Outsiders v Central Park

Having to make do with a make-shift goalkeeper was the story for the season everytime the Sharks missed their custodian. Perhaps they have learnt their lesson when they called up Amran to man the post for this week encounter since his last appearance for the club in Sep 2004 after a long layoff due to his operation. That proved to be the difference between the 2 teams in a match where Outsiders FC started as favorites with a good run of results against the likes of Kallang, Blackjack and Aces Utd in their last 3 games.

In a match where the Sharks were always on the back-foot, the quality of the man between the post was the decider for the game. Sharks opened their accounts against the run of play after the opponent custodian spilled a routine low cross from Heng Li and new boy Ryan was on hand to score on his debut from close-range. The score remained unchanged till half-time. With the Sharks expecting a barrage of attacks to come their way in the second-half, Heng Li added a 2 goal cushion with some enterprising play when the opposition custodian failed to judge the bounce of the ball and the ball slowly trickled into goal. From then on, it was Outsiders vs Amran with the latter pulling off one saves after another to deny the marauding opposition. Despite the absence of Salihin in the Sharks rear-guard, the defence held on for the remainder of the game with almost everyone camping in their own half. Everyone in yellow was determined to protect the scoreline and made up for their 1-5 loss in the first encounter. Sharks could have added another at the end of the game in one of their quick forays upfront but a mis-kick by Lutz meant he will have to wait a little longer for his opening goal.