SPE 93/97

Final Game of 2008 Season

Full Time: ODS 6 - 0 SPE 93/97(Half time: 2 - 0)
Scorers: Osman(x01), Liang Han(x01), Gary(x02), Hanz(x01), Sng(x01)
Man Of Match: Kiran

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Starting Line-Up
GK: Dennis
Def[L-R]: Hairy, Kiran, Hanz, Fred
Mid[L-R]: Osman, Mark Penu, Irwin, Yang Song
Striker: Liang Han, Kee Yong

With the final game and the last chance to reach our 100 goal difference target, we knew we have to concentrate hard in this game because it could be a tricky game with the opponent boasting a speedy player, and some other good players with experience.

We had to "lend" 2 players Vincent and Mark Teo to them as some of their players were late. Osman on this occasion did come back occasionally to support Hairy, as the speedy striker was playing on our left side. In this occasion, he was limited to minimum time on the ball with Hairy cutting off most of the passes before they can reached him, at least for the 1st 15-20 minutes.

Our 1st goal came from Osman who played a speculative shot after receiving the ball from Hairy. Perhaps it was so speculative until the keeper did not know how to deal with it. [1-0]

A pass from Mark Penu(i think) to Kee Yong who had trouble with the ball. Although the loose ball went to the feet of Liang Han who make no mistake in extending our lead. [2-0]

Our lead was nearly diminished when the opponent had a clear chance and the whole goal at his mercy, somehow he blasted it high well above the cross bar, much to our relief.

Before long, the same striker had another chance which hit the crossbar.

A ball which went through our right, Kiran got to the ball first before the speedy striker. Instead of putting it to safety, Kiran tried to backheel the ball and fell over, gifting the ball to the opponent. He sent a cross over to the left, again the same striker sent the ball to the crossbar. ODS was able to keep our lead by riding on our luck for this occasion.

2nd Half Line-Up
GK: Dennis
Def[L-R]: Hairy, Kiran, Hanz, Fred
Mid[L-R]: Osman, Mark Penu, Irwin, Tony
Striker: Gary, Sng

Starting the 2nd half with a 2 goals margin, ODS was constantly looking for the much needed 3rd goal.

This finally came when Osman after beating his marker, drill a low cross to Gary who was at the right end to tap in our third goal. [3-0]

Osman almost pulled off a similar "David Bentley" goal from 30+metres. The lob look set for the top left corner until the keeper tipped it out with his fingers for a corner.

Soon Hairy sent a long ball down from our half to Osman who raced passed his marker, sent a deep crossto the right. Sng nicely headed the ball down for Gary to tap in his second from close range. [4-0]

Osman took one free kick at the center outside the penalty box, the shot didn't look threatening but the keeper again had trouble handling it. This time, Hanz who continued his run followed up to the loose ball for his first goal this season! [5-0]

A pass from Gary to Osman who continued to the bye line. Looking up he saw 4 blue shirts in the penalty box with only the keeper and one opponent. His cross beat the keeper, Liang Han couldn't connect, the ball fell to Gary who also failed to connect. One defender came from the blind side to block the cross, but instead stopped the ball in front of Hairy. Seeing him there, he attempted to palm the ball away only as far as Hairy's right feet.

With the empty goal at his mercy, Hairy unselfishly (actually he was not confident with his right feet haha)turned provider for Sng who was on his right. Sng met the short pass and sidefoot the ball into the net with a first timer. [6-0]. With this final goal, the game also came to an end.

--
Congrats to the whole team for going through a good season. Let's keep this up for 2009!
Please note that our D&D has been brought forward to 15th November 2008!!
--

Fluid

Full Time: ODS 5 - 0 Fluid(Half time: 2 - 0)
Scorers: Kee Yong(x01), Osman(x01), Gary(x01), Mark Teo(x01), Irwin(x01)
Man Of Match: Kiran

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Starting Line-Up
GK: Dennis
Def[L-R]: Hairy, Kiran, Yang Song, Loo Wah
Mid[L-R]: Osman, Mark Penu, Mark Teo, Irwin
Striker: Elango, Kee Yong

The last 2nd game of our season we would want to continue our form, end our season on a good note and importantly to try hit our target.

We approached this game with patience and saw numerous half chances being wasted in front of the goal.

Also we were lucky that the opponents did not convert 2-3 good chances due to our defence lapses. One particular good chance when the referee chose to play a 1+ meter offside player onside... but he blasted it high hahaa

ODS came when Mark Penu received a pass from Hairy before he chipped it over the defence and Kee Yong got to the ball first before their keeper and headed it into goal [1-0]

As Kiran made a run up from defence, the opponents moved up their line to try create the offside trap but Kiran broke this by making an excellent through ball to Osman who was running deep from midfield. [@d request of Mr O who personally sent a sms to the webmaster to include this self-composed part] The opponent's last man was left sprawling by Osman's turn and he managed to taste the synthetic grass as his keeper was emphatically beaten by Osman's sidefoot. [2-0]

At this point of time, the opponents were getting frustrated and there was some internal team conflict around.

Elango soon limped off the field after his challenge with the keeper. The ball went into goal (i think) but the referee blew for dangerous challenge. Gary took over his position.

The half time whistle came after Hairy kicked the ball high up onto the cricket's net. This is after the referee had blown for offside(i think)

2nd Half Line-Up
GK: Kee Yong
Def[L-R]: Tony, Kiran, Yang Song, Chi Man
Mid[L-R]: Osman, Mark Penu, Mark Teo, Irwin
Striker: Gary, Sng

After the restart, we continued to keep our pace and play our game. Osman attempted to lob the keeper once only to be denied by the crossbar. Sng with his predator instinct pound on the rebound and headed into goal. We were all celebrating, including the sideline only to be abruptly disrupted when the legal goal was disallowed for offside....

It was a matter of time before we would get our third goal when Mark Teo deftly chipped the keeper who couldn't do anything except to see the balled landing into goal from almost 40meters! perhaps even 45meters? [3-0]

Sng was soon again in the action when he clamly brought a ball under control at the right before sidefooting the ball past the keeper towards the near post only to be denied a goal in this occasion by the post! Gary though tried to follow up the rebound but it was blocked and subsequently went out of play.

The happy new dad Gary though should find himself on the score sheet after receiving a cross from Sng from the right and smashing the ball into the goal mercilessly. [4-0]

Soon, Hairy sub in for Mark Teo, Elango with Sng and Ken Wong for Yang Song. There was some reshuffle.

Hairy got some touch in front but was often caught having trouble using his right feet hahaaa...

A low cross from Irwin to near post looking for hairy who completely missed the connection, but at this occasion we could afford some laughters :P, though if more chances were converted we would have a easier time by next game to meet our target.

The last goal came when Ken Wong released Irwin freed who saronged (aka put the ball in between the legs) the keeper for our 5th goal [5-0]

Good game with a good result.

--
Please note next week is our last official game for season 2008.
Next Game: 1st Nov 2008 / 5pm
Opponents: SPE 93/97

Let's work hard together to try not to concede and score a few more for something special this year!

Legal Services

Full Time: ODS 5 - 2 Legal Services(Half time: 2 - 1)
Scorers: Liang Han(x03), Kim Chuan(x01), Mark Penu(x01)
Man Of Match: Liang Han

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Starting Line-Up
GK: Kee Yong
Def[L-R]: Hairy, Yang Song, Vincent, Chi Man
Mid[L-R]: Osman, Irwin, Mark Penu, Kim Chuan
Striker: Elango, Liang Han

This game we featured an unfamiliar backline with the exception of Hairy. We started the game looking promisingly in control of the game, which we did. Although the unfamiliarity among the backline did gifted the opponents some good chances which either they failed to convert or Kee Yong had to be called into action. Elango's initial decision to play Vincent who just recovered from a broken ankle in the central back position was soon cast in some doubts.

Our domination in this game finally get our reward when Liang Han nicely lob the ball from our right into the net. [1-0]

Our wingers, Osman and Kim Chuan(playing in also unfamiliar right mid) also looked dangerous at times. Mark Penu and Irwin also connect the team well in their respective central midfield role.

Osman went free on the left, beat the keeper and sent a low cross to Liang Han at the near post who made no mistake. [2-0]

Soon Liang Han substituted himself out and in come Mr Sng(with a point to prove! cos of Hairy's limited vocabulary)

A cross from Elango from the right found Mr Sng who was executing his half-volley unfortunately at the last moment, one of the defender had a crucial touch to deflect it away from Mr Sng.

