Match Day 7

Opponent: Poseur United FC
Jersey Colors: Green / White / Red
Date: 30th Oct 11
Time: 1100hrs (Fall in @ 1030hrs)
Venue: Astro @ Pasir Ris Sec
Probable Squad:

1. Zifu
   
2. Weilin
3. Uda
   
4. Zhong
   
5. Eugene
   
6. Wx
   
7. Jason Ang
8. Ashley
   
9. Adib
10. Sebas
11. Kim
12. Weimin
    

Must win. No joke. Come prepared.

ESFC 1 - 6 Futbolistas FC

Respect and football go in tandem and today, like what Futbolistas FC would taunt, "Everyday is not Sunday." Indeed, they were right. ESFC showed too much respect to Futbolistas FC and allowed them to dictate the play. I’m not going to go into too much detail about the match proceedings, because I’m pretty sure most of you caught the gist of what happened. Futbolistas FC physically, mentally, emotionally and footbally outplayed us from beginning to end. We were, for the most part, a nervous wreck for the 90 minutes.

We had been playing pretty well and we needed a loss. This SHOULD be the nadir for ESFC. The lowest point. Now, the bigger test will be our REACTION to the loss. No more dropping of points and no more giving up midway through the game. We're too good for that. Keep the faith, lads.

Finally, this has been a very traumatizing result and day for us, so if I may make a little suggestion, it’s that you all do something relaxing for the rest of the day, after reading this. Go out for a walk, if you’re not tired. Get some beers or smoke some weeds. If you have gf(s), go play out with them. Listen to Lady Gaga, or Justin Bieber, or Pitbull. Watch some South Park. And most of all, Have a good Sunday!

Match Day 6

Opponent: Futbolistas FC
Jersey Colors: Red / White / Red
Date: 23rd Oct 11
Time: 1300hrs (Fall in @ 1230hrs)
Venue: Astro @ Queenstown Sec
Place to park your cars: Blk 60A Strathmore Ave MSCP
Probable Squad:

1. Ah Liang
   
2. Zhong
   
3. Uda
4. Weilin
5. Eugene
6. Jason Chew
   
7. Jason Ang
8. Ashley
   
9. Adib
10. Boon
    
11. Sebas
12. Kim
13. Kenneth

Arguably the biggest test of the season awaits ESFC, much like the Manchester derby that is to happen on the same day. Champions of Div 9 v Champions of Div 11. The top two teams in the current division. Despite losing once this season, Futbolistas FC have been a model of consistency for the most part of the year. Considering the manner that they had destroyed other teams (71 goals scored and 9 conceded only) in the previous season and signs are already present this season that they have carried forward their form. ESFC are under no illusion of the mammoth task that awaits them come kickoff time and everyone must turn up to show their mettle in this potentially tricky tie.

ESFC 8 - 4 InnerCircle FC

So... it was the beginning of a huge run of consecutive games against the other title contenders in InnerCircle FC, Futbolistas FC and Poseur FC. Like what Sir Alex Ferguson would say, "It's the squeaky bum time."

ESFC turned up with what could be seen as the most powerful squad ever in their four years history. Well, except for the goalie position as Ah Liang suffered an unfortunate injury and everybody's finger crossed that he would be available for the next crunch match. However, some late arrivals meant that the team could not start the strongest starting XI considering the players available. Zifu started (volunteered) in goal with Zhong and Uda continuing their central defense partnership as Weilin and Eugene reprised their fullback roles. Ashley and Jason Ang were partnered in central midfield with the wings covered by Boon and St. Kenneth and Kim were the strikers. Adib, Reyro, Peng and Sebas were on the bench.

The match started off with each team trying to gain an early advantage. ESFC started to gain possession slowly over the first 5 minutes and it was all about pressure from there on. InnerCircle were trying to soak up the pressure, putting 8 players around the penalty area and hitting on the counter with their flamboyant striker. It would take a set piece in the 10th minute to break down InnerCircle's resistance as Boon floated in a ball to the far post from a corner kick that was headed in by Uda for his first goal for the club.

Peng came in for Kim to make his league debut and played the support striker position. It didn't take long for him to leave his mark as he just had to stick the ball into the back of the net from an inch perfect cross from Boon down the flank in the 40th minute.

