Match Review: Never say Never

Dalat Falcons vs Ztec Griffins
6-2 (2-2, 4-0)

First Period:
0423 0-1 Amos Lim
1005 0-2 Brandon Pereira
1200 1-2 Drew Steiret
1224 2-2 Andy Goh ( Drew Steiret )

Second Period
2552 3-2 Reagan Mahoney
2621 4-2 Drew Steiret
3440 5-2 Andy Goh
3537 6-2 Drew Steiret

Bench Penalties:
Dalat Falcons 2mins x 3
Ztec Griffins 2mins x 1

What was anticipated to be a tight match between these two teams turned out to be a one-sided game.

With the absence of several frequent supporters, the Dalat Indoor gym was particularly quieter than usual. The intensity of the game, however, replaced the deafeaning silence.
Anyone who watched the game could testify that there was an obvious shift of confidence from one team to the other - Being the driver to being the passenger and from being the passenger to being the driver.

Both teams started off really well with an obvious desire and confidence to win the game. Dalat first big mistake was to concede a free hit early in the game with Kerry Mahoney being sent off. That mistake somehow caused the Falcons to slack off a little, losing steam in momentum. Griffins took advantage of that as Dominic made a dribbling run down the left flank but was blocked. However, the lose ball wasn't cleared well enough and fell fatefully to the stick of Amos Lim who followed through and took a shot. There was no denying him at all. A really early goal for the Griffins.

That goal was a catalyst to Griffins surge of confidence in offence. Ten minutes into the game, they earned yet another free hit on the right flank in Falcons' half. Brandon showed no hesitation to take a direct clean hard slap shot at goal. Falcons' keeper barely moved as the ball flew past him into the top corner, taking a deflection on the way in.

It seemed as if it was all over for the Falcons as Griffins celebrated their second goal lead.

Just when you think the Falcons aren't soaring high enough, the wind came spurring them on to fight back. Drew who was left unmarked, dribbled across to the centre from the left with great speed releasing a fuming shot that went past the keeper on his far post.
Goal! That was a warning sign by the Falcons.
They ain't throwing in the towel just yet.

1-2.

True enough, the Falcons showed the Griffins the meaning of soaring as Drew deftly received a lop on the right side of the goal line who then dropped pass to Andy Goh. Shockingly, there weren't any defenders who attempted to block him. He had the all the time in the world to execute a hard wrist shot that obviously left Leo Nard furious with his defenders. He even took out his helmet in dismay.

That was the crucial point in the shift of confidence between the two teams.

In the dying few minutes of the first period, both teams were down with 4 outfield players. Drew tormented the Griffins' defense with his tireless runs. By then, it was obvious that Griffins were getting passive in their game play.

The first period ended with a 2-2 draw.
Back to square one for both teams.
Can Griffins handle the increasing pressure after losing a 2-0 lead? Or will they slip up and allow the Falcons to soar pass them?

The second half resumed with an odd choice of strategy by the Griffins. They played way too deep in their own half of what could be a strategic play or just plain mental let down. It seemed as if they were going for the counter attacks rather than pushing hard forward.
The Falcons, known for their speed and stamina, took advantage of that.

The Griffins played so deep that even the Falcons defensive line could push up right to the centre. Worst still, even Falcons' defender, Jared Williams, could have the amount of space to take several shots. Adding to the messy defending by Griffins, it was going to be a disastrous second period for them surely.

Ben Weidemann of Falcons made a great dribbling run down the right as Griffins' defender Brandon came hassling him but only to be left dumbfounded as Weidemann waltz passed him unleashing a weak shot that hit the post. Luck was on their side as the shot rebounded to Falcons' number 2, Reagan Mahoney, who struck it into the goal.

3-2 up for the Falcons!

It wasn't looking too good for the Griffins by then. Heads were down.

In spite of the discouraging scoreline, Griffins almost immediately reply back with a goal under a speedy counter attack, a shot was taken only to be blocked by Falcons' keeper and Daniel Boey of Griffins arrived a little too late for the rebound.

Things went from bad to worse for Griffins. A ball was deflected into Griffins' hot zone. Gim Hoong managed to chest the ball down but only to the feet of Drew who cleverly protected the ball with his body. He even managed to dribble the ball a little closer to the goal and then took a low shot that went through the already confidence-shaken legs of Leo Nard.

4-2.

Falcons didn't just want to win the game.
They want to win it bad, real bad.

Their attacking force remained relentless causing numerous problems to the Griffins. Griffins had to switch to plan B with Gim Hoong pushing forward instead of his usual defending position and it almost proved to be deadly as he made a pass to Amos who came running in with a first timer shot that went sky high. Good effort from both players. With Gim Hoong playing up front, Griffins showed more flamboyant movements in attack.

