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Central Park kicked off their campaign with a stutter as they scrapped past ANZA Young Lions 3 - 3 at Springfield Secondary School on Sunday. Murugesan had the rub of the ball when his insistent running caught the defense off-guard and the frantic clearance somehow rubbed against Murugesan as it bounced slowly into goal for the opener against the run of play. That somehow deflated the Young Lions but their controlled passing and play somehow ensured that they came back into the game and midway into the first half, they drew level as both teams went into the break at 1-1. Second half however saw the opposition took a 2 goal lead before goals from Murugesan and Isaac ensured that both teams shared the spoils.
Sharks kicked off their campaign looking to build on from last season second placed finish. Their opponents however got a rude shock last weekend when they were slammed 0-4 against Simei United and the loss seemed to provide the opponents with an impetus to get their season going. Sharks however kicked off confidently and right from kickoff, Graeme found Girish on the left flank and the latter's cross caused a little confusion at the opposition's back but Sharks were unable to capitalise on the chance. Young Lions however got back into their rythmn and were clearly comfortable on the ball as they make forays via the channels. Just when Sharks were looking for a long day at the office, against the run of play, Murugesan caused some panic at the other end and their frantic clearance somehow could only go as far as the speedy forward as it trickled slowly into the net for the opener. Young Lions bemoaned the lack of understanding at the back but nonetheless, kept their composure and look intent to level the score shortly afterwards. Nonetheless, Michael came up tops with a point blank save to deny the forward in a one-on-one situation. There was nothing the custodian could do however when some slack defending left the custodian exposed as Young Lions level the score. They could have got another but this time round, Vincent was around to ensure that the score were kept intact till half-time.
Second half started with Young Lions looking in search of their second goal for the game. Sharks however were clearly chasing shadows for most parts of the game but the defense marshalled by Vincent kept a tight ship. As the minutes ticked by, it was only a matter of time before the opposition find the net as Sharks clearly began to be put under pressure and with a non-existent midfield taking charge in the middle for the Sharks, Young Lions took the lead which Micheal was clearly unsighted on the shot from outside the area. Minutes later, they seemed to kill the game off with another and that somewhat signalled the change with Sharks midfield being ran ragged. With the Sharks staring at defeat, the team began to somewhat moved up a gear and took control of the game with more zest. Murugesan took centre-stage in the closing 15 minutes of the game when he ran the opposition's defense ragged on the left. His low cross in the six yard box were finished by his partner upfront, Isaac Mong who have been re-signed for the season after almost 2 seasons of fruitless season with AC United as he opened his accounts for the year. The goal somewhat rejuvenate the side and they level the score shortly afterwards when Murugesan was on hand to finish off Isaac marauding run into the box but somehow, the referee blew for an infringement just before the goal, much to the disgust of the players in yellow. Nonetheless, Murugesan took the free-kick and finished with an exquiste touch which found the bottom corner of the goal to level the game, and his celebration tells it all. With both teams looking to finish the game in a draw, Murugesan could have snatched all 3 points for his team when his run was tracked by Isaac who provided him with a clear sight on goal with only the custodian to beat. With the forward odd-ons favorite to score in such situation, he fluffed his shot as the referee blew for full-time.
The Sharks manager said after the game, 'The draw was a fair result for both teams. Both teams however could have snatched all 3 points nonetheless and well, Murugesan would rue his opportunity at the end but at the same time, his performance today saved his team from an opening day defeat.
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