Amidst their busy schedule of pretending to be studying for exams, ESFC managed to outscore, outspeak, outpush and outkick Homewest United in a feisty encounter. Goals from Peng, Nathan (2), Adib and Boon ensured that the team was able to see out victory comfortably despite conceding 2 silly goals in the second half.
The match fully epitomized the spirit of the ongoing general elections, with players from both teams putting in their best efforts in an attempt to ensure victory. The highlight of the game must have been the sight of Ethan rushing to the aid of Wenxiong after he was unfairly challenged by the opponent, who interestingly is a 郝劭文 look-alike. Given the manner in which Ethan carried out his rescue mission, one cannot help but associate him with Dr. Chee Soon Juan of the SDA. Both tend to get themselves into trouble because of the tremendous passion and courage they have to stand up for their beliefs. Unlike Dr. Chee though, Ethan was fortunate to have fantastic co-drivers alongside him to pull him away from danger and to stop him from carrying out any more demolition work.
Elsewhere, the match also saw the return of all-action Adib and best left-back Darren. Although both players performed wonderfully well after such prolonged absence from the team, there are specific moments which they might not want to remember.
Playing as a striker in the first half, Adib switched to centre back in the second half. The change is so drastic that it is akin to Low Thia Khiang moving from Hougang SMC to Aljunied GRC. Adib (aka Wong Kan Seng) struggled to adapt initially and a lapse in concentration allowed Homewest United's right winger (aka Mas Selamat) a chance to break the offside trap and to tap home his side's first goal.
Darren provided a very assured defensive display after coming on in the second half. In one of his rare ventures upfield though, he put his Aussie surfing skills to good use by executing a delayed and exaggerated dive in an attempt to win a penalty. The 'foot stomping' he made after knowing that a penalty is not awarded would have made PAP's Tin Pei Ling proud. But unlike Tin Pei Ling, his greatest regret in life must have been him making the dive in the first place.
Jokes aside, ESFC played reasonably free flowing football despite the wet and muddy field conditions. The ability to bounce back from a demoralizing league defeat to win convincingly today signifies the fighting spirit possessed by the players. Let us all continue to work hard and strive to become a FIRST WORLD PARLIAMENT, or rather first position in the league.
