal yet again came off with a howler.

Several changes were made to the team with several missing out for the game and the most notable absentees were of vice-captain Vincent who celebrated the birth of his first daughter on Tuesday. Stand-in captain Jeremy Lee thus were handed the reins in the heart of defence, being partnered by Jaleel, Zhuoneng and Charlson. In the middle, the likes of Graeme and Brendan form the backbone in midfield with Jason and Naoki providing support from the wings. Upfront, the absence of key striker Heng Li meant that the goals were rested on the pair of Aaron and Murugesan. Sharks started making their intentions known while DHL were still trying to get a foot in the game. The first few exchanges tilt towards the pairing of Graeme and Brendan in the middle and they were creating opportunities upfront. The pace of Aaron and Murugesan were putting DHL's defense under pressure on several occasion and the best opportunity were created when Murugesan sent the ball across the box but Aaron was just too slow to react to the opportunities. They had to wait till the 22nd minute when a flick off Aaron's found the lurking Murugesan on the left. The pacy Chennai forward raced thru the box to capitalise on the opportunity.

Shortly afterwards, he could have doubled his tally when his sheer determination created an opportunity for himself but his finishing however were left much to be desired, lobbing the ball over the on-rushing custodian, but misses the target inches wide. Sharks however continued their dominance upfront and but the defense however were tested on several occasions when DHL had a Rory Delap's weapon on their side, those long throws from the sidelines. There were a couple of close shaves and the closest the came to level the score came off a corner but the unchallenged forward could only head the ball wide, as Sharks goes into half-time with a slender 1-0 lead.

DHL started the second half strongly and an indifferent were just left bemused that somehow, they are losing the grip on the game while DHL chased for the leveler. It was against the run of play however when Aaron somehow eased his team's pressure to make it 2-0 when Mohan found the forward making a nice anticipated run into the box. The striker finished cooly to settle his team's nerves. Then on, it was all Sharks and Naoki had a glorious opportunity to put the game beyond doubt but with the ball on his favourite left foot, he somehow shoot tamely across the custodian. The winger had 2 more opportunities to put his name on the scoresheet but somehow, it looked like it was just one of those days. Murugesan however got his 2nd and his team's third of the game when he put the defense under pressure, stole the ball and finished with aplomb from close range. A minute later, Naoki finally managed to break his duck when he dragged his shot across the sea of legs to give his team a commanding 4-0 lead.

At the other end, DHL continued to look dangerous on their long throws and they got their just reward when one of those throws, slipped thru the hands of Michael and into the net, right from the throw-in. Sharks however nailed the 5th goal after some nice build-up play from defense and the finish from Naoki, just outside the box and into the bottom right corner summed up his mood for the game as the team took home all 3 points with a fantastic 5-1 victory.

The manager commented, 'It was important to get the 2nd goal and DHL could have gotten back into the game in the first few minutes of the second-half thus the goal from Aaron was at the crucial stage of the game. Nonetheless, it was a job well done where every player gave their all in the scorching sun.'

Flaming Reds

0

vs

Central Park

3

Central Park snapped out of their 6 games winless streak in all competitions stretching from June when they notched a 3-0 victory over Flaming Reds albeit in an unconvincing fashion, leaving it late in the second half. Aaron Huang got his name when he reacted first off Yi Quan's floater which rebounded off the bar while Stefan snatched 2 quick goals in a short span of 2 minutes to ensure the win.

Morale being at an all-time low as Sharks started the game looking what could possibly be their worst performance for the year. Knocked out of the EFL Champions Cup in bizarre fashion a forthnight ago, the team looked to regroup to kickstart their league competition against Flaming Reds. With no less than 17 players including 2 trialist, Sharks had plenty to offer on the bench and the starting eleven. The team started slowly but over the next few minutes, it seemed that the confidence were back in the team as they looked to get a grip of the game. First opportunity came for Jason who somewhat surprised himself when he got to the end of a cross from David from the right. However, the flailing 'Birdman' were a whisker away from getting to the end of the cross. Nonetheless, the team soldered on to get that elusive opener and chances begin to fall for the likes of Sharks two frontman, Heng Li and Murugesan. But it was trialist David who found himself clear in the box after some poor clearance from the opposition but the Korean were unable to take advantage of the half-chances. Midway into the first half, Heng Li found Murugesan darting into the box but he was brought down in the box but the referee waved played on, to the disgust of the Chennai import. At this point, Sharks began to play into Flaming Reds gameplan and started to bypass the midfield in the hope of catching the defense off-guard. But truth was, it clearly made the opposition played with more confidence as they conjure attacks of their own. Despite the dominance, both teams ended the first half all square.