Legal Services soon found optimism when they scored a header goal through corner kick. [2-1] We seems to have concede a number of our goals this year in particularly to corner kicks...

2nd Half Line-Up
GK: Kee Yong
Def[L-R]: Hairy, Yang Song, Vincent, Chi Man
Mid[L-R]: Osman, Irwin, Mark Penu, Kim Chuan
Striker: Sng, Elango

From the start, the renewed hope after their goal before the half time seemed to work well as Legal Services does look more dangerous when they attacked. A long ball over our left defence which did not look dangerous subsequently ended up in goal. A toe-poke from the striker into a small angle near corner appeared to be well covered by Kee Yong but somehow it squeezed past him into goal.[2-2]

Having this equalizer speed boosted their morale, and they were playing more in confidence as the time tick in the 2nd half.

Mr Sng soon found himself going to meet another cross with another volley, alas again a defender had a crucial touch deflecting the ball off what could be the path for Mr Sng's impending volley.

Soon, the MOM-Liang Han rose to the occasion (that's why he won it??) from somewhere in the center just outside the penalty box by floating the ball over a fully stretched keeper into the net. [3-2]

Not wanting to lose a lead again, we continued to press and work even harder! From our own half, Osman released a wonderful through ball to Kim Chuan. Their keeper was rushing out to try clear the ball, but speedy Kim Chuan got to the ball first and chipped it over keeper who then brought Kim Chuan down. [4-2]

The final goal and his first for this season came from Mark Penu who converted from the penalty spot (Osman won the penalty after being brought down in the box).
His shot into slight left though saw the keeper diving the right direction but was powerless to save the powerful kick. [5-2]

Another victory secured!

--
Next Game: 25th Oct 2008 / Saturday / 5pm / Victoria School

Entertainment Artists Club

Full Time: ODS 8 - 1 Entertainment Artists Club(1st 3rd: 5 - 0, 2nd 3rd: 6-1)
Scorers: Liang Han(x02), Osman(x02), Gary(x01), Irwin(x01), Ken Wong(x01), OG(x01)
Man Of Match: Mark Teo

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Today, the opponents requested to play 3 thirds, each lasting 30mins, instead of two 45min halves.

Prior to the game, NEWPAPER and ZAOBAO came down to take some pictures and also interview our captain Mr Sng regarding our team. We are going to be feature in the papers soon...

1st Third

Our opponents, consisting of players from Media industry including some actors, seem to have lost the plot at the start of "action". ODS also "scored" our fastest goal, when our pressurizing tactics paid off. Their keeper came off the line to pick up a loose ball, while their last man try to play in back to him under pressure. It went to the keeper's wrong side and the ball tickled into empty net. [1-0]

The second goal came when Osman broke free from the left and place the ball to the bottom right. [2-0]

Mark Teo, Irwin was holding well at the central of the park, while Kiran-Mark Penu partnership at the back today was rock solid.

The actions had hardly settled down when Gary scored a fantastic power shot into the roof of the goal near the edge of penalty box. What a goal to celebrate the birth of his daughter. [3-0]

Liang Han then got our fourth goal when he met Osman's cross and tackle the ball into the net. [4-0]

ODS was enjoying a lot of possessions which good passes, one-touch passing, dummies runs and was really going for "goal"rush. It was just a matter of time before we scored the fifth through Osman. After beating the offside trap, he bring the ball forward only to find all 3 other ODS players in offside position, Elango, Liang Han and Hairy(what was he doing so high up haha), so he took the shot himself and the ball went in to goal at the right top of the side net. [5-0]

Also, during this third, our goalkeeper Dennis did not much to do.

2nd Third

The 2nd third started with our opponents seeming picking up some pace. They had a few good passes, although ODS was still much in control. But the final ball often coming a bit short. Kim Chuan was quite lively today and saw him running at defender and some neat passing between Osman or Sng.

This third the opponent try to play some long balls to try find their fast striker. During one such attempt through our right saw Chi Man and Hanz beaten. Dennis came off his line but was not fast enough or rather he was not decisive enough as we saw him hesitated a bit after running halfway out. He failed to get the ball and the striker was then able to get the ball into the net. [5-1]

One corner floated from our left found Osman's header goal-bound, when it was then "blocked" by Irwin, the ball then found into the path of Ken Wong who bring the ball goal bound again. This time, Irwin's mid-kick touch while the ball was traveling into his path found the net. [6-1]

Final Third

ODS did not seem to let up on their attacking options. They continued to surge forward in the final third.

One dangerous break down our right, but Hanz was there having a good sliding tackle that not only won the ball but also managed to find it up to the top, which Liang Han picked up. After "octopus"ing past 2 defenders and finding his balance at the sametime. Somehow he managed to "tackle" the ball that went under the keeper. [7-1]

A good free-kick near the center by Osman beat the wall and keeper but not the post.

The eighth and final goal from ODS came when a corner from the right to the near post. Ken was there trying to execute a powerful looking header, but he failed to connect properly when his head went down first and somehow the ball hit the back of his head & perhaps shoulder and into goal(according to some players' this is highly Ken's G-spot). [8-1]

Soon Liang Han and some actor should getting into some tongue"ing" talks. Which ended up with Liang Han asking for a substitute. (At the request of our team's discussion, we would like to see Liang Han more in action and not tonguing around with opponents)

Suddenly with introductions of some players re-substituted, ODS switched to try out 3-4-3 formation (since we have some luxury today). As the players was not too used to the system especially the 3 "central" back. 2 times, Hairy (with back facing Hanz) nearly put the opponents onside, although he pushed up at the last second.

The formation may not be very suitable for us - soon the opponents realised this and put it to their advantage. During one such event, after our defenders pushed up expecting a pass from them, the player chose to run through the defence instead. He broke free and appeared goalbound until Hanz gave him a "good" tackle outside the penalty box. However to our disbelief, the referee pointed to the spot when he was at the center park of the field(This referee did not do much running except around the middle of the park).

We were all encouraging Kee Yong (who incidentally also have not much to do until now) to save this unjustifiable decision. In the end, justice prevails. He went the right direction but did not really had to save cos the ball taken from the spot was always rising and it went out.

Soon the final whistle went off.

Marine Sunday

Full Time: ODS 4 - 2 Marine Sunday(Half time: 2 - 0)
Scorers: Liang Han(x01), Osman(x01), Sng(x02)
Man Of Match: Kee Yong
Yellow Cards: Liang Han, Tony
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Starting Line-Up
GK: Kee Yong
Def[L-R]: Tony, Hanz, Kiran, Ken Wong
Mid[L-R]: Osman, Mark Penu, Gary Ong, Yang Song
Striker: Liang Han, Elango

The game started very slow and those at the sideline felt that it was like a muted soccer match on TV! It was so slow paced that we cannot remember most of the details as with boring soccer, we do "TV switching".

The very first chance fell to the opponents after Kiran's attempted heading clearance floated to the left of the six yards box. The striker having only the keeper to beat, skied his shot instead (although it was not as high as Elango's).

Often than not, both sides seems to enjoy playing a lot more on our right side. Ken Wong was caught very frequently not marking his player and we had to deal with some dangers coming from this side.

Our first chance turned into goal unexpectedly. Yang Song released Liang Han through on goal, who round the keeper but then took an extra heavy touch, with the ball heading towards out, Liang Han had to do extra work by sliding with the ball into goal.
[1-0]

The scorer then turned provider when Osman's half volley met his cross from the right.
[2-0]

Continued to be boring except with occasional saves from Kee Yong.

2nd Half Line-Up
GK: Kee Yong
Def[L-R]: Hairy, Hanz, Mark Penu, Chi Man
Mid[L-R]: Osman, Vincent, Gary Ong, Ken Wong
Striker: Kim Chuan, Sng

Second half, the pace upped abit.

After some neat one-two between Sng, Kim Chuan subsequently released Osman free on the left. His low cross to the far end saw Sng rocket the ball into top of the goal roof. [3-0]

It only took Sng another 5 minutes to find his 2nd goal and our 4th goal. Gary lobbed the ball over to Sng, who beat 2 defenders after controlling the ball with his chest. He then next coolly wait for the keeper to dive onto the ground before rolling the ball into the empty net. His forte! [4-0] And what a comeback from injury!

