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Central Park bounced back from a shocking defeat 3 weeks ago against Gabrielite Remix as they notched a 3-1 victory over Barclays Capital who was in a bouyant mood after their 12 goal thriller last weekend. Barclays got ahead after a shocking goalkeeping from Michael but Jiayong powered his team back just before half-time with a powerful header off Harold's corner. In the second half, Sharks duo of Naoki and Harold created havoc on both wings as they got a hand in the next 2 goals, first thru Brendan's off Harold's pass while Naoki put the finishing touches to a great counter which was finished clinically by Harold.
Sharks started the game in a confident manner despite missing a couple of players especially in attack with only one recognised forward in Heng Li. However, that didn't dampen the spirits of the team as they stucked to the gameplan from the first minute with Steven particularly looking menancing patrolling the middle of the park. Just when Sharks were getting into the groove of their game, an innnocuous ball from the right floated into the box. Micheal in goal were caught on his back as he failed to clear the floater. 1-0 up as Barclays had their tails up for the next 15 minutes. The goal seemed to give the opposition added impetus to attack and they were unlucky not to get their second. Sharks had to thank the crossbar this time round. As the game wore on, Barclays seemed to tighten up their defense and with only a Naoki's thunderous drive to call upon, Sharks for once were running out of ideas upfront. The team got the break they wanted in the 34th minute when Harold's corner found an unmarked Jiayong at the far post. The midfielder didn't need a second invitation as he powered his header home to level the game. The last 10 minutes of the game belonged to the Sharks as they poured forward to get the elusive lead, the closest they came however was another Naoki's shot, this time round, it was a feeble attempt at goal.
The tempo of the game changed for the Sharks in the second half with the introduction of Brendan partnering Heng Li upfront as Sharks took full advantage of the wings with Naoki and Harold becoming a constant thorn in the opposition's defense. Brendan's could have given his team in the lead shortly after the restart but his first time half volley were off target, courtesy of a cutback by Harold. That was probably the warning Barclay's didn't heed as shortly afterwards, Harold again tormented the right and this time round, his crisp cross found Brendan at the far post as the latter bravely went in front of his marker to head his team into the lead. With the opposition chasing the lead, they left gaps at the back which somehow Sharks were unable to capitalise. At the other end, Barclays were unable to get into their usual tempo and before they could recover, a quick counter found Naoki who instinctively released Harold. The latter sprinted forward, beat his marker and the custodian before coolly slotting the ball for Shark's third of the game. He would have doubled his tally shortly afterwards when he found himself clear inside the box but the custodian this time round was quick off his line.
Barclays had their opportunity to reduce the deficit but again, the crossbar came in their way in no less than 3 occassions in the second half. Sharks on the other hand kept their shape as they played out the remainder of the game.
The manager said after the match, 'The boys played the game almost to perfection as they restricted Barclays midfield into playing their normal casual passing game with the boys breathing down their neck at every touch. It was important to get all 3 points today to keep in touch with rest of the leaders in what could possibly be a close division right till the final game.
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