it has been a long time; * from past till now. *

Monday, April 30, 2007

DHS 2002 FC came out of a tricky tie against Kenny's army friend's team with a hard-fought victory, and plenty of food for thought as well. It was an all-round solid effort from the team, but it was marred by a 10-minute period when the defenders' concentration went off. Although the heavens opened about 10 minutes before kickoff, it had only made the pitch slick as the rain died down just as the match kicked off, making conditions superb for a wonderful passing game.

However, it didn't prove to be the case as the match went on. Both sides started the match on a rather tentative note. Much of the early play was concentrated in the midfield, as defences came out on top once the ball reached the final third of the pitch. The opposition could barely muster tame long range efforts, while DHS's frontline was industrious, with 2 target men employed in Kenny and Zan Rui. An early free kick from playmaker Keng Yang came back off the bar but right winger James could not capitalise on the rebound. However, one attacking burst from DHS eventually saw them take the lead in the 10th minute. A Wen Guang corner was not dealt with properly, and resulted in a throw-in on the opposite side of the field. The opposing defender attempting to block Benny's throw in got too zealous, and his jump while the throw-in was taken was spotted by the referee, giving DHS a free kick near the corner flag. Benny then floated in a cross to the near post near the 6-yard line, and the ball was met by an onrushing Jason, who calmly directed the ball into the far corner of the net.

DHS continued to press on from the restart, and in the middle of the first half got a second goal. A long ball forward reached Kenny, who shielded the ball well. With options around him, the opposing defenders expected a pass, but Kenny decided to go it alone instead. A wonderful run saw him turn two defenders inside out before unleashing a powerful shot into the top of the net. 2-0 to DHS, and they looked to be cruising to half-time.

As the second half kicked-off, Zan Rui and the first half goalkeeper Lim Yang swapped places, to allow the Dubai-bound player some game time up front. The move seemed to have adverse effects on the back-line, as DHS were immediately pegged back after the restart. A clearance was not dealt with properly by DHS, as Benny opted to play the ball back to an under-pressure Ho Chuan instead of making a safe clearance by booting the ball out. The centre-back was outmuscled by the opposing striker, and calmly placed the ball beyond Zan Rui's reach.

A few minutes later, Zan Rui was deemed to have held on to the ball for too long, and an indirect free kick was awarded to the opponent. Although the initial barrage was cleared, another hopeful ball in was not well dealt with by James, and the loose ball was slotted into the DHS net with glee by an opposing striker who was originally offside. 2-2, and it seemed as though DHS's game had collapsed. However, the DHS players seemed to have been awakened by the sudden comeback, and started playing with a lot more urgency and heart. The go-ahead goal wasn't too long in coming, when Wen Guang again stepped up for another corner. The left winger floated in a cross that was dangerously close to the goal, and a panicking defender headed the ball into his own net with a bad connection, much to his horror. This time, there was to be no letting up from DHS, as the back line reverted to their former composure while the midfield was first to every ball.

A fourth goal came as an attack was snuffed out by Zan Rui. Spotting an opportunity on the right flank, the ball was spread out to second-half substitute Boon Wee. Benny spotted an opening behind the dimunitive winger, and started an overlapping dash outside of him. The ball was then fed to the right back, who composed himself before releasing a low cross to an unmarked Lim Yang who tapped it past the keeper to cap off a flowing and swift counter attack. The final nail in the opponent's coffin came when Benny took another throw in on the right touchline. Boon Wee managed to flick the ball on into the penalty box, and in the ensuing melee, Wen Guang popped in a right foot shot into the bottom corner of the net to give DHS a 5-2 lead which would last till full time.

It was an industrious performance from DHS overall, keeping things safe and simple except for the horror 10 minutes at the start of the second half. The defence for the most part cleared their lines well despite the absence of first-choice keeper Zhi Rong, while the midfield remained solid throughout the match and initiated attacks very often. The strikers were also impressive in their hold up play, and clinical in their finishing. However, it should probably be noted that the standard of the day's opponents weren't exactly high enough to provide a stern enough test for the DHS team. Tougher matches will most certainly come, and it remains to be seen if the team can keep up the good work in this game.

DHS 2002 FC 5-2 Kenny's army friend's team

Goalscorers: Jason, Kenny, Wen Guang, Lim Yang, Wen Guang

DHS 2002 FC: Zan Rui; Benny, Ho Chuan, Alan, Yao Chen; James (Boon Wee 60), Jason, Keng Yang, Wen Guang; Kenny, Lim Yang

courtesy of Benny

frm past till now at-
9:39 AM