|
Central Park took the week off to continue their journey in the quarter-final tie against FC Protege at Temasek Secondary School. The last time the team face-off was back in 2008 whereby a combined XI from the now defunct Central Park International went down 2-3 in the FA Cup tie at PUB with goals from Muzzammil and Isaac. This time round, Sharks were yet again looking for a long afternoon.
The boys in yellow made a few chances to the starting eleven with Jiayong slotted at right fullback with the team missing a couple of key players like Zhuoneng and Yi Quan. Right from kickoff, Sharks made their intent clear that they were not going to sit back to absord whatever that came their way when an innocuous ball from Graeme almost caught the opposition defense flat-footed. The chances were few and far between for both teams with the battle in the middle of the park with Steven getting his challenges early and crisp as both teams shut out each other and allowing minimal space for either side. Nonetheless, FC Protege seemed to take advantage of their wing play with more success as the like of Jiayong and Charlson were called into action every single time with the latter earning an early yellow card for a bad challenge.
With both teams shutting each other out, it only came alive in the 24th minute when a quick counter allowed Harold to unlease a 20m drive from outside the area, only to be denied by the crossbar with the custodian rooted to the ground. That seemed to bring the game alive as FC Protege began to create chances upfront as Sharks were put on the backfoot on a couple of occasion. The opposition however found Michael a stumbling block today as he denied a couple of opportunities for the opposition to take the lead. Nonetheless, when he was clearly beaten, the likes of Charlson or Vincent was there to sweep the ball upfront. First half ended with the score tied at 0-0.
One change was made in the second half as Heng Li made way for Vuong. Trialist Rowen took his place again in the second half and in just two minutes, he showed what he was capable of when he released Harold on the right. The winger took the ball in his stride as he arrowed the ball into the far post for the lead, leaving the opposition shell-shocked. However the lead didn't last long as FC Protege equalized soon after. It was almost one way traffic from thereon as Sharks were forced to camp on their own half and seek out opportunities on the break. The closest Sharks came was when Isaac managed to bulldoze his way into the box, only to be denied by a last ditch tackle. Sharks however were counting their lucky stars when a couple of chances by FC Protege were either denied by the crossbar or by some poor finishing with the closest, an unmarked header from six yards. Full time and the both teams were still tied at 1-1 as extra-time beckons.
With only 5 minutes for each half, Sharks defended stoutly but in the second half of extra-time, they were undone with a golden goal which left Michael with no chance as FC Protege moved to the next round and Sharks, yet again knocked out at a quarter-final stage in any cup tournaments.
The manager commented, 'The team played their hearts out today and took their chances when they came. Defensively we were a little naive considering we even had to deploy the likes of Jiayong, Steven and Betrand as a makeshift defender. Nonetheless, it was no excuse and the team that took their chances deserved to go to the next round.
|
