Ztec Phoenix vs Contact Bullets
7-2 (3-1, 4-1)
7-2 (3-1, 4-1)
First Period:
03:22 1-0 Siu Keong ( Adrian Koay)
04:20 2-0 Samuel Ong
12:00 3-0 O.G
14:48 3-1 Isaac Ang
Second Period:
20:47 4-1 O.G.
23:45 5-1 Adrian Koay
26:33 6-1 Daniel
29:33 7-1 Kelvin Tan( Calvindav)
33:29 7-2 Sheryn Ng
Bench Penalties:
Ztec Phoenix 2mins x 2
Contact Bullets 2mins x 2
The bigger the anticipation, the bigger the disappointment.
That was what summed up last Saturday’s encounter between the top dog and the chasing pack.
It was deemed to be a close fight between Phoenix and Bullets, with the league leaders maximizing their pace against Bullets’s slow defence while the Bullets to counter with their more technically accomplished forwards. But my my, it turned out to be a one-sided affair.
Rumours spread regarding Bullets' fear of not having their first choice goalie, Lawrence, around. Luckily for them, we refrained the temptation of publishing unproven gossips as the goalie was one of the earliest players to arrive at the Dalat gym.
With the rumours squashed, a full strength Bullets just might have a slim chance to create an upset against the so far unbeatable Ztec Phoenix. However, it was not to be.
Both teams started off the match with much intent and purpose compared to their earlier matches as they know that a win and nothing less is required. The tempo was pretty decent with the ball moving quickly as both teams try to draw first blood.
3 minutes into the match, it was Phoenix who found the net. Siu Keong who wander up front, took a back hand shot after receiving a neat pass from Adrian. And it was a series of unfortunates for Bullets as the low ball crept through the legs on Lawrence and into the back of the net.
1-0 for Phoenix.
Phoenix continued to press high after the restart while the Bullets appeared a bit shaken by the goal, failed to recover. The defenders were slow to cover Samuel’s drag and lightning stroke twice in the space of one minute as to Lawrence horror , the ball crept through his legs.
Again.
With 2 goals down Bullets were forced to come out chasing, Phoenix however, was not about to rest their laurels. Their runs always seemed threatening but lacking in accuracy, until luck interfere.
This time it was the defender, Khai Sheng who was unfortunate. The boy was at the wrong place when Adrian’s attempt which seems harmless, caught his leg and the deflection left Lawrence stranded.
3 goals down, Bullets certainly have nothing to lose now and they went charging around the court, pressuring Phoenix.
Their die hard effort although seems unproductive, won them a free hit in Phoenix's half. It was rather a tight angle but somehow, Isaac Ang, desperate shot flew pass Yung Ming’s near post like a missle without him flinching.
The Bullets clawed one back!
The hall errupted as the supporters went ecstatic as they cheer on their team.
3-1.
A surprisingly one-sided half dominated by Phoenix.
The game restarted and both teams seems on fire after the prep talk as they came out with renewed vigour, increasing the tempo of the game.
It was once again Phoenix that had the upper hand in terms of luck with lighting striking twice, they conceded 47 seconds into the half. Siu Keong who was freely roaming forward, unleashed a shot from the centre and to Khai Sheng’s dismay, deflected the shot once again past his own goalie.
Lady luck was definitely on Phoenix's side seeing how they pinballed their way for fifth goal. Adrian drifted from the right, shook off his marker and released his trademark drag. The shot, like an adept musician, composed a brief metal clinging melody, hitting the crossbar twice before bouncing into the net.
4 goals down and still 15 minutes to go, surely there will be no comeback now.
Bullets must be hoping the game would end now.
Almost immediately after Phoenix scored their 5th goal, Danial was given a 2 minute penalty for high stick. This was a good time for Contact Bullets to capitalize on the powerplay situation, but their constant bombardment was to no avail as the shots were off target and the stray pass was not met with a finish.
They were soon punished. Daniel jump back on to the court after serving his penalty and was immediately in action. A long clearance from the defenders found its way to the sneaky forward, catching the Bullets off guard. Lawrence sensing the danger, came out charging but failed to close him down as the boy slotted a low ball pass him.
It was misery for the keeper having to pick the ball of his net six times in the match and it was not going to be his last.
Seventh heaven for Phoenix and disaster for Lawrence as his defense’s failure to muscle out Phoenix in the shooting zone, saw Kelvin capitalising on it from close range as Phoenix scores past him the seventh time.
The Bullets did however, got another consolation goal when Sheryn pounce onto a goalie fumble form Yung Ming whose weak interception gifted her a free goal.
Final Score 7-2.
Ztec Phoenix:
Another win for the league leaders and another step towards the title.
It was a much more convincing performance by the champions-in-making as they comfortably thumped sluggish Bullets.
