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Central Park cup adventure came to an end in the ESPZEN FA Cup Second Round after they went down 1-2 to Fighting Cocks as the Vietnamese avenged their 1-0 3rd/4th placing defeat in the 2008 EFL Challenge Cup. The games between both teams has always been a close encounter but the Vietnamese came out on top for this encounter as they progressed to the Last 16. A penalty by Stefan rejuvenated his side and the opposition were put on the backfoot thereon but Sharks were unable to capitalise the opportunities in front of goal with them coming closest after Nuriman's shot struck the foot of the post.
Sharks were always going to find it tough to field a competitive team on a Saturday fixture as they strutted into the field with an unfamiliar midfield and backline. Though they started quicker between the two teams, the opposition found their footing in the game and were soon playing their usual touch and go football which provided them ample opportunities in their attacking third. Nonetheless, it took an uncharacteristic mistake from the ever reliable Charlson for them to open the accounts when the defender was caught between two minds as his headed pass to his Daniel in goal were intercepted by his quicker opposite number. A goal down and with the unique handicap rule in the Cup tie, the Sharks knew that the game was far from over as they look to turn on the heat at the other end. It was shortlived as the Sharks on numnerous occasions were unable to string 2 decent passes for the remainder of the half as the midfield were over-ran but their more agile and quicker opponents.
The team look the hungrier of the two teams as they went in search for the leveler but they were often denied in the final third. A switch for Stefan to the front-line seemed to be bearing fruit as he brought forward some nice interchange of plays with his hardworking midfield. Just when they seemed to get a stranglehold in the game, the opposition came with a sucker punch as they split the defense like a hot knife thru butter to give themselves a two goal cushion for the tie. With 15 minutes left of the game, all seemed to go wrong for the Sharks until Nuriman provided a lifeline for the team when his cross was handled in the box. Stefan stepped up and made no mistake from the spot and the goal seemed to lift his side as Fighting Cocks were put on the backfoot for the remainder of the game. Chances began to be craved by the side and Nuriman had no fewer than 3 chances to level the scoring but he failed to capitalise on it with his closest striking the post and into safety. With time running out, the opposition held on as they proceeded to the Last 16.
The manager commented, 'Cup run is always a bonus but we gave ourselves a chance and only started to play in the last 15 minutes of the game.'
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