At this point of time, Sng sub himself out again and i think maybe Kiran was the one who came in for him. Liang Han then replaced Gary Ong in the middle of the park, who then also received yellow card after basketballhandling some opponent. Yang Song then came in for Mark Penu. Tony also came in for someone, but i forget who hahhaa, then he learnt from Liang Han not the goals but to earn a yellow card.

Marine Sunday should get the 1st goal after Tony put their striker on side who made no mistake. [4-1]

Not long later, we helped to inspire some more morale for Marine Sunday when a through ball was played through our center. The striker was not marked and he put it into the net for their 2nd goal [4-2]

A cross came from our left and Yang Song's attempted clearance with a header instead saw the ball heading for a own goal but MOM-Kee Yong's reflex save put it out for a corner.

With Marine Sunday was looking more and more dangerous, what saved us from a harder match was perhaps the lack of time for them to find more goals.

--
Next Game: 11th Oct 2008 (Sat 5pm)
Opponent: Some musicians team(according to Mr Sng then) Mediacorp celebrities

Announcements: Please note that next week we may be featured in NewPaper as arranged by Kumar.

UPDATED: FOR THOSE INJURED, you are HIGHLY encourage to come if possible.

At Osman's request: LIANG HAN's basketballhandling skills -> please imagine the defender behind!!

EX TPJC

REPORTED BY OSMAN

Full Time: ODS 4 - 3 Ex TPJC(Half time: 2 - 1)
Scorers: Liang Han(x03), Melvin(x01)
Man Of Match: Liang Han

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Starting Line-Up
GK: Kee Yong
Def (L-R): Hairy, Hans, Kiran, Ken Wong
Mid (L-R): Osman, Aidil, Mark Teo, Irwin
Att: Melvin, Liang Han

This week’s game did not have the makings of a classic but what unfolds will go down as one of the best ‘smash-and-grab’ victory since the days of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. There were pensive moments when Mr Sng announced that he might have to play due to a lack of players caused by the F1 night race. Nevertheless, our anxious energy were soothed by the presence of players streaming in at 455pm.Game on @ 515pm.

The game started off with the opponents stringing nice neat passes but they were repelled by the hardworking and disciplined ODS defence marshalled by Kiran. ODS were in fact the first to ask questions when Liang Han mesmerized the centrebacks with his slalom run but were denied by the outstretched keeper’s hand when faced with glory. The opponents created a few chances from then on but were thwarted by Kee Yong’s exquisite handling and able reading. Nevertheless the breakthrough came albeit a mix-up between Kiran and Kee Yong and the striker nipped in with the slightest of touch to poke the ball into a gaping goal.

0-1

ODS was stung into action and on one their incisive forays, Osman played a through ball to Melvin on the left wing and he worked hard to beat his marker and pull the trigger but the keeper managed to make a last ditch save but the rebound fell nicely to Liang Han who make no mistake this time from 3 yards out. Duely deserving equalizer.

1-1

ODS continued to boss the midfield with Mark Teo stringing the passes, Aidil and Hanz combining to stop Singapore Idol Hadi Mirza(opponent STAR striker) from finding any rhythm or getting into his groove(pardon the pun).ODS then construed their second goal that began from their own half. And what a move it was. From defending a corner, they broke out to counter with an exquisite 40m through ball from Osman from his own half who saw the secondary run from Melvin after Liang Han did his decoy run to pull off the centreback. A first touch tap-in from Melvin and ODS takes the lead for the first time.

2-1 (HT)

2nd Half Line-Up
GK: Kee Yong
Def (L-R): Hairy, Hans, Kiran, Chi Man
Mid (L-R): Ken Wong, Aidil, Mark Teo, Gary
Att: Melvin, Liang

Second half saw some changes from the opponents’ line-up and they took charge from the onset. A poor goal-kick clearance and a defensive zonal mix-up between Aidil and Hanz allowed their marauding midfielder to run unopposed and lob Kee Yong from 25m out.

2-2

Opponents were by now superior in all departments and they were stretching ODS defence to breaking point. And break it did. An error by Kiran when his attempted control before clearance allowed their striker to run and beat Kee Yong with a slight deflection from Kiran’s last-ditch tackle.

2-3

With 8 minutes to go, ODS were staring at their second defeat in 4 games and this stung all the players to throw the ‘kitchen sink’ in an attempt to find that elusive equalizer against all odds. A Hanz free kick from the halfway line had Melvin through with only the keeper to beat. But with his back to goal, he had the sheer presence(some say lucky) to lay for Liang Han to side foot it into the bottom corner .Relief for ODS after they thought they had avoided defeat yet again.

3-3

What unfold after this will go down as one of the most amazing comeback (undeserving some thought) when a move involving Gary and Melvin led to a through ball for Liang Han on the right and he proceeded to lob over the keeper’s flailing arms from 10 yards out. And the referee contributed to this moment by blowing the final whistle immediately while the opponents were still in a state of shock. Too shock even to shake our hands….hahahahahaha

4-3 (Marvellous!!!!)


Note: Today is also Melvin's testimonial match. According to him, he has other commitments in Vietnam... anyway today he also wear white socks, another fine for him. Total fine for him is SGD10/-

The Greens

REPORTED BY KEN WONG

Full Time: ODS 3 - 0 The Greens (Half time: 2 - 0)
Scorers: Yang Song(x02), Liang Han(x01)
Man Of Match: Yang Song

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Starting Line-Up
Keeper: Kumar
Def (L-R): Hairy, Kiran, Mark Penu, Ken Wong
Mid (L-R): Osman, Aidil, Irwin, Yang Song
Att: Liang Han, Vincent

After losing to us 9-1 in April this year (refer to that report here), The Greens wanted revenge, this time round, with their full squad as they claimed that for the previous game, half of the team were guest players.

Game started rather normally, with both sides seemingly evenly matched. ODS found it hard to break down the defence, often lacking the final magic touch. Thus much of the game was a battle of the midfield.
Hence, ODS did not manage to get much shots on goal.

On the other end of the field, Kumar seem to having an easy time, with hardly any saves to make as the tight defence between centre backs Kiran and Mark Penu made sure that not even a fly can get past them.

ODS finally got the lead through a brillant free kick from Yang Song.
With the ball about 20yards from goal, Yang Song lifted the ball over the defence. The ball went in off the back of the keeper after cannoning off the crossbar. Sheer class!

1-0

ODS got the second goal during a break, when Yang Song was released on the right, and he spotted the keeper out of position, and he attempted an audacious shot from the byline, one that proved too lethal, as the keeper had no chance of getting near the ball and was left red-faced as the ball flew over him and into the goal at the side netting.

2-0

ODS almost got a third goal, as Osman did well to cut the ball across goal, and Vincent who was nearest to the ball at the far post, just could not stretch his leg long enough to reach it.

Vincent then went out and in came Melvin. (Subsititution due to lack of match fitness by Vincent, nothing tactical)

Half Time

Second Half XI
Keeper: Kumar
Def (L-R): Tony, Mark Penu, Hans, Chi Man
Mid (L-R): Osman, Mark Teo, Melvin, Yang Song
Att: Liang Han, Elango

Second Half started with a huge change in ODS line-up.
But the effects were the same. The Greens struggled to have hardly any shots on goal.

But their defence were equally tight as well, as Liang Han was made to work really hard to "earn his keeps" today. He was often seen being shoved around today, (on other days, he would be the one throwing his weight around and pushing others off). The Greens last man matched Liang Han pace for pace, power for power, body for body. And there were even times when they had two markers on Liang Han.

But Liang Han still got his goal, though a bit comical, when the slightest touch from him had the ball spinning over the keeper, from only six yards out.

3-0

That was after Elango missed a glorious chance to score when he ballooned the ball over the on-rushing keeper.

ODS then made some major chances during the closing stages, Irwin in for Yang Song, Hairy in for Liang Han, Kiran in for Mark Penu.

The results stayed that way until the final whistle as both teams could no create much impact to break down the other team defence.

Rantau Rovers

Full Time: ODS 6 - 2 Rantau Rovers(Half time: 4 - 0)
Scorers: Ken Wong(x01), Liang Han(x03), Osman(x02)
Man Of Match: Tony

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Starting Line-up
GK: Kumar
Def (L-R): Tony, Kiran, Mark Penu, Ken Wong
Mid (L-R): Osman, Irwin, Gary, Yang Song
Att: Liang Han, Vincent

Today, we saw the return of Vincent to action after almost more then a year. But he did not expect the sort of "welcome" from Elango, as the moment he stepped out of the car, Elango was there to greet him, by saying that he was in the wrong colours. Fancy getting a "warning" for wrong attire on his return...