HT and ESFC stuck with the same players after having made some changes during the first half with Adib playing right-back, Reyro playing striker, ST playing left-back and Sebas playing the right wing.

Another set piece - this time from Jason Ang - found Adib lurking in the penalty area and he duly tapped in from close range. InnerCircle hit one back immediately as the defense went to sleep and allowed the flamboyant striker time and space in the penalty area to score. A short corner taken fast caught InnerCircle by surprise and Peng took his time before laying a beautiful low cross for Adib, who fired a thumping shot from close range. Again, InnerCircle hit back almost immediately as a lapse in concentration allowed the InnerCircle striker to send the ball into the bottom corner.

Peng decided to take matter into his own hands - or rather legs in this case - and upon receiving the ball in ESFC's own half, launched a mazy run that could not be stopped by InnerCircle. From 30 yards out, the elegant forward launched an unstoppable drive to the top corner that even the best keeper could not be able to save.

Well, ESFC thought that could have destroyed InnerCircle's confidence but to their credit, they carried on fighting and scored from the kick-off immediately, having spotted Zifu and the rest of the team still celebrating Peng's goal.

Now, ESFC were in destroy mode and the game opened up even further as InnerCircle tried to capitalize on the former's complacency. In the 75th minute, Peng turned provider as an exquisite pass found Boon from the edge of the box but he still had much to do with the last defender breathing down his neck . A sharp turn left the defender for dead and Boon duly sent the ball beyond the reach of the goalie and into the net.

A dummy run made by Weilin down the right flank caught InnerCircle by surprise and they stopped play, thinking that the teleporter was offside. Well, they're right! But the teleporter wasn't in the play when the ball was released to his direction. In fact, he teleported back almost immediately while Kenneth took the ball down the flank and scored from close range. An intelligent play indeed! InnerCircle's resurgence ended but ESFC had to put the nails in the coffin and Kenneth unselfishly passed the ball to Sebas to score from close range in the final kick of the game.

A high scoring game that the spectators and neutrals would be proud of. It was another positive team effort as ESFC controlled large periods of the game and were clinical in front of goal. But then it was also another classic ESFC: Falling asleep after scoring goals and letting the opponents had a few back as the defense did allow them a bit more space in the final ESFC third than they should have. Nonetheless, it was a good vintage performance from ESFC and it was fascinating to see the new midfield three in Ashley, Jason Ang and Peng combining well and pulling strings from the center. And of course, there are not enough superlatives to describe Peng as he was simply unstoppable on the attack and the team have truly missed his presence. Special mention also for Zifu for his selflessness in doing the easiest job in ESFC and we sincerely hope that we do not require his service any time soon. In other words, we hope Ah Liang recovers as soon as possible. :)

Finally, big games like that are what the competitive nature in us crave for. And if you guys need more psyching up, scouts from Futbolistas FC were present to watch us play and next week's game promises to be one of the most important matches in our short history.

Match Day 5

Opponent: Inner Circle FC
Jersey Colors: Red / White / Red
Date: 16th Oct 11
Time: 1100hrs (Fall in @ 1030hrs)
Venue: Astro @ AMK Sec Sch
Place to park your cars: Blk 211-214 AMK St 23
Probable Squad:

1. Zhong
   
2. Uda
3. Zifu
   
4. Weilin
5. Eugene
   
6. Jason Ang
7. Ashley
   
8. Adib
   
9. St
10. Boon
    
11. Kim
12. Kenneth Sim
    
13. Reyro
14. Sebas
15. Peng

ESFC will be up against seasoned campaigner Inner Circle FC who have been in the ESPZEN scene for six straight seasons! Their experience has been key in defeating the other top 4 teams in Futbolistas FC and Poseur FC. However, the equation remains the same with a win being up for grabs which will be decided by the team who wants it most. Desire is the key here and ESFC will have to bring it this Sunday.

Money money money

The inaugural payment is here again!

Some individuals are rewarded for their high participation with a 'loyalty bonus' and to qualify, you need to attain an attendance of 75% and above.

For those in Red, please pay the balance to clear your account and for those in Black, you might want to top up with a minimum sum of $50.

