Killer Whales

0

vs

Central Park

1

Sharks shrugged off their lethargic display after a month-long layoff by scrapping thru the next round of the FA Cup by beating Killer Whales 1-0 at Turf City on Sunday. Murgesan ensured that his team was in the next round of draw by notching the solitary goal in the 65th minute after Brendan had earlier put his side in front in the first half but the latter's goal was ruled offside.

The team came out strongly for the first half when they put the opposition in the back-foot for the opening exchanges. Nonetheless, some stout defending meant that Sharks only option was to shoot from distance with Naoki's effort in the 10th minute narrowly missed the target. Killer Whales came into the game but their attacks were quickly nullify by the ever commanding Vincent at the back. Several chances were created particularly from the two wingers but the finishing left much to be desired with Murugesan, Naoki and Heng Li all missing the target after some beautiful interchange of plays. With a handicap of 0.5 goal handed to the opposition, the Sharks were looking to cancel out the advantage as they made forays after forays and they got their just reward when a stinger from Naoki could only be palmed towards the onrushing Brendan who had the simplest of tap-in but the celebrations were shortlived when it was ruled offside as both teams ended the first half just as they started.

Second half started promisingly for the Sharks as they kept knocking on Killer Whales door and it looked like it was one of those days where they could not find the net when Heng Li was presented with a one-on-one opportunity but his shot went just wide. Murugesan and Jason came close as Killer Whales defense were put to the test but with the clock ticking by, Murugesan eased his team's pressure when his scorching drive from outside the area found the back of the net with aplomb. That put the opposition into action as they came off their shell, leaving gaps at the back but the forwards were unable to capitalise but they hung on for another day's work at the office.

The manager commented, 'It was clear to see that the long layoff did the team no favors.