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The Shark’s played their socks off against Matador and got the victory they deserved, showing no signs that the Chinese New Year break had taken it’s toll. Harold in particular made his comeback to the team in style, slamming in 2 vital goals, while Charlson recorded his first goal for several years in spectacular fashion.
The game kicked off in the blazing sun at Bendemeer Secondary School. Within only a few minutes, players could feel their boots burning. But Central Park didn’t need to be fired up further, taking the game to Matador from the start. They matched the physical presence of the Matador team, battling for the ball in every part of the pitch.
Chances on goal were at a premium in the first half. Matador especially didn’t have their shooting boots on, with Mizan left with only routine catches to make. The Sharks fashioned a few chances, with Brendan trying shots from distance but all sailed wide. Their best opportunity came when Issac’s header looked destined for the bottom corner, but the goalkeeper was alert to palm the ball round the post. Jason too tried a shot from a narrow angle, which the custodian again tipped the ball over the bar.
The manager rung in the changes after the break. Harold and Jia Wen came on for Chris and Jason. Charlson took Zhuoneng’s place at right back while Jeffrey was replaced by the impressive Jun Siong.
Matador started the half with intent, winning more possession in the middle of the park. However their attacks remained toothless with Anuar and Vince neatly mopping up at the back. Jun Siong also displayed some monster throw-ins, similar to those by Stoke City’s Rory Delap. With the strikers not producing any results, Charlson decided to take matters into his own hands. As he exchanged passes with Anuar down the right, the wingback caught everyone off guard, especially the opposing keeper, when he let fly a thunderbolt into the top corner from over 20 yards away. It's another story if the full-back actually meant it.
The Sharks confidence grew with the goal, and it showed in their crisp passing as they comfortably stroked the ball across the park. They extended their lead soon after, when diminutive forward Heng Li laid the ball into Harold’s path just outside the box. The winger needed no invitation to volley into the bottom corner. The speedy attacker gave his marker lots of problems down the left, and was put through again by Heng Li. This time Harold cut past one defender and blasted the ball past the keeper at the near post. The Sharks held firm at the back for the rest of the game, passing the ball with aplomb as victory looked secure. Sophian had one final chance to add to the scoreline near the end, but his shot was comfortably saved.
Despite the back to back wins, Central Park remains in the relegation zone but has 4 games left. The team needs to build further on their good form to turn this season around.
The manager said after the game, 'It was a vital game for the team and we kept plugging away to ensure that we get maximum points. The first goal was crucial as it made the team grew in confidence.'
He added, 'The last 4 games will be close considering that the teams above us are fighting for the last playoff spot. Nonetheless, with rumors going around on the expansion of each division to 10 teams, it could be interesting where we end up next season.' |