Game started with ODS enjoying majority of the possession, seeming contented to just play the ball around with no urgency of wanting to go for goal.

Occassionals quick attacks from the flanks left the opponents chasing for the ball, and they had to make a few changes early in the game in order to keep up with us.

A goalmouth scramble resulted in a corner.
Yang Song went over to the left side to take the corner. With a beautiful in-swinger, a totally unmarked Ken Wong was lurking at the far post. And he made no mistake, floating high up into the air, and with a glancing header, headed the ball into the side netting and opened the flood gate for the goals to come.

1-0

The opponents had no answer to our style of football. Especially when the defence was super tight, they find it hard to penetrate through, be it on the flanks, or direct through the centre.
In-form Tony cut out all the balls on the left, and even had a few chances to show off his skills, shaking off the opponents, dribbling the ball around them.
Kiran and Mark Penu were the walls for today. Kumar hardly had any saves to make.

A long clearance from Ken Wong found Osman sprinting down the left. Osman took the ball down under control, and dribble past the defenders before slotting the ball past the keeper with his right foot. And my, he made that looked simple.

2-0

The third goal came from Liang Han, who did what he does best, using his body to shake off the defenders and a direct run towards goal, and placing the ball beyond the reach of the keeper.

3-0

Tony read the game well, and intercepted the ball, before passing it to Irwin, who with one touch, played the ball into space for Osman to run onto it.
Osman after bringing the ball under control, unselfishly laid it for Liang Han who was waiting in the six yards box who tapped home for an easy goal.

4-0

Vincent almost marked his return after almost a year of injury, when he was set up for a header. He timed his run perfectly, and was in perfect position and height to head the ball. BUT he closed his eyes at the crucial moment, and the ball brushed against his head and went out for a goalkick.

Half Time

Second Half XI
Keeper: Kumar
Def (L-R): Tony, Chee Man, Mark Penu, Ken Wong
Mid (L-R): Osman, Aidil, Gary, Elango
Att: Liang Han, Kee Yong

ODS restarted the game. And ODS were playing the ball around themselves, with the opponents not too keen on chasing after the ball.
But a weak pass allowed the opponents to intercept the ball. And a hopeful cross down the middle had one of the strikers and Mark Penu both chasing after the ball.
Mark Penu managed to muscle off the striker and was expecting Kumar to come off the line to pick up the ball.
But Kumar was waiting Mark Penu to clear the ball. This miscommunication allowed the striker to sneak in again, and stole the ball from Mark Penu and put the ball past Kumar.

4-1

The opponents seemingly more encouraged with that goal, pressed on a bit harder.
A similar long ball down the middle, and one of the strikers and Mark Penu were chasing for the bouncing ball again.
This time round, Mark Penu headed the ball back to Kumar, but Kumar, on this occassion, came off his line to pick up the ball. But when Mark Penu headed the ball back, he headed the ball past Kumar, and collided into him.
The striker then have the easy job of ensuring the ball goes into the open goal with the easiest of touches.

4-2

Worried by the comeback, ODS started to pick up more pace in their game.
Liang Han was working hard for his hat-trick, perhaps trying to catch up with Osman in the scoring board for the total goals tally. And at times, he seemed to work too hard, with his arms flying everywhere and his body charging into the opponents. There was an incident, where his elbow knock the midfielder down, and the opponent was not too happy with that sort of challenge.
But Liang Han was lucky to get away with a warning only.

Osman then unselfishly set up Liang Han for his hat-trick, releasing Liang Han, who managed to stretch his leg out, despite a strong challenge from his marker, and toe-poke the ball past the on-charging keeper.

5-2

Gary then came off, and in came Irwin again.

With the match winner already decided at this point, the opponents were waiting for the game to end.
But the game has not ended until the final whistle is blown. And ODS continued to rant down the attacks, and Osman, yet again, wanting to be the provider, crossed the ball from the byline for Ken Wong who was waiting in the six yard box, but the keeper anticipated that, and parried the ball away at full stretch.

Osman would get his second goal of this evening, from a free kick about 20yards out. He curled the ball powerfully, and the keeper tried to tip the ball over the bar, but the ball was too powerful, and he could do nothing except see the ball fly past him into the back of the net.

6-2

Game has not ended. Not yet. And that was when a corner from Osman found Tony on the edge of the box. Tony met the dropping ball with a half volley using his left foot, (that kind of remains me of Zidane's goal from Beckham's cross from the corner, during Beckham's first season at Real Madrid) but his effort was just off the target.

Game ended after this.

Tony won the man of the match with 6votes, for his brillant defending and occassional attacks, and playing a full 90minutes!!!
Salute to Tony. You are getting younger!!!

And we welcomed back Vincent. But please remember that our attire is black shorts and black socks.

And Melvin was fined $5 last week for the wrong attire yet again, despite repeated warnings from "discipline master" Elango.

Pioneer

Full Time: ODS 2 - 4 Pioneer(Half time: 2 - 1)
Scorers: Liang Han(x01), Osman(x01)
Man Of Match: -

--
ODS unbeaten streak finally came to an end at the hands of Pioneer.

Pioneer drew first blood early in the first half, when their midfielder spotted Kee Yong, ODS Keeper, off the line and attempted a half volley which beat the keeper and put the pressure on ODS.

0-1

Under the scorching sun, ODS players seemed lethargic, with Hairy missing the ball a couple of times, and Ken Wong being stretched to his limit at being "requested" to support the attack, and to help out with the defence, especially when Pioneer did their counter attack using their speedy left winger.

But ODS did get their equaliser, through hardworking Liang Han, whose determination earned him a goal when he challenged the goalkeeper, and when the ball was rolling towards goal, a defender tried to clear the ball. But the ball went straight into Liang Han, and deflected off him back into the goal.

1-1

ODS took the lead through Osman, who was wearing a new pair of boots, after beating a few players, sidefooted the ball into the goal.

2-1

ODS had some good movements and shots on goal. A powerful shot from Faizal from the left had the keeper beaten, but not the post. Ken Wong moved too early, and the ball cannoned off the post and dropped behind him.

Half Time

After the restart of the game, ODS often seemed lost for ideas. But a good movement saw Gary being put through on goal. And his shot across the goal had the keeper beaten. And it seemed destined for the goal, until it came off the post. Elango was already celebrating with both his arms up in the air and thus miss the rebound completely. And to make matter worse, Ros had to be forced off the field after a fierce challenge on him.

ODS nightmare continued.
During a corner, the ball was not clear completely, and a cross came in from the right found a player on the left, who headed into the net at the unmarked far post.

2-2

Pioneer number 11 proved too much for ODS defence to handle. With a one-two, he left Ken Wong chasing shadows, and he drove a low cross across goal. Mark Penu and Hans both attempted to close in on the ball, but missed it completely. And the ball finally reached the striker who was waiting to pounce at the far post and he made no mistake with a simple tap-in to take the lead again.

2-3

ODS pushed on for an equaliser. With crosses coming in from both sides, but none could find our strikers.
A cut back from Gary found Irwin who had a fierce shot on goal. But his shot went narrowly over.

The killer came, when the ball was lost in midfield, and Pioneer midfielder once again, tried a half volley from about 45yards out. And Kee Yong who have saved us so many times on so many occassions, was caught off his line yet again.

2-4

Game ended shortly after.

SRC

Full Time: ODS 4 - 4 SRC(Half time: 1 - 0)
Scorers: Irwin(x01), Osman(x03)
[01 Own Goal by Hanz]
Man Of Match: Osman
Yellow Card: Tony

--
A hard fought game saw us playing against SRC (with few active club members). The game started with good pace and actions from both ends. Playing a ball down to the left wing, Osman first get the ball under control follow by beating his marker and delivering a low cross across the goal mouth. Elango at the near post almost got a touch, but he failed to get it, though his challenge at the gk gave Irwin who was at the other end the opportunity to tap into an empty net. 1-0. This scoreline stayed till half time whistle went off.

Second half saw SRC coming harder at us and finished with a total of 7 goals.

Crosses came in from our left and right, though most of the time we managed to handle it adequately. It was a matter of time before SRC finally equalized.

A cross from our right found their striker who headed the ball strongly past Kee Yong.