Sharks started the second half making wholesale changes in midfield and attack with Stefan spearheading the frontline. That however didn't do the trick and the opposition was more intent to place the ball as far from their half as possible. The team however continued their dominance and continue to create opportunities at the other end. Kit had a glorious opportunity to put his team ahead when Heng Li laid off a peach of a pass but the midfielder finishing left much to be desired. Time and time again, Sharks were found wanting to finish some great build-up play and when Aaron missed a golden opportunity to put his team ahead, the manager had enough and opted for a 3-prong attack by replacing the tired Kelvin with Murugesan. That somehow did the trick when Aaron, redeployed on the right flank reacted fastest off Yi Quan's floater which rebounded off the bar and he finished with aplomb. That somehow put the sting back in Sharks play as they looked to increase their lead. That came 10 minutes later when Stefan notched a double in 3 minutes, both courtesy of Murugesan unselfish play as Sharks held on for the elusive victory.

The manager commented, 'The game were looking to be one of those games whereby dominance doesn't translate into goals. The team needed the first goal and though our play still lack the fluidity, it was a much needed victory.'

Central Park

0

vs

Outsiders

5

Sharks are officially in their worst slum ever as they were humiliated 5-0 by Outsiders in their final group match of the EFL Champions Cup, making it their worst ever showing with only a point to show for in their group game and finishing bottom of Group A. With both teams still have everything to play for to go into the semi-final stage, they way the Sharks crumbled left many speechless.

The game looked to be the perfect game for the team to turn around their recent slum. Their 4-0 victory over Gila Galactico in June now seemed like a distant memory as the Sharks have now gone 6 games without a win. Nonethless, everything seemed to point in favor of the boys in yellow with a healthy turnout for game but somehow, everything went severely wrong just after 10 minutes into the game when out of nothing, a shot from distance found the back of the net with custodian Michael decided somehow that his foot would come in handy but his clearance was mis-cued as it sliced into the back of the net. Despite the early setback, the body language of the old was missing. Heads begin to bow down and clearly, several players in the team were probably thinking that it's going to be another defeat. With the lack of muscle and thrust in the centre, the backline were cleared outgunned right across the team as they conceded two more goals to go into half-time with 3 goals down.

Second-half seemed to get the boys moved up a level and Naoki, who was only one of the few who ran his lungs out for the game got a shot in but the post denied him. Kit who was the first to react got the ball into the net but was deemed offside. The opposition were rattled in the first quarter of the second-half before Sharks were playing second-fiddle yet again. Passes went astray, positions were left vacanted and the defense were always outnumbered at every single attack. Nonetheless, Sharks managed to make it a competition till 10 minutes to full-time when a quick attack found Zhuoneng out of position and his marker had the simplest of finish. If that wasn't bad enough, captain Vincent decided to get himself into the action when he mistakably mishit his pass into the forward and the latter had no problems making it 5-0.

The manager said, 'There was no excuses. Put it simply, the opposition wanted it more than us. The lacked of communication and determination were clearly missing. The way we played today were just simply un-Sharks!! We tend to overdo the simpler things and when we do get the ball, there just wasn't enough running and covering. A week break could do us good probably.

Central Park

3

vs

Prestige Marine

5

Sharks bad weekend continued when they went down 5-2 to Prestige Marine in the reverse fixture despite leading on 3 occasions during the match. With many familiar faces to call upon, Sharks were confident going into the match and was intent to put their recent run of winless streak to an end.

Sharks had a dream start when Jeremy Lee, making his first appearance as striker scored with aplomb in the first minute of play powering a volley into the top corner after the Prestige defence failed to clear their lines. The lead did not last as a quick free quick by Prestige caught the Sharks defence on the backfoot which provided a simple tap in to make it 1-1. Heng Li then put the Sharks ahead for a second time when he rounded the keeper after a pinpoint cross from Ah Di split the Prestige defence. That lead however didn't last long. Within a minute of restart, Prestige poured forward and a cross from the byeline found an unmarked winger who made no mistake with a first time shot. The score remained 2-2 till halftime.

