TPJC

REPORTED BY KEN WONG
Venue: Victoria School
Final Score : 4 - 2
Scorers: Irwin (X2), Elango, Kim Chuan
Yellow Card: Aidil
MOM: Irwin(??)

Line-Up
GK: Kumar
Def (L-R): Tony, Kieran, Ros, Hanz
Mid (L-R): Kim Chuan, Mark Penu, Mark Teo, Ken Wong
Att: Irwin, Kee Yong

ODS finally got back on winning terms against a team that ODS has never failed to beat before.
TPJC started the game brightly, relying largely on their pace. But youth and pace is not everything, as it was clearly shown in this game that experience still plays a major part in winning the game.

TPJC central midfielders were shut off totally by our Mark and Mark connection, who take home no prisoners. Therefore, TPJC had to resort to long balls, bypassing the midfield. But no fears for ODS, as Kieran was there to pick up any loose ball, showing that he still reads the game very well, and he could be fitter than any of the young chaps from TPJC.

Ros too had a brilliant game, and he was involved in setting up for ODS opening goal. Ros played a fantastic through ball to Irwin, who brought the ball under control this time, took on the defender, twisting and turning, and placing a low shot pass the TPJC keeper for the opener, and answered the suggestions/critics that he should be playing at Left-Back instead of Striker. (For those who do not understand this part, there was suggestions/critics that Mr I should be playing at Left-Back after his few unexpectedly well performances as a defender. And by playing as a Left-Back, Mr I, then, not only solved ODS defensive shortages, but also minimise our lost chances up-front.)

But the lead was short-lived, as TPJC equalised from a corner. Failing to clear a corner, a TPJC player was able to shake free of his marker, and headed the ball pass helpless Kumar and Tony.

Couple of minutes later, Irwin was again gifted with a chance to put us in the driving seat again. With the keeper rushing out, Irwin somehow managed to blast the ball high over the bar, when his intention to lob the keeper was clear.

Half Time

Half Time Substitution
Keeper: Kee Yong In Kumar Out
RIght Back: Dennis In Hanz Out
Left Back: Martin In Tony Out
Right Mid: Faisal In Ken Wong Out
Left Mid: Aidil In Kim Chuan Out
Att: Gary, Elango In Kee Yong, Irwin Out

ODS restarted the game, contented to play to their own comfortable pace. After a few minutes, the bench decided to make their tactical change, switching Aidil and Faisal, putting Faisal on the right, making full use of his wonderful right leg.

TPJC was definitely struggling trying to adjust to ODS game, and this is where we got our lead again, from our Discipline Master (who himself forgot that we have to bring BOTH red and blue jersey for ALL games). A cross from Gary that sailed through the air, beyond the marker, and our DM Elango "Panther" Saha was left with no other choice, (he can't control it with that ball in that height) so he headed the ball. He did it well with this header, sending the ball towards the top corner putting us in the lead again.

Shortly after the goal, Mark Teo decided that he had enough, thus ending the Mark and Mark connection in central midfield. Irwin went in, switching Aidil in to the centre. Immediately, it seems like Aidil "Makelele" was out to kill, sliding in from all directions and angles. And a TPJC player (no. 6) was clearly unhappy with that, and retorted to Aidil, "PLAYING RUGBY AR???" And with Aidil playing like that, it was no wonder that he was cautioned for a wild tackle in the later part of the game.

TPJC played hard, and got their equaliser from a fantastic volley at the edge of the box. The ball flew into the top corner, and despite Kee Yong doing a superman in that instant, he could barely get his fingertips to the ball, and watched helplessly as the ball went into the back of the net.

At this point, we wanted to see our Zidane in action. Mark Penu came out, and in went Mr Sng nicknamed "Zidane". Mr Sng as usual, showing sheer class, flicking the balls around and living up to the nickname "Zidane".

Being ODS, we are not a team that plays to avoid defeats. We play to win the game. And in order to win the game, sacrifices have to be made. Therefore, "Coach" Osman and the bench decided that Kim Chuan will go in again, taking out Elango "Panther" Saha who was clearly enjoying himself and very lively today, especially scoring that goal.

Kim Chuan repay our faith in him, scoring the third goal for ODS, after the keeper made a complete mess of the ball, dropping it in front of Kim Chuan.

With the TPJC keeper extremely demoralised, it was no wonder that he "managed" to bring the ball just beyond the penalty area to kick it. Referee was in the correct position to spot it awarding ODS an indirect free kick. But self-proclaimed dead-ball specialist Ken Wong is on the bench. Irwin made a short pass to Gary who blasted it towards goal. TPJC human-wall threw their bodies in to block this powerful shot. And even tried to counter attack ODS on the break. But nothing is too difficult for ODS with Dennis the Menance (who was having a quiet game today, quiet as in he didn't really talk much, and neither did he question or abuse the referee today.), Kieran, Ros and Martins guarding ODS backline. A couple of bodychecks and shielding, the ball was in ODS possession again.

A few passes later, Mr Sng laid the ball for Irwin, who cannoned the ball for his second goal of the evening.

at 4-2 up, Faisal "the big bully" displayed his skills, torturing TPJC no 6, and even showing the poor fellow his big buttocks. From the bylines, it can be seen, Faisal was entertaining himself and the crowd who was cheering him on, and he was smiling, watching the boy dancing around him.

TPJC already had little cause to play for, as the results seemed set.
ODS ended their 3games losing streak, and proved that we do not need Liang Han and Osman to win... yet...

For all those injured, please take care and rest well.
Have a speedy recovery and return soon.
Perhaps you all can contribute by coming down to support, take some photos for the team and even writing the match reports for us!!!

Team Announcement: There's gonna be a Chalet cum BBQ on 22 March 08 (the good Friday weekend) after our game.