Shortly after this, an attempt by Hanz to clear the ball only to find it floating backwards towards our goal and Kee Yong was beaten by it as he was slightly off the line. (1-2)

It was not long before Osman who released a through ball for Irwin. Irwin though unselfishly released the ball back to Osman who continued his run. His shot to the right bottom corner found the net and the score was leveled again at 2-2.

Before long, SRC took the lead again. An attempted clearance by ODS was not long enough. The ball fell to SRC's right wing near our penalty box, whose shot beat Kee Yong but not the near post. The ball then rolled across the goal line, Kee Yong recovered well to save it, but the strikers "force" the ball into the net along with Kee Yong's hand: 2-3.

Minutes later, SRC soon themselves taking a comfortable 2 goal lead when a cross from our left to the far post found their player. A good chest control followed by a half-volley found their 4th goal into our net.

They soon realised that ODS should not be taken lightly. It appears that we wanted to keep our good run. Osman moved up to pair up with Liang Han. We were soon rewarded after a good run down the right by Osman. His fake managed to throw the keeper off balance and subsequent shot found our 3rd goal at the near post. At 3-4, our morale grew and everyone presses harder.

A counter attack from ODS was nearly effective but Osman attempted dive for penalty was not very successful. Another counter from ODS saw Osman going into the penalty box and towards the byeline, but before he could cross, he was taken down by the defender. This time round the penalty was given. Osman stepped up to take the kick and send the keeper the wrong direction. His cool shot into the left corner was the last goal for an exciting 2nd half. The final score 4-4.

Northstars FC

Full Time: ODS 5 - 1 Northstars FC(Half time: 2 - 0)
Scorers: Irwin(x02), Osman(x01), Gary(x02)
Man Of Match: Kee Yong
Yellow Card: Mark Teo, Xia Kian Meng

--
Summary 1st Half
1) Irwin got the first goal when he latched on to a free ball after the oppoonent gk failed to catch a simple ball
2) Irwin got his second goal when the opponent failed to clear the ball away during a corner and during the scrambling, Irwin calmly put the ball into the net with the outside of his right foot into the center of the goal


Summary 2nd Half
1) Irwin missed a relatively good chance which could have gotten him his hat-trick, when his shot barely went past the right goal post by inches.
2) A through ball from Northstars between Mark Penu and Hairy saw the right winger went free and his cross managed to find his teammate's feet but Mark Penu was there to block it. Somehow the ball hit the striker's hand and went into goal, which the referee allowed.
3) A similar move away saw another dangerous cross coming in but this time Kee Yong make a very fantastic save (which won him the MOM) to keep us in the game. The resulting throw from him through this, set Osman free who placed it calmly to the gk's right for our third goal.
4) From our own half, a ball from hairy found Osman who then set it up for Excuse King Gary to get our fourth goal. At this time, the game seemed to come to an 'end' when you have opponent trying for goal from the restart.
5) Mark Teo was given a caution for don't know what reason.
6) A through ball to Elango on the right, saw our team having 5 attacking players (all free) in the opponents' box. Elango cross found the gk, but he could have palm it slightly over and then for Excuse King Gary to tap into an empty net. 5-1!
7) Xia Kian Meng got into a brawl when the opponent was not happy with his legitimate tackle. And he was shown the yellow card - dont think it was for the tackle though.
8) The final whistle went soon after this.

##
Today's turnout was more positive after our team manager sent out his stern warnings to our players. Please keep it up!

Excuse King Gary got himself ANOTHER new pair of boots!! Like his 2nd pair of the year. We wonder if during his past disappearing act(s), he was busy using our funds to invest and earn some extra income????

Windsor Park FC

Full Time: ODS 1 - 0 Windsor Park FC (Half time: 1 - 0)
Scorers: Elango(x01)
Man Of Match: Rosk
Yellow Card: Liang Han, Rosk

--
Summary 1st half
1) Guest Player Raymond missed a penalty
2) Elango scored the only goal after receiving Osman's cross. (There was a "hint" of offside)
3) Team was quite stable.

Summary 2nd half
1) We were consistently under pressure. Guest Player Raymond seemed tired considering that he was expecting to play only one half. More to this later.
2) Ken Wong defended well to keep us out from conceding one goal.
3) Irwin cleared one goal-bound shot.
4) Kumar was rather stable together (guess it might be sibling rivalry - his brother was in the opponent's team that motivates him to play one level up)
5) Liang Han got a yellow card for "talking" too much i think ...
6) Rosk got a yellow card for hmm not so legal tackle...


##
Some words from the team management.
1) We may review whether to invite GO to stay on with our team next year or not.
2) Playing small white balls (also got green playing ground, but you play with a "stick" one) before a soccer game may be detrimental to the player's performance.
3) Our team has been playing for the past few games with only 11 players.
4) Need to consolidate our injury list.

Global International

Full Time: ODS 7 - 2 Global International(Half time: 1 - 0)
Scorers: Osman(x01), Mark Teo(x02), Kee Yong(x02), Elango(x01), Irwin(x01)
Man Of Match: Kee Yong

--
We have exactly 11 players for this game. First half was pretty equally match, both teams having their chances but unable to convert some of them.

On one such occasion, after getting himself free, the cross coming in from the left from Osman found Elango who should be it into the net easily as the keeper was also beaten. Instead he balloned it over.

At the other end, a miss-timed challenge by Rosk allowed the striker to go free and having only Kumar - the keeper to beat. As he was taking the shot, a timely tackle from Hairy forced the shot for a corner instead.

The score was finally broken when Osman converted our free kick and directed it into goal pass the keeper who was at full stretch. It was also the 100th goal for ODS. Congrats to him. It was also the only goal for the first half.

Briefly after the restart, ODS gave away an unnecessary free kick. The subsequent kick which look harmless, relatively slow and should be easily collected by keeper Kumar. Instead, somehow he all so slightly touched the ball on his way "down" to the ground and gifted the ball to the opponent which simply tap it in for the equalizer. Our defence line in particular - hairy maybe should have covered up for keeper. But it was really quite unexpected. According to Kumar, a wind caused the ball change it flight... and after the game, he also mentioned that because of this - he inspired us to higher level. Read on for more.

Osman should found himself free again but unselfishly lay the ball for Mark Teo to get our second goal. (2-1)

Hairy mis-controlled his ball and it fell into the path of the opponent striker, who looked set to race through for one-on-one with Kumar. Hairy then pulled his jersey (outside the box), but the referee awarded them a penalty (At the point just before the whistle, Rosk got back and got a legal tackle on this striker. He was surprised why the penalty was awarded as he was unable to see what Hairy did hahhaha and he got an earful from the referee with hairy "walking" away from crime scene quietly.) - which was converted into goal subsequently.

Not long later, Kee Yong got the ball and somehow beat 4 players before putting the ball into the back of the net with the outside of his left foot for ODS to lead 3-2. Before the celebration ended, suddenly Kee Yong got his second goal and our forth goal.

Soon, Elango and Irwin each also added to the scoreline, and Mark Teo added his second, our seventh when a free kick on the left from Osman found him.

##
Announcements
There will be NO game for National Day as we have to celebrate our nation's birthday!

Next Game: 16th August 2008 (Saturday)
Location: Victoria School
Time: 4.30pm

Forex

Full Time: ODS 3 - 0 Forex (Half time: 1 - 0)
Scorers: Ken Wong(x01), Melvin(x01), Elango(x01)
Yellow Card: Liang Han
Man Of Match: Hanz

--
After last week's good performance, ODS seemed to have problems stringing their passes this week. Liang Han was looking slightly out of form and was not effective. Soon i guess he got frustrated and before long earned himself one yellow card for his octopus-style tactic on the defender.

It was getting pretty frustrated when we were trying to play "too hard". On one occasion, Kim Chuan was set free on the left, with the support of both Hairy and Liang Han against one defender. He attempted a pass across the defender to find Liang Han only for it to be intercepted instead of playing a simple pass to Hairy.

Wee Keat was soon out of the game after his knee injury recurred. Not sure how long he will be out this time.

Finally we got our goal through Ken Wong who scored an easy tap-in through a resulting free kick from Osman at left side of the box.

Starting the 2nd half with a one goal lead. ODS knew they had to get the 2nd goal to try kill off the game. And finally they got more into the game. Passing more comfortably.