Ten minutes into the second half and Murugesan’s direct freekick was fumbled by the Prestige custodian and Jaleel was on hand to slot home to give the Sharks a lead for the third time in the game. Instead of keeping the lead for a third time, Sharks conceded a penalty which was duly despatched. Despite pushing on for the winner, Sharks paid the price when 2 late goals condemned the team to a nightmarish end to the week. Final score Prestige 5-3 winners.

After a great start to his managerial career, Sharks captain Jeremy Chua is now finding it hard to conjure up his team to victory but knowing his fiery background on the field, it wouldn't be that long before he learn the ups and downs of managing the team.

Central Park

2

vs

South Buona Vista

4

On a scorching Saturday afternoon, Sharks miserable run in the EFL cup continued as they lost 4-2 to the Buona Vista Saints despite the latter playing most of the second half with only 10 men after they had a man sent off early in the second half.

Things were not looking good from the start with the Sharks missing several players including Vincent, Yi Quan, Jeffrey, Stefan and Zhuoneng. There was however a welcome return for Chris Fullgraf, who is back on holiday, Michael Jensen as well as his Danish counter part Soren who were both eager for action against the Norwegian opponents. Ten minutes into the game, Heng Li had a perfect opportunity to put the Sharks in the lead after a flick on by Jensen but his chip was a touch too heavy. Saints were pounding the nervy Sharks defence with crosses from both wings and their efforts paid off when they quickly went 2-0 up after Sharks failed to clear their lines. Murugesan put Sharks back in the game after forcing an error from the opposing defence and calmly finishing to the bottom corner. Saints however had other ideas as they scored again to regain the 2 goal lead. Just before half time, Heng Li rose highest to head home a Jensen corner and Soren almost put Sharks level when his powerful drive smashed against the woodwork. Sharks went into halftime a goal down with all to play for.

Early in the second half, Saints had a man sent off for retaliation on Charlson which set the stage for a comeback for the Sharks. This was not to be as 10 minutes later, a simple longball went over the static Sharks defence and the Saints forward made no mistake from the resulting one on one. With only 3 substitutes and the relentless heat taking its toll on the players, the fast tiring Sharks pushed forward to get something out of the game but their efforts yielded no results as the Saints held on to a well deserved 4-2 victory.

The caretaker managers Jeremy and Heng Li was lost for words after the game but offered no excuse despite the team missing almost its entire defense. They quoted however, 'It's time to rethink games being played on Saturdays'.

Central Park

3

vs

Singapore Cricket Club (Cosmo)

4

Central Park headed for a new challenge in the annual invitational EFL Champions Cup and kicked off their group A match against Singapore Cricket Club on Saturday, with memories of their 0-7 drubbing still fresh from their counterpart the SCC Tigers. Things didn't look rosy with Sharks clearly missing half the team and with only 13 players to call upon in the game, another drubbing looks to be on the cards for the Group A opening fixture.

The poor turnout for the team meant that Jorgensen who missed most part of the year were called upon in the centre of defense while another long term absentee Jeremy Tan made his first appearance after almost a year recovering from bronchitis. The latter however started the game on the bench with Jaleel and Brendan being given the responsibilities to protect the frail Sharks defense. SCC took the game by the scruff of their neck as they bombarded in waves after waves of attack right from the kickoff. Sharks on the other hand were unable to take any control of the game in the middle of the park with Heng Li and Naem featuring as a forklorn figure upfront with the lack of opportunities given to them. It wasn't a surprise when SCC took the lead when Sharks failed to clear their lines and a cracker of a shot left Michael in goal rooted to his spot. The manager had seen enough after just 15 minutes into the game and made his first change to balance the team. That seemed to provide a little balance in midfield with the introduction of Naoki in place of the recovering Kit who is still nursing a crocked knee. Just when Sharks were getting into the groove of the game, Michael in goal made a howler of a shot when he let a feeble attempt went thru his legs as SCC looked to open the floodgates which till the second goal, they looked more likely to tear the Sharks defense. Brendan however narrowed the deficit with 10 minutes of the half remaining when a pin-point freekick from Naoki found Brendan rising highest to head the ball into the back of the net as Sharks goes into the break 1-2 down.

