Central Park FC

2

vs

Central Park International

5

It is the off-season and with no fixtures for both the International and FC team, both teams renewed their friendly rivalry on the field in the yearly affair as they drew swords on Sunday at Farrer Park. With 17 players on each side and with several trialist on show, there was only one winner for the game as the talents on show from both teams showed how far the team have progressed over the years with no less than 2 players for each position vying for places in the club. At the same time, the game marked the equipment sponsorship of Covidien, formerly known as Tyco Healthcare for the club with Ms Sandy Goh, from its marketing division in attendance to grace the event.

The match kicked off at a frantic pace and with International team severely hit in the defense department, Naoki was given the task at left back. FC team struck first when Heng Li was causing a lot of problems as both he and trialist Fadley combined well to carve out opportunities for both of them. With the International's defense in disarray, Heng Li took full opportunity to release Fadley to give the FC team an early lead. Things look to become from bad to worse as International was found wanting yet again. This time round, Nelson was slow in coming off his line and Fadley was there again to stroke the ball into the unguarded net. At the other end, International came close to reduce the deficit but were often denied by some stout defending by the FC outfit marshalled by Ridzman but the warning signs were there as Soerensen and Tomas became to dictate play in the middle. Shortly before half-time, Tomas was found free just at the edge of the box and sensing Michael in goal off his line, he let loose a delicate chip only to be denied by the crossbar but red-hot Vikram was on hand to shoot past the rebound to bring his team back in the game, 1-2. The first half was not lacking in action but FC was clearly relieved to hear the half-time whistle as they look to consolidate their lead.

The second-half was clearly aimed for the trialist to shine and with the changes in the FC side, International team had a field day with Alejandro who came on for Soerensen becoming the focal point of attack and before long, the were leveled when he found Naoki who made no mistake to draw the game level. Midway into the second-half, goals by Soerensen, Tomas and Vincent was enough for the International team to wrap up the game 5-2 in their favor.

The manager commented, 'Games like this against both teams are hard to come by as they were constantly occupied with their respective competitions. Nonetheless, it was a fun Sunday morning as we see the likes of some personal duel such as Heng Li with Michael Jensen, Muzzammil against Soerensen, Lutz and Alejandro, Kelvin and Naoki and many more. On top of that, the game marked the sponsorship of Covidien which in the amateur game, is definitely a blessing for the team as they prepare themselves over the next couple of weeks before the start of the new season.