Apologies for the tardiness of this match report. We needed the dust to settle down first before writing this report or else....Alright, lets skip the mess and go straight to the action for now. ESFC fielded an experimental XI, with a couple of new signings chosen straight for the firing line against a Arima Singapura FC side. Ah Liang resumed his role as the custodian with WL and Zifu the fullbacks, new Japanese import Captain Tsubasa or also formally known as Uda forming a strategic partnership with former captain Ethanol (he always says he's neutral). Another new signing, Ashley, was paired up with midfield commander Jason Ang and they were winged by WM and Zhong. Kim and Adib continued their partnership in front. Lionel and last season's hotshot Nathan were on the bench.
ESFC kicked off proceedings in fairly convincing fashion, with both clubs moving the ball forward into the attack. Arima appeared a touch sharper from the onset, but that soon settled, as nothing seemed to go through the impressive Uda who also inspired the rest of the team, particularly Ethan, to step up their game. ESFC showed verve going forward, with Kim, Adib, Zhong and Ashley all drifting into dangerous areas without a goal to show.
But, fortune favors the bold and ESFC were rewarded in the 25th minute when Ashley curled the ball over the wall from 30 yards to score on his debut. ESFC showed that they could also take the 'route one' method as a goal kick from Ah Liang was flicked by Adib into the path of Kim who slotted the ball neatly into the bottom right corner.
Half-time and 2-0 up, it looked to be a fantastic afternoon for ESFC. Or so it seemed, until Arima stepped up their game in the second half with more pace and persistence. Nathan was drafted in to replace Adib in the front line. But it was Zhong who helped to inspire the third goal for ESFC as he hassled the opposition defenders and caused them to score an own goal.
However, by this time, the ESFC defense was slowly overwhelmed and Arima were awarded a dubious penalty after Uda was judged to have fouled the opposition striker in the box. Ah Liang was unlucky not to repeat last week's heroic as he couldn't save the penalty despite putting a strong hand to it.
ESFC switched formation to 4-5-1 midway through the second half to help tide the team over. A counter-attack move down the left provided the pass for Nathan to slot the ball in from close range and that took the wind out of the sails for Arima. It was all about ESFC from that moment on.
Zhong, who was becoming the most influential player on the pitch, threaded a peach of a pass through the centre into the path of Kim and who duly unleashed a shot into the near post. By then, Arima had given up but ESFC had many 4v2 situations which they failed to take advantage of. Kim, in particular, took three chances to complete his hat-trick for the team and this came from a flick-on from Nathan in the box for the former to direct a half-volley into the net.
MOTM: Uda for his impressive debut and the way he marshaled the defense despite knowing a little bit of English. Football is indeed a universal language. Oh, and I like the way he shouted, 'Uda!' when he wanted to clear the ball. We always shout, 'MINE!' and this is something we should learn from Uda.
