Date: 28/05/06
Time: 9am
Location: Marina South Field 3
Opponent: Tusser Ranger

Score: Hornet FC 0-3 Tusser Ranger

Unlike the previous friendly, the match is against one of the opponents from the AFL Morning League, Tusser Rangers. Team turnout was bad with only 11 players, there is just enough for an 11-a-side match with no substitutes all the way till 2nd half.

The matched started at fast pace with the hornets attacking at full-speed. The opening surprise came at the1st minute as Ruiqiang broke Tusser’s defense line and attempted to score the 1st winning goal for the Hornets. However, the ball bounced off the crossbar. At the 10th min, Weiqiang sped down the right side of the field and attempted a goal from outside the penalty box, but he missed as the ball hit the crossbar. The game went on strong with Hornet’s back four clearing the ball and Boon Chen demonstrating numerous good saves to deny Tusser their 1st goal, the score remained at 0-0. A yellow card was given to Ali at the 24th minute for handball. A free-kick was awarded to Tusser but well saved by Boon Chen. Midfield action began to slow down as the players tire out 1 by 1, Tusser manage to steal the ball from midfield, their defender overlapped from the right to receive the ball and scored their 1st goal. Hornets were unable to maintain ball possession, but defense maintained their strength to ensure that the score remained at 0-1 till the 2nd half.

With no substitutes on the bench, Hornets persevered through the rest of the match with players sustaining injury and fatigue. Seow Chuan attempted a goal inside a penalty box but was saved by Tusser’s keeper. Help came at the 65th minute when Yuzrizal arrived to substitute Amin from the game, but by then Hornet was down by 3 goals. With a new man in the game, scoring opportunities were created for the strikers. 75 minute into the game, Seow Chuan yet again found the opportunity to score, he shoots but the ball was deflected by the their goalkeeper, Desmond. Ruiqiang found the ball and attempted to shoot from left, but Desmond caught the ball and Ruiqiang was injured in the attempt.

Though the results of the match are not very convincing, it was a good effort by the team. The players had to endure tiredness through the match without any substitutions. The official match with Tusser Rangers would be held on 23 July 06 and Hornets will definitely be ready for their next clash with Tusser.

After match thoughts: The team did not give up and showed great fighting spirit after we were down 3-0. Low turnouts had made the team lose out even more, as Tusser Ranger had the advantages of subsitutions.