For once, Phoenix started off with real intent. They pressed hard and high early on and were rewarded with goals as Bullets succumbed to mistakes. Adrian and Co. were drifting around the court with great ease as Bullets were left chasing shadows. Their penetrative runs combined with unconvincing goalkeeping by Lawrence and the blessing of luck saw goals flowing in like running water.
With Bullets constantly pinned in their half, the defenders found themselves a little bit too carefree and decided to wander forward. Their adventurous attempt saw them scoring one but gifted the Bullets a consolation goal. A luxury they can afford to concede with their healthy lead.
One game left for Phoenix. Against 300, the surprise package of Div 2. A win for 300 in their upcoming match, will see both teams going into their final game tie in points, making their it a winner-takes-all final showdown
Hopefully all goes well for 300 so we'll a game worth looking forward to and a treat of dramatic stuffs!
MoM:
Adrian Koay. Again.
It was a hard call to make as Phoenix were on auto cruise everyone was having a decent game, non particularly impressive but the captain once again with his work rate, had a slight edge over his teammates.
He didn't particularly shine out but it was his crucial role as a leader as well as his enthusiasm on court that made a difference for the team.
Contact Bullets:
Outplayed; out of focus; out of luck and out of the title race.
That was what summed up Bullet’s match on Sat.
Bullets went into the match knowing that they need nothing less than a win, they attempted to push on early but Phoenix proved too hot to be meddled with.
The keeper who seemed barely awake and together with his butter fingers and some serious bad luck saw him conceding goals after goals. Goals went bouncing in from his blocks, some going through his legs, a brace from his defenders deflection, another one awkwardly off his helmet.
As for the players, as hard as they tried, there was no stopping the rampant Phoenix as they constantly find themselves tracking back and in occasions when they failed, leaving the keeper exposed.
When they pushed forward, attackers like Ian and Benjamin, although managed to bring the ball up with their pace, were isolated and support often arrived a wee bit too late for them to create any goal scoring opportunity. The Bullets did however, had a period of domination over the Phoenix who were slowing down.
They still failed to convert anymore more goals other than the 2.
MoM:
Don Shakir.
For a defensive line that was penetrated seven times, selecting a defender as the MoM may raise some eye brows. But this boy was impressive throughout and caught our attention with his vision and composure, which is even rare amongst the senior players.
The boy was a tireless worker behind, chasing down incoming forwards, forcing them to tight angles, minimizing their threats. While he has the ball, he calmly controls the possession and always looks up for a pass. A solid and mature performance beyond his age.
This player is definitely one to watch out for in the years to come.
03:22 1-0 Siu Keong ( Adrian Koay)
04:20 2-0 Samuel Ong
12:00 3-0 O.G
14:48 3-1 Isaac Ang
Second Period:
20:47 4-1 O.G.
23:45 5-1 Adrian Koay
26:33 6-1 Daniel
29:33 7-1 Kelvin Tan( Calvindav)
33:29 7-2 Sheryn Ng
Bench Penalties:
Ztec Phoenix 2mins x 2
Contact Bullets 2mins x 2
The bigger the anticipation, the bigger the disappointment.
That was what summed up last Saturday’s encounter between the top dog and the chasing pack.
It was deemed to be a close fight between Phoenix and Bullets, with the league leaders maximizing their pace against Bullets’s slow defence while the Bullets to counter with their more technically accomplished forwards. But my my, it turned out to be a one-sided affair.
Rumours spread regarding Bullets' fear of not having their first choice goalie, Lawrence, around. Luckily for them, we refrained the temptation of publishing unproven gossips as the goalie was one of the earliest players to arrive at the Dalat gym.
With the rumours squashed, a full strength Bullets just might have a slim chance to create an upset against the so far unbeatable Ztec Phoenix. However, it was not to be.
Both teams started off the match with much intent and purpose compared to their earlier matches as they know that a win and nothing less is required. The tempo was pretty decent with the ball moving quickly as both teams try to draw first blood.
3 minutes into the match, it was Phoenix who found the net. Siu Keong who wander up front, took a back hand shot after receiving a neat pass from Adrian. And it was a series of unfortunates for Bullets as the low ball crept through the legs on Lawrence and into the back of the net.
1-0 for Phoenix.
Phoenix continued to press high after the restart while the Bullets appeared a bit shaken by the goal, failed to recover. The defenders were slow to cover Samuel’s drag and lightning stroke twice in the space of one minute as to Lawrence horror , the ball crept through his legs.
Again.
With 2 goals down Bullets were forced to come out chasing, Phoenix however, was not about to rest their laurels. Their runs always seemed threatening but lacking in accuracy, until luck interfere.
This time it was the defender, Khai Sheng who was unfortunate. The boy was at the wrong place when Adrian’s attempt which seems harmless, caught his leg and the deflection left Lawrence stranded.
3 goals down, Bullets certainly have nothing to lose now and they went charging around the court, pressuring Phoenix.
