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The manager-less Sharks continued their mini revival with a hard earned 4-2 victory over a strong Team H side. Sharks kept up their momentum from last week’s victory despite missing key players like Vincent, Vince and Neng in defence and raced to a 4-1 lead in the first 20 minutes of the game. The boys held on to the precious lead till half time while Team H came back strongly in the second half and can consider themselves unlucky to only claw one goal back after incessant pressure on the Sharks backline.
Sharks made one enforced change with new boy Bregy starting on the left back position in place of Vince. The boys in yellow made a horrific start to the game as they conceded within 30 seconds of the kick off after some non-existent defending. Thankfully for the Sharks, the Team H defence was in a similar slumber as they made a mess of a long ball 2 minutes later and Heng Li capitalized with a trademark lob over the stranded keeper. Sharks went ahead 5 minutes later when Michael curled a delightful freekick to the top corner of the goal after Harold was unfairly brought down. Sharks continued to press forward and a strong run by Harold left Isaac with the easiest of goals as his square ball was well finished by the powerful centre forward.
The hardworking duo of Brendan and Michael were forcing the Team H midfield into errors. On one instance, a loose ball was seized upon by Brendan who quickly released Chris on the right/ With time, space and the goal to aim for, the latter unselfishly squared the ball for the onrushing Harold to coolly finished pass the increasingly despondent custodian. With a healthy lead, the caretaker manager made several changes which included guest player Kelvin Tan who came on for the tiring Bregy as Steven replaced Michael in the centre of midfield to protect the lead till half time. Aaron also came on for Heng Li and could have added the tally as his speed persistently troubled the Team H backline. A couple of good saves from Mizlan and with Steven sticking to his task, the boys in yellow can be considered a touch fortunate to go into half time with the 4-1 lead intact.
The half-time team talk evolved around keeping the lead and not losing concentration with the Singapore Malaysia game from Saturday evening still fresh in everyone’s minds. Changes were made as the caretaker manager looked to inject some energy with Yus, Shahril, Steven and Aaron all starting the second half. Charlson and Shahril in the left and right back positions respectively were nullifying the dangerous wingers from Team H who have been creating all sorts of problems in the first half. Ten minutes into the second half and the Sharks unfortunately lost the services of Isaac who was clattered into and was unable to recover.
Team H’s pressure paid off mid way through the second half as they deservedly pulled a goal back. Sharks defensive line led by Anuar continued to defend doggedly as the opponents continued to fluff several chances in front of goal. Final score 4-2 to the boys in yellow in a fairly contested game.
The care-taker manager Heng Li, who was delighted with the result, hopes that this win would be a catalyst for a second half turnaround of the season. The rumor mill goes on with the manager’s continued absence unclear as certain quarters persist to credit this situation with the team’s recent revival.
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