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A last gasp equaliser by Harold saved his team from going down to their 5th consecutive defeat. The solitary point doesn't seem to provide Sharks any consolation as the draw meant that they could probably be destined for the playoff or the drop with the league being down to just 7 teams. Brendan put his team in the lead early in the first half though Venom equalised shortly afterwards as they go into the break tied at 1-1. In the second half, Jiayong terrible penalty miss denied his team to take the lead as Venom capitalised with 2 quick goals to go 3-1 up. Harold narrowed the deficit at 3-2 though Venom quickly regained their 2 goal advantage to go 4-2. Nonetheless, 2 goals in the final 3 minutes by Heng Li and Harold salvaged the team with a point.
Sharks disappointing season with 2 crucial final games meant that anything less than a win would condemn the team to DIvision 3 next season. However, it does seemed that the rebulding has started with the appearance of trialist Bilal for the game. Sharks started with a single change as Jason came up to take over Isaac's place upfront partnering Brendan. Venom started the brighter between the two teams with their crisp passing in midfield though they lack penetration in the final 3rd. Sharks on the other hand created the clearer opportunities in the early exchanges with both opportunities falling to Heng Li who is revelling in his new role in the wings. First opportunity was courtesy of a well-laid pass by Brendan whiche the former shot straight to the custodian while the other, an exquiste pass by Jason which the winger ballooned and miss terribly. The miss reinterate the former hotshot lack of goals this year with only a single goal to show for this year. However he made amends later when his cross found Brendan whose header probably was guided into the net by a deflection from his marker.
Venom moved up a gear with the deficit and replied almost immediately when an innocunous shot found Michael who is due for retirement in next weekend game in no man's land. That level things up as chances came far and between for both teams. However Venom could have gone the break with a lead if not for several stupendous save from Michael to deny Venom's striker. Though he could only parry one of those shot, Vincent was available to clear the danger as the ball trickled slowly into the net.
The second half started in a scorching weather but the half was only 5 minutes old when Sharks were awarded a penalty after Heng Li was brought down just inside the area. With the history of Sharks had on the spot, Jiayong stepped up to the plate to try to give Sharks the lead again. However, the hardworking midfielder shot straight to the relieved custodian in goal and the opportunity was lost, much to the disappointment manager at the sideline who simply just couldn't believe another penalty his team was unable to capitalise. To make matters worst, Venom took the lead at the other end shortly after the miss with Anuar missed his clearance. They doubled the lead midway when some horrendous marking and goalkeeping allowed Venom forward to sneak in a goal.
3-1 and Sharks were staring at yet another defeat. With Brendan being given the best opportunity to narrow the defict going to waste, the game appears bleak. Nonetheless, Harold make the game 3-2 in the 30th minute and as Sharks poured man forward, Venom looked to seal all 3 points when they notched their 4th. With the clock ticking by, Heng Li scored an opportunistic goal from close range to make a nervy finishing and as Venom tried to hold off Sharks late push, Harold took full advantage of a square pass by trialist Bilal for the former to level the game; much to the relief of the team.
The manager commented after the game; 'The draw meant that the best the team could hope for is a playoff game. Nonetheless, the time has call for rebuilding of the team. It's been far too long that some of the players are resting on their past laurels. In order to move forward, there is a need to blood new players in the team to freshen the team.
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