FC Socheaux

3

vs

Central Park

6

Central Park recovered after an early setback with a thumping 6-3 win over FC Socheaux at Temasek Secondary on Sunday. FC Socheaux threw caution in the wind in the opening exchanges but against the run of play, they took the lead after Sharks defense were caught asleep. Heng Li however level the score in the 22nd minute before Ansel gave Sharks the lead in the 32nd minute. FC Socheaux however didn't know what hit them after the restart when they allow Sharks to score 2 further goals in a matter of minutes just before half-time as Sharks lead 4-1. Though the opposition started the second half strongly, 2 further goals by Jiayong and Heng Li ended the game as a contest as Sharks solidify their chase on the leaders to just a point.

Sharks kicked the game off in stormy fashion as they camped in FC Socheaux half right from the kickoff. The pressure would have paid off early in the game but Sharks failed to take advantage of the opportunities in front of goal with Brendan clearly missing what could have been a opener as he connect off Yi Quan's cross earlier on. Shortly afterwards, Isaac was presented with a glorious chance but he too seem clearly out of shape as his tame shot with just the custodian to beat was easily gathered by the custodian. Just when the game look headed to be a one-way affair, FC Socheaux took full advantage of a sleeping Sharks defense as they nicked a goal at the other end to take the lead. Almost immediately, Isaac could have level the game when he connected to Li's cross from the right, the former however missed his header from just 6 yards, much to the disgust of his manager from the sidelines. Nonetheless, Sharks soldered on and were fully rewarded when Heng Li caught the custodian off the line and his cross shot from the right somehow ended up at the left hand corner. That seemed to put the impetus back to the team as they forayed upfront as chances after chances went begging. Heng Li however turned provider in the lead-up to the 2nd goal with Ansel connecting to his cross with a floating header to give his team the lead. Two minutes later, Brendan found himself with a golden opportunity and took it gladly as he stroll the ball into the net off Graeme's pass. 3-1 and as Sharks look for a breather at half-time, some slack defending allow Ansel to steal the ball just midway into the half and without much hesistation, fired into goal for goal number 4, as Sharks lead 4-1 comfortably at half-time.

In the second half, FC Socheaux found themselves in a perfect position when they were awarded a penalty, thanks to Jaleel handball in the area and they duly send the ball past Micheal who was left stranded. 4-2 was the score and just when they had the advantage back to them, second half substitute Jiayong came up with a wonder goal that would just break any team's morale. Cutting his marker on the right, he took the ball cleanly and unleashed a half volley which found its way on the bottom left corner for Shark's fifth of the game. 25 minutes later, Heng Li ended the game as a contest when he finished off a move by Harold. Isaac could have put the final nail just before the end of the game when he was put thru by Heng Li, but it was clear that he needs more match practice as he failed yet again to beat the custodian on a one-on-one situation. FC Socheaux on the other hand managed to get their third after Sharks defense went to sleep.

The manager commented after the game, 'While the victory was good, the way we defended left me bemused. The defense have to tighten up especially against the next couple of games.