Please look through and transfer the $ to POSB Savings 030-45869-9 ASAP!

Message the Account Manager - Boon right after you have done so!

Please do it soon as we're facing a budget deficit of $1.4k and we're going under administration soon!

ESFC 5 - 2 Subbuteo FC

5!

ESFC welcomed back British boy Eugene with a spirited performance against a fired up Subbuteo FC, who were looking for their first points of the season. Under the intense heat in coach Kumar’s sacred ground, ESFC fielded an usual 4-4-1-1 formation with Simon in goal, Wei Lin and Eugene in their familiar full backs roles, Lionel and Zhong lined up for what was another impressive defensive quartet. Sinting and Yenhao took to the wings with Adib and Jason Ang in the centre of the park. Ashley, the attacking mid, supported man of the moment, Sebas, who played as striker. Weiming, Zifu and new boy Reyro made up the thinning bench.

Both teams got on to a decent start as the ball was moved all over the field. ESFC squandered some good chances to take the lead, most notably the miss by Adib in front of goal, which if Guo Xing was there, would have been consoled by his shocking miss in the last game out. It was not in the script when Subbuteo FC drew first blood. Their impressive striker deceived a run to “beat” the offside trap, but I say it rather deceived the referee into playing him on. With only the ever so reliable Simon to beat, he made no mistakes and slotted home. 0-1 to Subbuteo FC.

ESFC were not to be undone by and soon enough, 2.5 men Yenhao, despite the arduous – by our standards – Nike 10km run he went for earlier in the morning, marauded down the right flank and sent a low cross in which Sebas gladly tucked away into goal. That equalizer gave ESFC the impetus to grab a second.

British Boy Eugene brought the ball over the half way line and with his cultured left foot, delivered a curving cross which beat everyone but Sebas. He met the ball with his head and sent a looping ball over the goalkeeper, and into an empty net. Brilliant!

The tempo of the game was lifted and both sides had some good exchanges. Subbuteo FC’s right midfield was outstanding with his incisive left foot which fooled the defense time and time again. So much so, Zhong was humiliated once and almost brought him down with a tug at the winger shirt in the penalty box.

There was to be another goal before half time when Adib redeemed his amazing miss earlier on. He won the ball, the warrior style, in midfield and brought the ball goal wards, leaving the hapless defense behind. Slotting it past the goalie, Adib celebrated his second goal in as many as two games.

Half time: ESFC 3 – 1 Subbuteo FC

ESFC shuffled the lineup for second half, with Reyro playing behind Sebas, Ashley dropping down to centre mid, Weiming on the right and Zifu replacing Eugene as left full back.

From the outset, Subbuteo FC showed their hunger with high pressure and raised the intensity of the game. ESFC was shell shocked and it was only a matter of time when Subbuteo FC was to score their second. Zhong failed to clear a simple header from a throw in, and the impressive striker latched on to the loose ball and got his second goal when he slammed it in between Simon’s legs.

Subbuteo FC could have gotten the equalizer soon when they managed to escape ESFC backline, but unfortunately the goal bar denied them. On occasions, ESFC defense had to throw their body at the ball to deny Subbuteo FC from scoring. Wei Lin, in particular, put up an outstanding performance for which any international defenders would have been proud of.

ESFC failed to control the game and a miracle was needed to change the flow of it. That moment arrived when a freekick was awarded for ESFC about 35metres away from goal. Jason Ang stood in front of the ball but Reyro approached him and shoved him aside to take the free kick, beaming with confidence. Reyro unleashed a powerful drive towards goal which appeared to be going out but at the last moment, the ball dipped, hit the top right corner and into the net. Stunning! It was an out-of –this-world shot which would have shamed any other free kick takers around, who thinks they had the most beautiful shot ever. What a way to mark his debut!

That goal dampened Subbuteo and the game was more balanced at this stage.

Sebas completed his hat trick when he was sent through into the opponent’s half by Zhong. With only the goalie to beat, Sebas rounded him, took the ball to the by line before finding the navigation to goal. He got the match ball and also duly deserved the MOTM.

Final score: ESFC 5 - 2 Subbuteo FC. ESFC maintained their winning streak and it was a deserving victory even though Subbuteo FC put up a good challenge. However, it remains to be seen whether ESFC have all it takes as they prepare to face stiffer oppositions in the coming weeks.

