|
In a game where Central Park is still looking for its elusive first win in Season 17, the end result probably didn't do both teams any favor as Team H fought back to draw 3-3 albeit with 10 men. Sharks took the lead from an unlikely source; Jeffrey Soon coming from behind to sneak a goal from six yards after good work from Harold. Team H fought back with a cracker at the other end; leaving stand-in custodian Chris Lam no chance. The opposition doubled their lead just before half-time with Sharks once again staring at defeat. Harold though pulled his team level with an astute volley just outside the box before debutant Jon gave the boys in yellow a much deserved lead with them having better possesion in the opening exchanges of the second half. Nonetheless, Team H ensured that despite having a man down, they finished the game with a much deserved point.
Sharks started the game slowly as they went head-to-head with their rivals for the past couple of season. Having drawn their first match-up this season at 3-3, this was a match that promises a lot of goals. Just when Team H was getting a grip of the game, Heng Li manages to free Harold off his marker's shackle and the winger whipped a low cross that misses everyone until Jeffrey came up at the far post to give his team an early lead.
A solitary goal was never enough and while Sharks could have extended their lead shortly afterwards when Isaac broke free into the opposition's half, his cross-shot was never going to trouble the custodian. At the other end, Team H level the game when Sharks failed to clear their lines and a screamer just in front of Chris left the custodian stranded. Shortly afterwards, they grabbed a contentious goal off a free-kick and Sharks defense were caught sleeping at the back. 2-1 as Team H took the lead at half-time.
Sharks came off the blocks quicker in the second half and were winning more of those 50-50 balls. Just 11 minutes into the second half, Harold matched Team H first goal with a fine volley just outside the area; leaving the unsighted custodian with no chance. Things were on the upside as Sharks took the lead 8 minutes later; debutant Jon broke free of the last man and he made no mistake with a one-on-one opportunity.
Midway into the second half, Team H levelled the game again as once again, Sharks failed to clear their lines off a corner. Team H goal leveller turn from hero to zero when he find himself staring at a red card shortly afterwards for a harrowing lunge on Brendan. Sharks tried to push forward for the elusive winner and they thought they got it when Isaac finished from close range but the burly forward was adjudged to be offside as both team shared the spoils for an entertaining game.
The Sharks manager commented, 'It was always a tough game against Team H but on the other hand, we should have defended better. It's worrying to see that we conceded all 3 goals off a set-piece and that's something we should be working on.' |
