Date: 09/07/06
Time: 9am
Location: Siglap Secondary School
Opponent: Mean Machines FC

Score: Mean Machines FC 5-1 Hornet FC

Hornet FC suffered their biggest defeat in their AFL match against league leader Mean Machines FC. They were mostly controlling the game and by the 7th min, they were 1-0 up. A minute later, a clearance by Amin sent Ruiqiang, who had earlier broke the offside trap, clear on a 1-1 situation. He dribbled past the goalkeeper and with the goal at his mercy, he sent the ball over. Mean Machines continued to attack hard and they goal their 2nd goal in the 12th minute. In the 36th minute, Ah Seng took a free kick outside the penalty box but was block by their defender. A minute later, Binnson tried a long shot just over. To Hornet FC’s dismay, Mean Machines extended their lead in the 38th and 41st minute. These 2 goals made it even harder for Hornet FC to fight back.

A change in strategy and formation brought the Hornets stronger into the game. Amin was pushed up front to partner Ruiqiang in attack while Caiyuan was pushed to the role of defensive midfielder. In the 48th minute, a cross by Amin was met by Caiyuan and he scored his 1st goal since joining Hornet FC. 2 minutes later, Caiyuan had another shot that just went over. In the 52nd minute, a linkup play by Ruiqiang and Kenny saw the latter’s shot saved by the keeper. 6 minutes later, Amin sent a through ball to Ruiqiang and he tried to lob the keeper but the ball went just wide. In the 68th minute, Amin’s free kick was pushed out by the goalkeeper. With Hornet FC putting too much people in attack, a counter attack allowed Mean Machines to score another goal to make it 1-5 the final score.

After match thoughts: Our 1st half play is not up to our standard but it was a great performance in the 2nd half. The opponent did not let us play our usual football but in the 2nd half, we were controlling the match that is good. Don’t be disheartened and we must continue fighting.