However, with Gim Hoong playing up front, the Griffins were lacking solid defenders at the back much to the advantage of Falcons. This was proven as Falcons' number 9, Andy Goh, received a pass from the left, dribbled pass a defender and then took a superb shot at goal that left Leo Nard diving for nothing as the ball passed him with great ease.

5-2.

It was downhill all the way after that as Drew increased the scoreline.
He received a pass in the centre, took his chance with a shot at goal that went pass the keeper's legs. Leo Nard definitely wasn't having the game of his life as he failed to stop the sixth goal.

6-2.

It wasn't an easy match for the Griffins and to suffer a painful defeat such as this, they will need to have loads of mental preparation for the upcoming match. Nonetheless, great effort on their part.

The Falcons were just too strong for them to contain. What separates this two teams is the fact that Falcons were definitely physically fitter. With the likes of Drew and Co. running around tirelessly around the court, you can't help but to slack off a little with fatigue kicking in. They showed a relentless spirit despite being down with 2 early goals.

Never say never, they proved it.

Dalat Falcons:
From defense to centre to forward, they were solid, especially physically. Their tireless runs killed the Griffins line of defense numerous times. Another noteworthy analysis is that they possessed a great mental strength. Trailing 2 goals behind, they proved that it was all about mind over matter.

Defensively, it was a superb display of composure once again by the two veterans of Falcons, Kerry Mahoney and Brian Weidemann. Both were literally the pillar in the defense and though the lack in speed, they compensate it with their size and experience. Moreover, they displayed a great sense of understanding between themselves in defense. As much as they defended, they also had an eye for goal. They attempted several tries. Great effort.

From centre to the attacking line, the Falcons were just a nuisance to the Griffins. As mentioned, what separates this two teams is the very fact that Dalat is physically fitter. It is a team filled with players who can not only run but who can run with great speed and with unlimited stamina. Having said that, this game saw that most of their forward were in tip-top form, especially Drew. His instinct in front of goal was deadly in this match compared to previous matches.

With a 6-2 win, you can't really complain much now, can you?
Great game and well deserved win for the Falcons.

MoM:
Drew Steiret.
It was a pick between Kerry and Drew.
Kerry has been by far the most consistent player but the star of the night was definitely Drew.

He finally came out of his shadow and stepped into the spotlight.
His work ethics was higher than ever as he charged for every ball, unsettling the Griffins which at times forced them into turnovers and with his well known stamina, he could've kept it going all night long!

Rediscovering his finishing touch, he rejuvenated Falcons spirit with the first goal, then a well controlled lob to assist the equaliser and together with his team mates, put another 4 to nail Griffins hopes to the coffin.

The Captain, announcing his return (a little too late) with a hattrick and assist to his name, was undisputed the Man of the Match.

Ztec Griffins:
Started off really positive but as the shift of confidence took place, their positive attitude was overpowered by negativity. Taking the lead 2-0 and then losing 6-2 is a very harsh and cruel way to end a match for any team but that's Floorball.
That's reality.

As mentioned, overall they started off well, very compose and confident both in attack and defense. Having scored 2 goals and leading a presumably comfortable scoreline, they could have played a little too confident which may have led to the first two really bad goals. Both goals were defenders error, leaving Falcons' forward way too open and unmarked. Even Leo Nard was furious with his defenders as he took of his helmet after the second goal went it.

Second period was tormenting for them. We are still not sure if its Griffins' coach decision to play defensive or just the players lack of confidence to push up high. If its the coach's decision to play his team deep in defense, it was a bad call. Dalat took every bit of advantage they could from that game play and it proved to be favour them as they cruised pass with a comfortable win. Then again, it could be the players lack of confidence that led to their extremely defensive play in the second half.

It's a painful defeat, one that may leave an indelible mark. They will need to muster every bit of courage and mental strength for their future games. Every match is a learning experience.
Losing is not everything.
But losing is everything if you lose without learning.
Keep your heads up, Griffins!

MoM:
For Griffins, it was an easier pick.
The first line was impressive and beaming with confidence in the first 10 minutes, leading with 2 goals.
Like his team mates, Amos Lim was hunting Falcons with all guns blazing, running around like a Ferrarri early on, pinning down Falcons who were having a slow start.

He was reward for his effort through a follow up for Dominic's loose ball and crafted a few opportunities for his team mates as well.

When, all crumble after the half, Amos kept on with his game of high presuring and fast counter attacks. Although it was rather fruitless, facing Falcons' defense along, lacking support from his team mate, his courage and determination deserves some acknowledgement.