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Central Park missed the opportunity to go on top of the division after they went down 1-2 to leaders Simei United in an atrocious field at Henderson Secondary. The Tigers scored in each half before Sharks narrowed the deficit off Maeda midway in the second half. However, the Tigers stood firm to collect all 3 points as they lead the standings with 4 points albeit having played 2 more games.
The game started with both teams knowing what was at stake. Simei United, having played 2 games more and with a slender 1 point team at the top compared to Sharks 19 points had to win the game to solidify their position in the closing stages of the season while Sharks on the other hand, needs the win to go on top for the first time this season and a win would have ease the Sharks in their final 5 games. Tigers however started the half brightly as pinned Sharks back in their own half. Nonetheless, the bright spark from the Sharks were provided by the likes on Naoki and Harold on both wings. Heng Li however had a glorious opportunity to give his team the lead early in the game but somehow, his tame shot was easily saved by the custodian. On the other end, the Tigers were menancing on their wings and provided stern test to Zhuoneng and Yi Quan. They took the lead midway in the first half when Sharks failed to clear their lines. That somehow did not wake the team up as Simei continued to hold good possession of the ball while the likes of Steven and Brendan, who replaced Jiayong shortly after the goal was having problems making their presence felt in the middle of the park. Half-time, and Sharks were down by a goal to nil.
Second half started brightly for the Sharks but just when the team was getting their foot in the game, Simei strikes their second goal of the game, off a near-post corner which went thru the legs of Jeffrey. At this point, Sharks continued scrapping for possession and the introduction of Graeme in the second half ensured that his team had some decent opportunity in the final third. However, despite the runnings of Heng Li in the second half and the ever hardworking Isaac upfront, trialist Maeda came up to narrow the deficit when Steven found him clear enroute to goal. The trialist finished calmly to give Sharks a glimmer of hope. Shortly afterwards, he was unlucky not to level the game when his drive in a packed Tiger's defense went thru a sea of legs and bouced off the post. The best opportunity however fell to Brendan, with his back in goal and only the custodian to beat, his shot were aimed directly at the custodian, who just can't believe his luck as Sharks yet again missed another opportunity at goal. The likes of Isaac, Harold and Graeme had opportunities at goal but the day belonged to the Tigers as they held on for all 3 points.
The manager commented, 'We didn't play as well as the players know they could. They made schoolboys looked like men today and the opponents deserved the win today. They took their opportunities while we didn't and in such tight games, that's all that matters.
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