1st Half Report: Tusser 1 - 1 Kawabanga
1st game of a new season for Tusser after a couple of non-competitive friendlies. Every players has been yearning for the league game to begin. However, the team got a scare just before the game as our top striker Alvin and key player, Huimin was down with sickness. Thus, Captain Wan had to start off with an untested centre - mid partnership of Javier and Yeow.
The pace of game started off rather slowly. Tusser again was not playing up to par. Losing too many balls unnecessary in the midfield allowing the Kawabanga to counter. However, Tusser's defence was was equally adept to cut off all attacks and reducing them to long shots. As the game drags on, Kawabanga was able to compact their midfield and defence, this made it hard for Tusser to penetrate and coupled with the 1 dimensional play from Tusser, it was just too predictable. However, Javier thought otherwise as he broke down on the left side of the pitch to deliver a pin point cross for Peng to slot in home.
However, Kawabanga began to feel the urgency to push forward, they were rewarded for their persistence when defence lynch pin, Da made a grave defensive error. He misjudged a header and allowed the Kawabanga forward to take a shot which beat Wenjie into the top right hand corner.
2nd Half Report: Tusser 3 - 1 Kawabanga
Few changes were made to the team to allow freshness and more penetration. However, caution were taken not to be overly offensive. Early in the game, Tusser make it's stamp on the game when Eugene releases a long pass which was pick by by Francis to slot in the 2nd goal. This allows Tusser's confidence to grow back. Tusser yet gain started to dominate the game with the new centre mid partnership having a good game controlling the middle of the park. I must say that both Yeow and Javier worked really hard to close down the opponent they were everywhere to support the wingers, forwards and defenders. Good Job... This stability allows the Tong the freedom to dazzle the opponent and he almost scored a goal when he did a French Roulette (Zinedine Zidane) passed the last defender with only the keeper to beat. But Alas, the keeper dived low and did a Gordon Bank...
As the game grows, the opponent started to lose their shape especially in the defence. Tusser was creating numerous chances, from Wan's long shot to Javier's 1/3 volley to Yeow's close shot, but the ball just won't go in. Then opportunity arises when the opponent fouled Da 5m away from the penalty box. Tusser decided to let his "Tiger Challenge" finalist, Eugene take the kick. Eugene let fly a bullet that beat the keeper but not the crossbar. As Tusser continues to launch its attack, the opponent did have their moments but were again reduced to half chances as the FAB 4 held its ground firmly.
Tusser continues to attack in search of the 3rd goal to end the game and their determination was rewarded when after a good passes and touches down the right flank. Timothy played a one - two with Javier using his hind leg that deceived the opponent to set Javier free with the keeper to beat and Javier made no mistake from there.
Key Take Away
1. Too long to make the pass or cross
a. Striker / midfielders waited too long to release to winger which resulted in offside.
b. Send in crosses early if no space on the flank to manoeuvre.
2. Still the same, 2nd half then we really start to play. Let's be more penetrative.
3. Playing against opponents that close down fast or packed the midfield and defence, we must either play one touch, release ball faster or make more runs to free up space.
1st game of a new season for Tusser after a couple of non-competitive friendlies. Every players has been yearning for the league game to begin. However, the team got a scare just before the game as our top striker Alvin and key player, Huimin was down with sickness. Thus, Captain Wan had to start off with an untested centre - mid partnership of Javier and Yeow.
The pace of game started off rather slowly. Tusser again was not playing up to par. Losing too many balls unnecessary in the midfield allowing the Kawabanga to counter. However, Tusser's defence was was equally adept to cut off all attacks and reducing them to long shots. As the game drags on, Kawabanga was able to compact their midfield and defence, this made it hard for Tusser to penetrate and coupled with the 1 dimensional play from Tusser, it was just too predictable. However, Javier thought otherwise as he broke down on the left side of the pitch to deliver a pin point cross for Peng to slot in home.
However, Kawabanga began to feel the urgency to push forward, they were rewarded for their persistence when defence lynch pin, Da made a grave defensive error. He misjudged a header and allowed the Kawabanga forward to take a shot which beat Wenjie into the top right hand corner.
2nd Half Report: Tusser 3 - 1 Kawabanga
Few changes were made to the team to allow freshness and more penetration. However, caution were taken not to be overly offensive. Early in the game, Tusser make it's stamp on the game when Eugene releases a long pass which was pick by by Francis to slot in the 2nd goal. This allows Tusser's confidence to grow back. Tusser yet gain started to dominate the game with the new centre mid partnership having a good game controlling the middle of the park. I must say that both Yeow and Javier worked really hard to close down the opponent they were everywhere to support the wingers, forwards and defenders. Good Job... This stability allows the Tong the freedom to dazzle the opponent and he almost scored a goal when he did a French Roulette (Zinedine Zidane) passed the last defender with only the keeper to beat. But Alas, the keeper dived low and did a Gordon Bank...
As the game grows, the opponent started to lose their shape especially in the defence. Tusser was creating numerous chances, from Wan's long shot to Javier's 1/3 volley to Yeow's close shot, but the ball just won't go in. Then opportunity arises when the opponent fouled Da 5m away from the penalty box. Tusser decided to let his "Tiger Challenge" finalist, Eugene take the kick. Eugene let fly a bullet that beat the keeper but not the crossbar. As Tusser continues to launch its attack, the opponent did have their moments but were again reduced to half chances as the FAB 4 held its ground firmly.
Tusser continues to attack in search of the 3rd goal to end the game and their determination was rewarded when after a good passes and touches down the right flank. Timothy played a one - two with Javier using his hind leg that deceived the opponent to set Javier free with the keeper to beat and Javier made no mistake from there.
Key Take Away
1. Too long to make the pass or cross
a. Striker / midfielders waited too long to release to winger which resulted in offside.
b. Send in crosses early if no space on the flank to manoeuvre.
2. Still the same, 2nd half then we really start to play. Let's be more penetrative.
3. Playing against opponents that close down fast or packed the midfield and defence, we must either play one touch, release ball faster or make more runs to free up space.
