Real Ale Madrid

vs

Central Park

2

3

The final tune-up game before the resumption of ESPZEN and the Big-Kickoff in a forthnight couldn't have provided the Sharks a sterner test as they face-off against Real Ale Madrid who ply their trade in Division 2 at Katong. It was a good workout for the Sharks as they share the limelight with their opposite number who will be featuring in a segment by ESPN - Football Crazy. A late goal by Naoki after Ryan have leveled the game at 2-2 in the second-half put the Sharks in the right frame of mind despite the sight of Li limping off late in the first half with a slight strain on his thigh.

The game featured the likes of Lutz, Chris, Asawin and Naoki who have been seconded temporarily to the Hammerheads in view on their ineligibility for the IWL but the real surprise was the sight of Ryan playing in goal for the first 20mins before the arrival of Shahrilnizam. Despite some nervy moments, he managed to keep a clean slate. Sharks however got the upperhand when Li drove his shot in the near post after some good work before Madrid drew level when an innocuous ball from the custodian missed everyone and fell nicely for the opposition forward to catch Nizam off his line. With several changes made at half-time, Sharks failed to get off the pedal as they allowed Madrid to sneak in a goal to a 2-1 lead. As Sharks poured forward making full use of their pacy wingers, Naoki struck a stiff grounder from the edge of the area which proved too much to handle for the custodian and Ryan finished off from six yards. As both teams tried to find the elusive winning goal, Madrid was caught flat at the back as Naoki rounded off the custodian for the winning goal.

Thje manager commented after the game, 'It was a good workout for the guys against a very physical side in terms of their size and the team expected it. The only way to get past them was on the ground and we did just that. Hopefully the team in now in the right frame of mind in 2 weeks time.'