FPPL Match Highlights: Farrer Park Utd vs Team 89 7th Dec, 2014 By Yihang, Team 89 Prior to kick-off Farrer Park applauded Team 89 onto the field with a mini guard-of-honour to congratulate their title. It was a very warm and sporting gesture; unexpected, but well-appreciated. This is the way football should be played - tough on the field, respect and friendship off it. Following the thunderstorm of the century which caused a significant delay in kick-off, the waterlogged pitch produced a scrappy first half. With the ball skimming over the surface or getting stuck in puddles, Farrer Park found it difficult to find their rhythm and passing game while Team 89s usual slick fast breaks broke down way too often. With both sides frustrated, several over-zealous challenges crept into the game. Kudos to the referee for keeping control of the game. Farrer Park broke the deadlock midway through the half, with an instinctive strike by their striker from the edge of the box after Team 89 lost possession due to ponding on the left flank. Team 89 rallied and found the break just five minutes later through their marauding striker Julio, who turned a defender before squeezing in a low shot at the near post from an impossible angle. Farrer Park nearly retook the lead just before halftime via a vicious free kick destined for the top corner, but stand-in keeper Ramli somehow tipped it over the bar. Old is Gold, they say. Halftime 1-1. The second period started after a one-minute halftime break - possibly the shortest in Singapore Sunday league history - due to the earlier delay in kick off. With the pitch starting to dry up, both teams began to find their fluidity. Team 89 almost took the lead soon after kick off when division top-scorer Mok took a cross down with a perfect first touch, only to scuff the shot with the goal at his mercy. Such charity can only come from a Liverpool fan. He atoned for his sin five minutes later with a killer cross from the left flank. Unable to deal with the cross, the Farrer Park defenders could only watch in horror as striker Luke flicked the ball to the unmarked right winger Darren who gleefully placed it into the top corner from six yards. The Smiling Assassin strikes. As Farrer Park pushed forward, Team 89 tried to peg them back with swift counter attacks. Farrer Park piled on the pressure on search of the equaliser but a combination of bad luck and strong defending by body-building buddies Rizal and Jason ensured Team 89 held firm till the final whistle. Full time: FPU 1-2 Team 89 Goal Scorers: Julio, DarrenYellow Cards: Xiang Opponent Fair Play: 6/7 - very tough on the pitch but generally fair. Referee Fair Play: 6/7 - despite a couple of questionable calls for both sides, never once lost control of the feisty affair.
Posted on: Fri, 12 Dec 2014 14:53:04 +0000
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