Liang Hanz who moved to the right mid position help created the much needed 2nd goal when his cross found Melvin's head and somehow the ball went into the net. (At this point Sng from the sideline shouted to Melvin that he closed his eyes)

Kim Chuan himself somehow had not been able to finish off a few good chances. With a shot the went across goal from the left only for it to go out for a goal kick. Another pass from Hairy to Kim Chuan found him free with only the keeper to beat, only for the ball to be lobbed over the goal bar.

A pass from Melvin to Osman who then played a one-two with Melvin before crossing to the far right for Elango to tap in it the top right roof of the net for our third and final goal.

Throughout the game Hanz was making some pretty good tackles hence his MOM :) for this game. With Mark Penu and Rosk pretty stable, Kee Yong didn't have to make any single save in this game.


##
Announcements
We welcome Melvin onboard our team as an official committed player - but please wear black socks for future game else a fine mightwill be imposed on you (as a matter of fact, this applies to anyone else who do not follow ODS's official outfit)

Next Game: 2nd August 2008 (Saturday)
Location: Jurong Junior College (2nd home ground)
Time: 4.30pm

---

ORA

Full Time: ODS 3 - 1 ORA (Half time: 0 - 0)
Scorers: Osman (x02), Sng (x01)
Man Of Match: Osman

We last play them in May where we lost by 1 goal. Before the game, we will advice to look out specially for number 10 (ex-national in 70s?) and one speedy winger.

Both side played relatively fast pace football with actions especially in the center of the park. A short spell had ODS pressing with a number of chances but found anywhere but the net. On one occasion, Melvin beat 2 defenders down the right who crossed low to Osman on the far left who only have to beat the goalkeeper, although a defender was "coming". This shot though would not have found the goal even if we moved the goalpost to the right corner flag. Even Melvin was surprised by this "one-two", when the ball flew right back to him.

Kee Yong has a relatively good 1st half, except once when he dropped a cross unexpectedly but he recovered well although we were also lucky the striker was not so alert.

ODS and Osman would have gotten our 1st goal if not for his shot that hit the right bottom post and then roll across the whole goaline till it went out at the left.
Accordingly to him, this miss caused him his hat-trick.

The game remain scoreless at half time.

The start of the 2nd half saw the speedy guy getting more and more dangerous. Often his burst of speed could take him easily pass 2 or 3 players though he had trouble either getting past the last defender or often lacking a support partner for the final ball.

The break then came when Osman got pass his defender and this time he made sure his shot found the right corner (of the goalpost of course).

Another similar move saw Osman beating his defender and scoring from the near post. 2-0.

With another 20 minutes or so to go, ODS did not let down their guard and everyone constantly continued to pressure and hurried the opponents whenever they have the ball. Ken Wong who miss time his jump and saw a long ball bouncing over his head and sent the ORA striker through who may no mistake by rocketing the ball into the net.
2-1.

This raised the tempo of the game more as ORA kept trying for the equalizer. Soon a corner which was half cleared then found Hairy who tried to clear it first time, but it was not far enough and fell to an ORA player's feet. Somehow hairy's challenge found the ball again and it went to Kim Chuan who broke down through the center. The fast counter attack from ODS found themselves 4 against 2. Kim Chuan, Sng, Melvin and Hairy were involved in this. Kim Chuan then passed the ball through to Sng on the right who put the ball into the net from a small angle between the keeper and the right post.

The scoreline stayed at 3-1 as the final whistle went off.

---

Next Game: 26th Jul 2008 5pm at VS.

---

Kota Tinggi Team

Full Time: ODS 5 - 0 Kota Tinggi (Half time: 2 - 0)
Scorers: Osman (x03), Sng (x01), [GP]Melvin (x01)
Man Of Match: Osman

Welcoming our friends from Kota Tinggi with gifts exchange between the 2 sides. The game started with quite a slow pace which then gathered speed as the match progressed. Our strike force Elango and Han on this occasion though were often caught in offside position.

A few break down the left and right flank were quite nicely executed but often the final balls were a bit short.

The first goal came after Osman place the ball into the right side of the goal post after beating his marker.

The opponents in this game appeared to prefer attacking often from the right flank, and a few crosses came in from this side after Hairy was beaten(Osman never come back defend!). They too had the same problem of a good final ball. Most of the time, the ball was in Kee Yong's hands quite easily.

Rosk and Mark Penu held on to their position well and the backline appeared to pass the ball around with some ease.

Osman soon got his second after executing a 1-2 with Elango(I think), beat one more defender before placing the ball into the left bottom this time.

The game restarted with ODS leading 2 goals. From the restart, ODS seemed the more eager side to find the 3rd goal in order to "close" the game which came eventually after a break down the right with the low cross allowing Sng to tap the ball into the open net for ODS third goal.

Soon, Mark Teo found himself hitting the goal post again, his 2nd in 2 consecutive weeks.

At this point, Osman sub himself with Wee Kiat. A cross from right to the far left found Sng's head who headed towards the right bottom of the goalpost only to be denied by the keeper who had a crucial touch that pushed the ball away for a corner.

Kumar who had nothing much to do till then, soon found himself thrown into action at the other end, having to pull off a fine save for a goalbound shot.

ODS was found today trying to follow Arsenal-like style of playing. Often passing one too many in the box, with few occasions involving Sng and Aidil. On one such event, Sng lay off for Aidil but Aidil seem not wanting to take his shot.

Irwin and Liang Han soon make their re-entrance into the game.

Kim Chuan wasted one great chance when Sng gave him a low cross, requiring Kim Chuan only to tap the ball into the net but he balloned it pretty wide and high.

Soon Osman got his hat-trick when his outside-foot shot from a right flank break found the roof of the net.

At 4-0, it appears the game has been sealed. Sng then substituted himself off with Hairy coming in again.

The last chance of the game came from Melvin on the left. His shot into the left roof net left the keeper with no chance.

The final whistle came shortly and we all then went for the dinner prepared for our opponents from the north and us.

Announcement: 19th July 2008 Sat 5pm Game at VS confirmed.

---

HSBC

Full Time: ODS 3 - 0 HSBC (Half time: 1 - 0)
Scorers: Liang Han (x01), Kiran (x01), Sng (x01)
Man Of Match: Mark Penu (sorry guys, i copied and paste :P)

Today was the 2nd game we had against this team. The game started normally with no real danger coming from either side. The keeper mishandled what appears to be a harmless cross from Osman and quick response from the panther(Elango) who knock the ball which seem goalbound, having in the end Liang Han tapping it in to confirm the goal. 1-0.

Osman got freed once down the left flank only for his lob badly executed. Another well attemptted long free kick by Hanz whezz past the goal post by some inches.

Though there was much crosses coming in from the opponent into the box, Dennis our 3rd choice keeper appears to handle most (if not all) of the crosses very well.

The game was pretty uninteresting after this before heading into the 2nd half.

2nd Half started with only 2 changes to the strike force. Kiran and Sng. The 1st ten minutes we did not manage to get the ball to the strikers - guess we may have miss the absence of Mark Teo who was playing for the other side.

Things got livelier suddenly with Osman supplying some good chances to both Kiran and Sng, but somehow both were often caught wasting the chances. Even Sng who was usually clinical in his finish - somehow failed to convert the chances.

He did score one though, when Liang Han has a good run down the right flank by beating 2 defenders and his cross from the bye-line found the head of Sng who headed it into the net only to be denied wrongly, as the referee decided the ball was out before the cross was made.

Mark Teo playing for the opponent came closest to scoring when his shot from outside the penalty box hit the goal post which Mark cleared from his follow up.

Collecting a long ball from Rosk Osman, Kiran this time finally converted this chance by lobbing over the keeper. Shortly, Sng followed up by making up his earlier misses by scoring our 3rd goal.

Announcement: Please note for this coming saturday (12th July 2008), we will be having a small dinner gathering with our overseas opponent from Kota Tinggi. Please make time for it.

---

SIA Airport

Report by Osman
ODS 6 - 3 "Latecomers"
Scorers: Gary Ong(x01), Elango(x01), Liang Han(x01), Faizal(x01), Irwin(x01), Sng(x01[p])
Man Of Match: Rosk

The turnout was great and we had enough players to make two teams. Which is what we did (2-sided friendly among ourselves), cos the opponents went to VJC instead of VS upon plenty times of reminders by Ros, the organizer for this game.Guess ODS had to teach them a lesson they’ll never forget. Game On @ 5.55pm.

