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Sharks finally got their year going as they fought well to earn a well-deserved 1-0 victory over Gabrielite Remix at First Toa Payoh Secondary with Harold Ho scoring the solitary goal. Gabrielite almost stole the equalizer at the death but their header came off the bar in a match where chances were far and few in between. The win on the other hand raise the morale of the team after 3 consecutive losses before this game.
There was a surprise in the line-up when Charlson took his position on the left, leaving Betrand on the bench with Steven, who haven't had the best of the new season joining him, leaving Brendan taking the defensive duties in the middle of the park. Jeffrey on the other hand starting on the wings; a move which was more to nullify the flank play of the opposition. The game started with Sharks putting the opposition on the back-foot with particularly Graeme biting at every ball and challenges. Jeffrey's inclusion almost paid dividends when his thru ball found Harold on the right wing but the speedy winger were unable to put the ball under control. Sharks were unable to capitalise on the chances they had with Heng Li and Isaac closely marked but the number of corners that the Sharks were awarded in the first 20 minutes of the game showed the superiority the team had in the opening exchanges. Gabrielite however looked the more dangerous side going forward but their final ball put paid to their good build-up play. First half ended 0-0 in the scorching sun with both team having everything to play for in the second half.
A couple of changes made in the second half and this time round, Gabrielite put Sharks on the backfoot for a good 10 minutes with several enterprising play in the middle of the park, making the likes of Steven and Graeme failing to gain any foothold in the middle. Nonetheless, the opposition continued to squander their build-up play with bad decision making in the final third. As the game wore on, Sharks were creating the clear-cut chances and a move to put Betrand back in midfield paid dividends as he supplied a peach of a cross for Harold to finish inside the box with a half-volley. The goal opened the game up with the opposition increasing the tempo of their game. Sharks defense stood firm and when the need arises, Michael was all hands on deck to ensure that his post was not breached. Right at the death, Sharks defended while at the other end, Jeremiah squandred no less than 3 chances to put the game beyond doubt. Gabrielite came closest when a free-kick found their man at the far post and much to the relief of the boys in yellow, it came off the post and into safety as Sharks stood firm to collect all 3 points.
The manager commented, '3 games without a win is a long time in Sunday football. We badly needed this win and while the opposition was always dangerous with the ball, we did enough to nullify them. We created the more clear-cut chances though both team don't deserve to lose this one.
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