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A solitary strike in the 9th minute from Murugesan was enough to hand Central Park all 3 points on Sunday as Sharks held on against their old rival Prestige Marine at Turf City after failing to beat the opposition in the last 2 occasions. In those previous encounters, Sharks took the lead in both games but they only managed a 2-2 draw in the first meeting despite going 2-0 up while the return leg, Sharks crumbled to a 3-5 defeat despite taking the lead 3 times in the game. This game however, Sharks stood tall and ended the game victorious.
Sharks started the game with several surprises as Chris started ahead of Charlson while Murugesan was given a wide berth with the return of Heng Li after a weekend of bliss. Brendan were switched into the middle of the park and the way the team started, it was clear that it was to trifle Prestige's main engine in the middle of the park as Sharks started the better between both sides. It was all Sharks as they closed the opposition down and the manner the team was playing, the opposition had to abandon their possesion and short passes routine as Sharks gave them no room to operate. With the boys in yellow on top, Murugesan started and finished a move which started in the middle. Collecting the ball from defense, the pacy forward found Isaac and the former, despite being thru on goal opted to lay it off for Heng Li who somehow managed to find the ball to the onrushing Murugesan as the forward finished with aplomb from close range. That probably gave the team the confidence they needed as they continued to catch the opposition on the break. Issac came closest to increasing the lead shortly afterwards when he challenged the custodian for an aerial ball but the custodian got a finger to it and injured himself with the save. As the game wore on, Prestige began to be frustrated with the close contact and Heng Li took the blow which narrowly missed, though it was missed by the man in black. Sharks were clearly creating the more dangerous opportunity at the other end while Prestige yet to get out of their first gear as the referee blew for half-time, with Sharks consolidating a narrow lead.
The second half started with Sharks on the backfoot but the defense stood firm and clearly, Charlson came on top with a number of strong challenges which earned him the first yellow card for the game. Nonetheless, the gameplan for the team begin to fall into place as the team worked for every single ball and in the middle, the tireless duo of Jiayong and Brendan were always sweeping and helping the fast tiring defense out. At the other end, Sharks continued to create opportunities but somehow, the forwards were goal shy as they opted more to passing than having a crack at goal. Murugesan could have added another when he ran thru the heart of defense but somehow, luck was on the opposition custodian side as he managed to stop the ball from the onrushing forward. Andrew and Isaac both had half chances in front of goal but somehow, they didn't manage to find the back of the net. As the game wore on, Prestige's growing frustration put paid to hopes of a leveler as they had a player sent-off for an elbow on Yi Quan with just 10 minutes left. Sharks on the other hand grew in confidence but they were unable to increase their lead as they held on comfortably for 3 points.
The smiling manager commented after the game, 'We played very well as a unit today and everyone stuck to their role. Taking an early lead in the game, we knew that there was a long way for the opposition to come back. Nonetheless, the way we defended as a unit was a testament to the way we stopped Prestige from having any clear opportunity at goal.' He added, 'This will be the final game of the year and the management wishes everyone Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and for a job well done and a well deserved 3 points.
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