First XI- ?????

The opponents were quite good with their passing and they looked dangerous when they were attacking especially through their influential German No 13 (a.k.a Michael Bollock).From one of their forays into ODS half, one of their midfielders managed a speculative snapshot form 35 yards out. It looked like a simple straightforward catch but Kee Yong was caught napping albeit not the first time.1-0 to Latecomers FC. They were elated but as the saying goes ‘latecomers will always be caught in due time’……

This propelled ODS from their 3-week slumber(semi-comatose at times due to deathly silence by players playing) and they started to gain a stranglehold of midfield, which was crucial in this tightly contested match.

First goal by Gary was scored in confusing moments.. so confusing that I can’t remember..

ODS continued to apply pressure and were duly rewarded by their favourite ‘animal’ in their kingdom- The Panther (Elango). And what a finish it was! A lob through pass by Kim Chuan had the Panther executing an exquisite lob with the feintest of touches.

A long punt by Mark managed to evade the Latecomer’s backline and Liang Han had the enviable task of slotting into an empty net as the onrushing keeper totally outsmarted himself with the bounce as it neared the box.(Super Mario moment).2-1. Latecomers FC trooped off to a disappointing morale-crushing 1-3 scoreline as halftime beckons.

The real first XI ODS was presented to Latecomers FC and before they knew it, they were 5-1 down.

Two rapid quickfire goals by a half-volley edge of the box Faizal goal and an Irwin one-on-one (Great ‘Bergkamp’ through ball by Osman, which had the fans in disbelief)made the scoreline a reality of the gulf in talents between the two teams.5-1.

That gulf was soon tested as the opponents came back with 2 goals of theirs through some shoddy and sloppy defending as ODS began to relax a little.5-3.i cant remember the goals too…..

Zidane Sng came in to raptuorous applause and within minutes he made his usual impact by scoring the sixth goal after Melvin was fouled in the box. A confidently-despatched penalty that sent the keeper into a reef knot. Rosk was named MOM with his fine commanding and no-nonsense performance….i think it’s his first for this year.

Keppel Monaco

FULL REPORT BY KEN WONG

Full Time: ODS 8 - 2 Keppel Monaco (Half Time: 2-1)
Scorers: Liang Han (x03), Mark Teo (x02), Kiran (x01), Elango (x01), Ken Wong (x01)
Man Of Match: Liang Han (9votes!!! I wonder if Liang Han voted for himself...) The man personally has testified that he will not be so thick skin like Mr K.W who voted for himself.

Having rested for one Saturday, most of the players are experiencing boredom for their previous Saturday evening. Mark Penu who didn't read the blog, turned up last Saturday only to realise that there was no game. (Hopefully, more people will read the blog from now on.)

Despite the heavy downpour, ODS players' spirits are not dampen. Definitely not Ken Wong (he abandoned attending a Victoria School Concert Band concert and not playing for the alumni band), who arrived at 4pm on his motorbike under the pouring rain. (Talk about COMMITMENT and DEDICATION!!!)

Today also saw the return of some "veterans" players who has just returned from their "international" call-ups. And Elango made his presence felt almost immediately when he ordered Melvin to come in black socks for the next game, otherwise he would be benched.

Elango then name the starting line-up, starting the game himself, and leaving Kiran on the bench, only because he doesn't want to partner Mr Sng in the second half. He still strongly believes, their partnership doesn't work as well.

Before the match kicks off, captain-cum-team manager Mr Sng said that today's game will be on a rolling substitutions system for ODS. (I think this is much to Liang Han's delight, read on to find out why.)

Starting XI
Keeper: Kumar
Def (L-R): Tony, Mark Penu, Rosk, Kee Yong
Mid (L-R): Irwin, Melvin, Mark Teo, Ken Wong
Att: Elango, Liang Han

The game kicks off. ODS, despite a week break and missing some key players for this match, does not look the least bit rusty, dominating the game early on and missing a couple of chances.

First chance fell to Liang Han, who could only shoot at the keeper on his first attempt. Next was Elango. From a shot by Liang Han, the keeper could only do as well as to parry it out. Elango did the follow-up, and shot from a tight angle. But his shot was palmed away to safety by the keeper. Ken Wong was the culprit next. After a beautiful cross from the left by Irwin, Ken Wong failed to bring the ball under control and volley the bouncing ball wide of the target.

Shortly after, ODS conceded a corner. During this corner, the opponents did well to hassle inside the penalty area, with one player shooting from 15yards out, which Kumar did well to push it out for another corner. For a moment, it looked like it was going in, top corner, until Kumar's big hands showed safety there.
Failing to learn from this mistake in lustre in marking, ODS was punished. The opponents took the corner, and Kumar came out strong to punch the ball, but the ball fell to an unmarked player who blast the ball for the opener from 11yards out.

0-1

Not wanting to be pushovers, ODS Liang Han did his fair share of pushing. Ken Wong played a nice ball to Liang Han, but Liang Han had this pest opponent stuck to him like a leech, therefore, Liang Han did some pushing and out muscle the opponent, but his shot went straight at the keeper's legs.

Ken Wong then provided another beautiful pin-point cross for Liang Han, with the ball landing at his feet just outside the penalty area. But Liang Han was unable to score on this occasion, shooting at the keeper again.

Perhaps, Liang Han likes to score difficult and spectacular goals.
From a throw-in, Ken Wong threw the ball to Liang Han who had his back facing the goal and an opponent sticking to him. But Liang Han was able to turn his marker, and shot with his left foot, into the side netting at the far post.

1-1

Immediately after his goal, Liang Han substituted himself out for Kiran.

And Kiran proved he is just as good as the person he replaced, scoring after coming onto the pitch for 5minutes. Irwin played a pass in between the defence, and Kiran run on to meet it, taking the ball away from the oncoming keeper in the process, before tapping it into an empty net.

2-1

Kiran's involvement in the game ended shortly after his goal. Racing to meet a long ball, he crashed into the keeper and twisted his ankle in the process. He had to be helped off the pitch.

Matthew made his rare appearance, coming on for the injured Kiran.
Matthew's towering physical size intimidated the opponents.
He won a free kick from 40yards out, which Ken Wong ambitiously tried, but missed the target completely.

Half Time

During half time, Ken Wong was questioning Liang Han, on his misses (poor finishing according to Kiran). Which Liang Han said, it was very difficult, as he had to do a lot of pushing. He was saying and describing it as he pushed Ken Wong's head.

Second Half XI
Keeper: Kumar
Def (L-R): Yang Song, Mark Penu, Rosk, Kee Yong
Mid (L-R): Irwin, Matthew, Mark Teo, Melvin
Att: Mr Sng, Liang Han

After the restart, ODS ran riot.

Liang Han got his second from a cross by Melvin from the right. What seemed to be a harmless cross was not dealt with by the keeper and the defender, who appeared to have some mis-communication and allowed the ball to roll slowly past and in between 2 of them. Liang Han seized this chance and tapped the ball into the empty net.

3-1

Next was Mark Teo. After a scuffle in the penalty area, Mark Teo took a shot from the edge of the box that went into the top corner.

4-1

With victory seemingly in the bag, Liang Han and Mr Sng took their exit and in went Tony and Ken Wong.
Tony went in to right back, Ken Wong in right midfield, pushing Kee Yong and Melvin up to attack.

Opponents replied back, with a chip that caught ODS static, and calling for offside, and the opponent just ran through and finish it with a goal.

4-2

Liang Han made use of the "rolling substitution" and came in for Tony.
He then turned provider, crossing from the left to Mark Teo who made a good run into the box, and meeting the ball first time with a tap-in.

5-2

Elango came in for Melvin.

With defeat looming in the opponents' minds, they pushed their back line even higher, and it was very flat.
ODS took advantage of that, and the strikers did dummies, standing still when the ball is being played, with the midfielders ran through to meet the ball.

Mark Teo had a chance to get his hat-trick, but his run ended up with the ball getting stuck under his legs, and he shot wild.

But Liang Han would get his. With a simple chip from midfield, that saw both Ken Wong and Liang Han breaking free from the opponent's offside trap and chasing for the same ball.
Liang Han took a fast shot from 35yards away and lobbed the keeper for his hat-trick... IN STYLE!!! His number 16Th goal so far this season.

6-2

Liang Han assisted in another goal before making his FINAL exit from this game. He squared the ball from the left to Elango who took a first time shot that saw the ball sailing into the top right hand corner to mark his return to ODS with a goal.

