Flaming Reds

0

vs

Central Park

3

Central Park snapped out of their 6 games winless streak in all competitions stretching from June when they notched a 3-0 victory over Flaming Reds albeit in an unconvincing fashion, leaving it late in the second half. Aaron Huang got his name when he reacted first off Yi Quan's floater which rebounded off the bar while Stefan snatched 2 quick goals in a short span of 2 minutes to ensure the win.

Morale being at an all-time low as Sharks started the game looking what could possibly be their worst performance for the year. Knocked out of the EFL Champions Cup in bizarre fashion a forthnight ago, the team looked to regroup to kickstart their league competition against Flaming Reds. With no less than 17 players including 2 trialist, Sharks had plenty to offer on the bench and the starting eleven. The team started slowly but over the next few minutes, it seemed that the confidence were back in the team as they looked to get a grip of the game. First opportunity came for Jason who somewhat surprised himself when he got to the end of a cross from David from the right. However, the flailing 'Birdman' were a whisker away from getting to the end of the cross. Nonetheless, the team soldered on to get that elusive opener and chances begin to fall for the likes of Sharks two frontman, Heng Li and Murugesan. But it was trialist David who found himself clear in the box after some poor clearance from the opposition but the Korean were unable to take advantage of the half-chances. Midway into the first half, Heng Li found Murugesan darting into the box but he was brought down in the box but the referee waved played on, to the disgust of the Chennai import. At this point, Sharks began to play into Flaming Reds gameplan and started to bypass the midfield in the hope of catching the defense off-guard. But truth was, it clearly made the opposition played with more confidence as they conjure attacks of their own. Despite the dominance, both teams ended the first half all square.

Sharks started the second half making wholesale changes in midfield and attack with Stefan spearheading the frontline. That however didn't do the trick and the opposition was more intent to place the ball as far from their half as possible. The team however continued their dominance and continue to create opportunities at the other end. Kit had a glorious opportunity to put his team ahead when Heng Li laid off a peach of a pass but the midfielder finishing left much to be desired. Time and time again, Sharks were found wanting to finish some great build-up play and when Aaron missed a golden opportunity to put his team ahead, the manager had enough and opted for a 3-prong attack by replacing the tired Kelvin with Murugesan. That somehow did the trick when Aaron, redeployed on the right flank reacted fastest off Yi Quan's floater which rebounded off the bar and he finished with aplomb. That somehow put the sting back in Sharks play as they looked to increase their lead. That came 10 minutes later when Stefan notched a double in 3 minutes, both courtesy of Murugesan unselfish play as Sharks held on for the elusive victory.

The manager commented, 'The game were looking to be one of those games whereby dominance doesn't translate into goals. The team needed the first goal and though our play still lack the fluidity, it was a much needed victory.'