Their die hard effort although seems unproductive, won them a free hit in Phoenix's half. It was rather a tight angle but somehow, Isaac Ang, desperate shot flew pass Yung Ming’s near post like a missle without him flinching.
The Bullets clawed one back!
The hall errupted as the supporters went ecstatic as they cheer on their team.
3-1.
A surprisingly one-sided half dominated by Phoenix.
The game restarted and both teams seems on fire after the prep talk as they came out with renewed vigour, increasing the tempo of the game.
It was once again Phoenix that had the upper hand in terms of luck with lighting striking twice, they conceded 47 seconds into the half. Siu Keong who was freely roaming forward, unleashed a shot from the centre and to Khai Sheng’s dismay, deflected the shot once again past his own goalie.
Lady luck was definitely on Phoenix's side seeing how they pinballed their way for fifth goal. Adrian drifted from the right, shook off his marker and released his trademark drag. The shot, like an adept musician, composed a brief metal clinging melody, hitting the crossbar twice before bouncing into the net.
4 goals down and still 15 minutes to go, surely there will be no comeback now.
Bullets must be hoping the game would end now.
Almost immediately after Phoenix scored their 5th goal, Danial was given a 2 minute penalty for high stick. This was a good time for Contact Bullets to capitalize on the powerplay situation, but their constant bombardment was to no avail as the shots were off target and the stray pass was not met with a finish.
They were soon punished. Daniel jump back on to the court after serving his penalty and was immediately in action. A long clearance from the defenders found its way to the sneaky forward, catching the Bullets off guard. Lawrence sensing the danger, came out charging but failed to close him down as the boy slotted a low ball pass him.
It was misery for the keeper having to pick the ball of his net six times in the match and it was not going to be his last.
Seventh heaven for Phoenix and disaster for Lawrence as his defense’s failure to muscle out Phoenix in the shooting zone, saw Kelvin capitalising on it from close range as Phoenix scores past him the seventh time.
The Bullets did however, got another consolation goal when Sheryn pounce onto a goalie fumble form Yung Ming whose weak interception gifted her a free goal.
Final Score 7-2.
Ztec Phoenix:
Another win for the league leaders and another step towards the title.
It was a much more convincing performance by the champions-in-making as they comfortably thumped sluggish Bullets.
For once, Phoenix started off with real intent. They pressed hard and high early on and were rewarded with goals as Bullets succumbed to mistakes. Adrian and Co. were drifting around the court with great ease as Bullets were left chasing shadows. Their penetrative runs combined with unconvincing goalkeeping by Lawrence and the blessing of luck saw goals flowing in like running water.
With Bullets constantly pinned in their half, the defenders found themselves a little bit too carefree and decided to wander forward. Their adventurous attempt saw them scoring one but gifted the Bullets a consolation goal. A luxury they can afford to concede with their healthy lead.
One game left for Phoenix. Against 300, the surprise package of Div 2. A win for 300 in their upcoming match, will see both teams going into their final game tie in points, making their it a winner-takes-all final showdown
Hopefully all goes well for 300 so we'll a game worth looking forward to and a treat of dramatic stuffs!
MoM:
Adrian Koay. Again.
It was a hard call to make as Phoenix were on auto cruise everyone was having a decent game, non particularly impressive but the captain once again with his work rate, had a slight edge over his teammates.
He didn't particularly shine out but it was his crucial role as a leader as well as his enthusiasm on court that made a difference for the team.
Contact Bullets:
Outplayed; out of focus; out of luck and out of the title race.
That was what summed up Bullet’s match on Sat.
Bullets went into the match knowing that they need nothing less than a win, they attempted to push on early but Phoenix proved too hot to be meddled with.
The keeper who seemed barely awake and together with his butter fingers and some serious bad luck saw him conceding goals after goals. Goals went bouncing in from his blocks, some going through his legs, a brace from his defenders deflection, another one awkwardly off his helmet.
As for the players, as hard as they tried, there was no stopping the rampant Phoenix as they constantly find themselves tracking back and in occasions when they failed, leaving the keeper exposed.
When they pushed forward, attackers like Ian and Benjamin, although managed to bring the ball up with their pace, were isolated and support often arrived a wee bit too late for them to create any goal scoring opportunity. The Bullets did however, had a period of domination over the Phoenix who were slowing down.
They still failed to convert anymore more goals other than the 2.
MoM:
Don Shakir.
For a defensive line that was penetrated seven times, selecting a defender as the MoM may raise some eye brows. But this boy was impressive throughout and caught our attention with his vision and composure, which is even rare amongst the senior players.
The boy was a tireless worker behind, chasing down incoming forwards, forcing them to tight angles, minimizing their threats. While he has the ball, he calmly controls the possession and always looks up for a pass. A solid and mature performance beyond his age.
This player is definitely one to watch out for in the years to come.
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