Central Park v International Football Academy

While not much is known about the youth team from the local academy, the Sharks clearly showed their lack of respect for the youth side from IFA when the starting lineup revealed at least 6 key players missing when the match kicked off at the team's homeground. Perhaps the Sharks have not learnt the lessons from their last match against another youth side from Newton Heath when they managed to scrap off a fortunate draw. This time though, they were not that lucky. Shawn retained his place in goal while the back four includes new Sharks Sulaiman along with familiar faces Irman, Sarhan and Salihin. Suhaimi kept his place at left wing while Isa returned after a lengthy absence from injury and he started on the right while. Brendan and Azman made up the midfield quartet. To the amazement of the Sharks fans, the lineup revealed no out and out striker. Defender convert Zul and guest player Chris had to take the striking role upfront.

The pre-match briefing of containing the middle and the wings fell on deaf ears right at the kickoff with IFA controlling the tempo and pace of the game. For the umpteen times this season as any Sharks fans can remember, they conceded yet another early goal. This time through a lack of communications between the centre-backs, Salihin and Irman. Before the Sharks could regroup, another indecision by the back four were duly punished by IFA when they slotted their second goal of the game. The all too familiar sinking feeling began to creep into Sharks play. The fitter and faster IFA  team meant that the Sharks were never allowed too much time on the ball. As the match wore on, the Sharks began to conjure up attack of their own. Suhaimi had the best chance of the first half but his weak shot on two occasions in a one-on-one situations with IFA custodian meant that the latter had an almost quiet first half. Azman was close to bringing down the deficit when he was through on goal but an incomprehensible mistake by Suhaimi which was initially in an offside position to come into play remains the low point of the latter display. Just when the Sharks were finally getting a feel of the game, IFA hit another one just before half-time after the Sharks were late in coming back from a corner and they were duly punished with a well-hit counter-attack.

Zaidi and Chiu came into the fray and the Sharks started with only Zul upfront in the second-half and the Sharks began to pack the middle of the park. The Sharks came out of the second half eager for a break. The changes however did not stop the onslaught from IFA bombarding the Sharks goal. Only several glaring misses and a couple of point blank saves from Shawn prevented the Sharks from losing by a bigger margin. The boys in yellow finally got their break when an IFA defender were adjudged to have handle the ball off a corner. Clearly frustrated by the decision, an IFA defender protested the decision and was yellow carded for abusive language to the referee. The penalty were then easily converted by Azman. While the game remain clean throughout the game, it almost came to boiling point when an IFA player landed a blow on Zul after an almost inconspicuous tackle by the latter after the former was caught being over-elaborate on the ball. A timely intervention by IFA coach and cool headedness by both sides meant that the match proceeded without further incident.

After the match, the Sharks manager was heavily criticised for his decision to leave several key players. He commented that 'It was totally not out of disrespect to IFA for the Sharks to field a makeshift side. The players were left out due to various reasons.' He added, 'Perhaps teams which will be meeting these boys have to take note that they will definitely give any side a run for their money.' The Sharks management is currently negotiating a return match in June against the IFA. This time however, the Sharks will travel to IFA homeground in Bukit Timah. The details of the match will be announced shortly.

The next match will be crucial to the Sharks if they were not to equal last year winless streak which stretch up to 6 games. CP Times will be bringing you the coverage again next week. It is expected that the Sharks will be fielding their full team for the game with the return of several key players.