Pre-match
As discussed in the previous game, the players had a short talk prior to the game, to talk through how the team would want to approach the game. Lessons from the previous game were also recapped, such as having overlapping fullbacks to stretch the opposition defence. With Alvin (striker) and Tong absent at 9am, the team decided to press ahead without the 2 key players.
1st half
Perhaps the pre-match talk had its effect. The usual nerves were missing, as the team put up a good display, dictating the pace and tempo of the game. The return of huimin and kiu served to stabilize the team, and Javier was also pushed to an unfamiliar left wing position, with yukai starting as a striker, partnering Erwin. The 1st 11 played well, as we deservedly went ahead, through the efforts of yukai and Javier. Towards the end of the half, there were a few tense moments, as Tusser took their foot of the pedal, and gave Kampong Boyz a glimmer of hope. 2-0 it was, at the half time whistle.
2nd half
With our 2 midfield generals off on their respective dates, it was left to Javier and yeow to carry on their wonderful midfield partnership, from the last game against kawabanga. Tong, Alvin and Samsu were then brought on for the 2 centre mids, and Wan, as Tusser started the 2nd half in the same fashion as the first, dominating proceedings from the whistle. The 2nd half certainly belonged to our star striker Alvin, as he gave everyone a class performance of his striking prowess. I wasn't timing, but I should think that he has scored one of the fastest (if not the fastest) hat-tricks in Tusser history, as we raced to a 6-0 lead, shortly after the break. The final nail came, as Alvin claimed his 4th goal of the game (and season), giving Tusser a comfortable 7-0 win.
Lessons from the game
1. Good communication on the field from all the players, and this served to boost the morale and confidence of the team.
2. towards the end of the 2nd half, we were still pressing for more goals, even though we were already 7-0 up. This actually resulted in a few scares, as we were caught on the counter-attack. We should learn to hold back, and maintain possession of the ball. As pointed out, it doesn't matter if we win 7-0 or 10-0, but it would hurt if we did not keep our clean sheet.
3. poor memory, cannot recall liao, but think there were some more pointers that we talked about. please add on if you remember.
Other pointers
1. commendable performance from Samsu. I think he embodies the spirit that we want in Tusser. While not everyone gets to play the same amount of time, I think we should not be disappointed, instead we should support the team, and when the team calls upon us, we should always stand ready to do our very best. In addition, he has the thankless job of being the club treasurer, so PLEASE PAY YOUR FEES TO HIM! DON'T GIVE HIM TROUBLE! =P
2. news from Edwin, he will be rejoining our ranks from 15th June.
3. on the same note, Alvin (def) should be back either end june or early july.