There were minor changes in the second half with Zhuoneng being replaced as the defense was reshuffled. Sharks hopes of leveling the scoreline looked to be dampened when Brendan brought his man down in the box. However SCC suprisingly missed from the spotkick and that seemed to give Sharks the much needed boost to chase the game. Heng Li made his chance counted to level the game in the 58th minute when Azri put him thru the back of the defense and the storky forward calmly finished the move for his 129th goal for the club. SCC on the other hand were unable to get back their fluency in the game after that goal and with them missing a bucketful of opportunities in front of goal particularly with Michael intent to make up for his earlier howler with some fantastic save, Sharks took full advantage of the disarray when against the run of play, SCC defense were caught sleeping and Heng Li were on hand to score his 130th goal as he tapped into an empty net. With the clockings ticking by, Sharks seemed fated for a famous comeback but alas, they were let down by some poor calls as SCC took advantage of the fast tiring Sharks defense to level the scoreline. With both teams looking for the killer goal, it was the boys in blue who came up with the goods when they notched the winner with just minutes to the end as SCC held on for a 4-3 win.

The manager commented, 'These are the sort of games and the very reason why the team keeps going after all these years. The commitment the players put in the game were unquestionable and they can hold their heads high for playing their hearts out.

Central Park

2

vs

Prestige Marine Services

2

Season 11 kicked off early for the Sharks as they face off against Prestige Marine on Sunday at Bedok North Secondary School in a Division 4 tie. Sharks were left to rue the missed opportunities to take all 3 points as they threw away a comfortable 2-0 lead courtesy of a double from Na'eem at each half. Prestige however fought back when they took full advantage of a very poor wall from the Sharks midway into the second-half before levelling the tie shortly afterwards as both team shared the spoils in an entertaining game which swung from one end to the other.

With the team still fresh from the 7-0 hammering in their final game of Season 10 last week, the manager made known of his presence in this season opener. Sharks started the brighter of the two teams as Prestige were unable to find the time and space to get their passing game going. The were several familiar faces in the opposition team but Sharks didn't let that get into their head and went on to take the lead in the 11th minute when Heng Li put a nicely placed ball for Na'eem on the far side as the forward sidestep the onrushing custodian and calmly put the ball into the empty net. That seemed to give the opposition added impetus to take the game against the Sharks but while Jeffrey were tried time and again on the right side, his determination made him no pushovers as he contained his nifty opposite number. At the other end, chances were created with Heng Li particularly a thorn in the opposition defense and Murugesan were unlucky not to give his team a second goal when he went on one of his marauding runs but his finishing left much to be desired. Prestige however remain dangerous and they were unlucky not to have level the game midway in the first half when a series of corners found one of their man in the box but his header just missed the target by inches. As both team tried to gain the upperhand in midfield, Stefan combined well with Jeremy Lee in the middle of the park to cut off the supplies to the opposition forwards. Half-time approaching, Na'eem could have added his tally but his shot was way off the target as Sharks went into half-time with a 1-0 lead.

Second-half barely started when Na'eem gave his team their 2nd goal when the opposition defenders made a mess of a loose ball as it trickled slowly into goal. That seemed to put the Sharks on the backfoot as they allowed the opposition to dictate the remainder of the game in the centre of the field. Upfront, Sharks were given half-chances but the final ball was disappointing. That seemed to provide the opposition confidence that they could get something out of the game as they romp forward in numbers and Sharks begin to play without the confidence of their first half showing. Prestige managed to reduce the deficit when Sharks took too long to build up a wall just outside the area and Michael in goal was easy pickings as the free-kick just went pass the non-existence wall. With the game for the taking, Prestige threw man forward in search of the equaliser and they were justly rewarded 10 minutes to time. On the other end, Sharks could have had the final say on a number of occasion but the final ball and decisions made were found wanting as both team shared the spoils.

The manager whom were clearly unhappy with the result commented, 'The first goal was disappointing. It wasn't a scorcher or a pile-driver and to concede such a soft goal after working so hard for most part of the game is disappointing. At this point, the team should be experienced enough to know what to do when they take the lead and kill the game off.