7-2

Liang Han FINALLY made his exit and in came Tony. Direct replacement this time, meaning Tony was playing as a striker. At this moment, many ODS are really keeping their fingers crossed, as Tony promised a celebration dinner if he scored.

Dribbling the ball to midfield from defence, Rosk chipped the ball over the opponents' defence. Ken Wong beat the offside trap again and beat the defender for pace showing him his clean set of heels. One on one with the keeper, and Ken Wong calmly (and COOLLY) slotted the ball past the keeper in the near post, scoring his third goal in as many games. This is also his third goal of the season. Two more to the target Osman set for him. (Osman, are you reading this??? I'm serious about reaching that 5goal mark!!!)

8-2

With little time left on the clock, ODS did not seem like they are contented to just play the ball around and wait for the final whistle. Perhaps we all want Tony to score. Thus, the attack continued.

Mark Teo crossed the ball for Ken Wong to chase. And Ken Wong was able to nip the ball past the defender. He was clear on goal but he UNSELFISHLY squared the ball to Irwin who was waiting and shouting and unmarked at the far post. But all Irwin could manage to do is hit the post from that (close) range.

The ball bounced off the post and fell to Tony. Tony did a "faint" and shook off the defender and cannoned a powerful shot at the top corner. Perhaps Irwin is a really strong (but BAD) influence, and Tony followed suit, hitting the post with that shot!!! And there goes the dinner for the team.

That was the last action for this game.

There will be NO games for the next 3weeks.
We will resume on 28/06/08, and we will be playing a Vietnamese team.

Taking this opportunity, I would like to urge all players to read this blog regularly, and if possible leave a comment or 2.
It is not easy to write all this reports, especially when ODS is scoring so many nowadays, it's getting kind of hard to remember all the actions.
Perhaps you can provide some form of encouragement to the dedicated reporters of this blog, so at least we know that there are people who do read our blog.
(I think I deserve a reporter of the year award!!!)

HSBC

FULL REPORT BY KEN WONG

This week, I was "requested" to write the report again, after last week's wonderful report.
So I have decided to write it fast, so I won't forget much of the actions, lest I MIGHT be accused of ONLY remembering MY goals and I only write report fast when I win the Man Of Match Report.

Anyway, let's get down to "business".

ODS 4 - 2 HSBC
Scorers: Kim Chuan (x01), Irwin (x01), Liang Han (x02)
Man Of Match: Kumar the Keeper!!! (was tied at 4votes each with Liang Han, but Mark Teo gave the deciding vote to Kumar)

NO yellow card... Looks like if these maintain, considering that we haven't gotten any for the past few... months??? We might just be able to "win" a place in the UEFA Cup through the Fairplay Award!!!

Before the game starts, as the referee was late, ODS has the time to do quite a bit of warming up.
And Ken Wong was practising his free kicks from just outside the box, but twice (not once), he ballooned his shots and it flew over the tall fence!!!
Next thing you know, he was taking shots from 40yards out!!! With most of them on target!!! And he had one that went in off the crossbar from about 25yards out. BUT... All these are only during warming up.

(I just had to write something about myself... in order to "entertain" the members and possible "fans" to be...) =P

Finally, to the match.

Starting XI
Keeper: Kumar
Def (L-R): Hairy, Mark Penu, Hans, Tony
Mid (L-R): Osman, Dennis, Wee Kiat, Ken Wong
Att: Kim Chuan, Liang Han

HSBC started this exciting game. And they tried an audacious shot from half way line. But that was no problem for shot stopper Kumar, who saved the ball with ease.

After Kumar kicked the ball up, the ball was headed directly back at ODS defence. Hans, under pressure, played a high ball to Hairy on the left who has some problem controlling the ball. With the pressure still on ODS defence, Hairy passed the ball down to Osman, who was then robbed in midfield. The opponent then released the ball to their speedy striker no. 11, who took on Mark Penu and Hans. He was able to outpace them and he striked the ball with fury at goal. Kumar was well placed, and he got a hand on the ball, but the shot was too powerful and ODS could only look on helplessly as the ball bounced into the goal.

0-1 (At only 3minutes on the clock at most, and players like Liang Han and Ken Wong has yet to even touch the ball!!!)

After the restart, it seems like ODS has yet to settle into the game, losing the ball in midfield a couple of times. Perhaps it was because Mark Teo, one of ODS key players, was playing for the opponents on this day, and he was a crucial factor.

Mark Teo won the ball in midfield, and he lobbed the ball over ODS defence, and ODS was caught too flat in the backline, and HSBC no. 11 raced through on goal yet again. But he was wickedly denied his second goal by the crossbar.

This shot seems to have woken up ODS, who then started their series of attacks. And the effort soon paid off. With Osman cleverly laying a through ball to Kim Chuan, who managed to shake off his markers, and Kim Chuan took a low show across goal and it beat the keeper on the far post.

1-1

Soon after the restart, Dennis was forced to go off, after he bravely went in for a tackle and twisting his ankle in the process. And once again, he show us his unique substitution hand signal.
Irwin went in for the injured Dennis.

ODS continued to pour down the attack under the scorching sun winning many corners in the process. And Kim Chuan's runs at goal proved to be a problem for the opponents. Liang Han too was a "handful" for the opponents. Or should I say a hand too many? With his "octopus" hands, his arms were swinging and "flying" about, especially when he's turning. With this special move of his, the opponents found it difficult to rob his of the ball.

During one corner, the ball fell to Mark Penu, who had a well taken shot, and the shot had the keeper beaten but not the post.

ODS took the lead through Irwin, who volleyed the ball beautifully into the goal from just outside the penalty area. The ball was headed out from a cross and it went towards Irwin who was waiting to pounced, and he volleyed the ball on the drop. Sweet.

2-1

As the game progressed, ODS backline was often troubled by HSBC speedy strikers. Perhaps 'cause ODS defence was too flat today, but there was no fear as we have reliable Kumar in goal, who saved us on many occasions, proving he is still one of the best shot stopper around.

On one counter attack, Kim Chuan was released on the left, and he cut the ball into the six yard box. Liang Han, even though under intense pressure from his marker, ran in and slided the ball past the line.

3-1

HSBC is not a team that gives up that easily, and they fought hard, taking many shots, but Kumar earned his Man Of the Match by saving every single one of them.

ODS too, had their bags of tricks, and attacked in numbers, with Tony racing down to the byline and sending in a cross. Tony later claimed this is the first time he actually went so close to the byline and even crossed in years!!!

Half Time
We only had one change during half time today.
Melvin coming in for Tony, and Ken Wong was switched to right back while Melvin played in right midfield.

ODS restarted the game, hoping to extend their lead.

Despite numerous attacks in the second half, ODS just couldn't find they goal that they wanted.
And HSBC was dangerous on the counter, down the flanks, through the middle. And they got a goal from one of their counter attack, when a through ball was played, and no. 11 was the danger man yet again. He showed the ODS defence his heels and next thing you know, he placed the ball past helpless Kumar in a one-on-one situation.

3-2

That goal seems to be some steroids for HSBC. HSBC began their own series of attacks.

During one incident, HSBC no. 11 already lost his footing, and Mark Penu was using his body and muscles to shake him off to get to the loose ball. But referee felt that Mark Penu pushed the striker to the ground and awarded the penalty to HSBC.

This penalty could be the decisive factor to the game, and no. 11 ran straight up and strike the ball. He had Kumar beaten, but not the crossbar. As the ball comes off the crossbar and bounced onto the ground, everyone ran for the ball, and it landed at the feet of a HSBC player, who played the ball forward back towards no. 11...* PPWEET* Offside, and ODS has a breath of relief.

Knowing that they could not rely on a slim slender 1goal lead, ODS ventured for the goal that can put them in the driving seat yet again.

And Osman-Liang Han partnership proved too deadly.
With Osman holding the ball up front, Liang Han (who has dropped into midfield to help with some defending) sped from midfield. Seeing Liang Han running, Osman played a brilliant ball for Liang Han, who then ran onto the ball, and took it past the on-rushing keeper and scored his brace from a tight angle.

4-2

That proved to be the deciding goal.
And the game ended shortly after.

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There is NO game on 24/05/08, so please have a good rest.
Perhaps we can meet up for a drink. Any takers? <-- also from Ken Wong

Next game will be on 31/05/08.