- Zhong Times

Match Day 4

Opponent: Subbuteo FC
Jersey Colors: Red / White / Red
Date: 9th Oct 11
Time: 1100hrs (Fall in @ 1030hrs)
Venue: Astro @ Serangoon Garden Sec
Place to park your cars: Right outside the sch
Probable Squad:

1. Ah Liang
   
2. Zhong
3. Zifu
   
4. Lionel
   
5. Weilin
6. Eugene
   
7. Jason Ang
8. Ashley
   
9. Weimin
10. St
11. Yenhao
12. Sebas
13. Reyro
    
14. Adib (45 mins)
    

Not a lot is known about Subbuteo FC and ESFC must be on their guard if they want to widen the gap against Futbolistas FC who surprisingly lost last week.

ESFC 2 - 0 Pakiyoko FC

Playing against a Pakiyoko FC side that were eager to arrest their recent dismay form, ESFC had to step up their game by a few notches. A switch in formation to 4-4-1-1 saw Weilin, Uda, Zhong and Zifu at the back, a central midfield pairing of Adib and Jason Ang that were flanked by league debutant St and Gx. Boon played the trequartista role with Kim up top.

Pakiyoko FC started the game and showed their intention immediately to take advantage of the huge pitch at Meridian JC with an astute passing game. However, a strong line-up with a high tempo pressing game ensured that Pakiyoko FC couldn't penetrate through the midfield and had to resort to some long distance shots that did not bother the goalie. The impressive central defense pairing of Uda and Zhong ensured Simon hardly touch the ball in the game. In fact, the only times Simon did touch the ball were when he had to pick the ball up as it went out of play from the potshots of Pakiyoko FC.

However, ESFC also lacked the final cutting edge despite having the majority of the possession. Kim nearly drew first blood as he failed to connect (i.e. team interpreted it as no effort) from St's cross-cum-shot from the left after a good through ball from Boon. St, himself, could have scored from outside the box as his volley went inches off the top corner. An impressive low cross from Gx on the right found St and the latter laid the ball onto Boon's path. Unfortunately, Boon's shot was saved by the goalie. A poor clearance from Pakiyoko FC allowed Zhong to execute a volley which went agonizing close.

Half-time and the team was encouraged to keep probing and Gx was switched to be the striker with Weimin coming in on the left. Immediately, this paid dividends as a couple of exquisite passing early in the 2nd half released Adib who provided the cross for Gx to tap-in. A few minutes later, Adib found himself outside the edge of the box and released a wondrous shot that beat the goalie. And it ended that way as ESFC failed to put off some clear-cut chances.

In general, this was a good team display as both the midfield and defense were collective in ensuing that there was no space for the opposition to exploit. As usual, there were some standout performers - The back line was superb but Uda was, again, mostly excellent and particularly effective when heading clear. Jason Ang was the midfield commando commander, covering ground up and down the pitch and breaking up play from open to close. And the return of the flying wingers, Gx and St, meant that Pakiyoko FC should be having some aching bodies now. Most impressive was Adib whose industrious display was capped by an impossible shot that will have a strong case for the goal of the season. He duly deserved the MOTM.

Match Day 3

Opponent: Pakiyoko FC
Jersey Colors: Red / White / Red
Date: 2nd Oct 11
Time: 1100hrs (Fall in @ 1030hrs)
Venue: Astro @ Meridian JC
Place to park your cars: B/649B MSCP
Probable Squad:

1. Ah Liang
   
2. Uda
3. Zhong
   
4. Zifu
   
5. Weilin
6. Jason Ang
7. Weimin
8. St
9. Guoxing
10. Boon
    
11. Kim
    
12. Adib

ESFC will be up against a wounded Pakiyoko side which had lost their last two games and will be even more determined to win their next. Recent records have shown Pakiyoko FC to be slow starters but their losses should not be taken as a sign of their weakness.

I watched them last week and I was very impressed. They didn't let their heads down despite being dominated by Futbolistas FC. Complacency is our strongest enemy. It's heady heights for us now, but we cannot get carried away because it is still early days.