Date: 17/09/06
Time: 9am
Location: Tampines Secondary School
Opponent: North-East Burghley FC

Score: North-East Burghley FC 4:3 Hornet FC

Hornet FC was on a high note after pulling off a surprise victory against Mean Machines FC last week. Although with a poor turnout of just 11 players, we were confident going into the match.

Ruiqiang, after missing the last 2 matches, had 2 early chances inside 5 minutes after twice breaking the offside trap but both chances found the side netting. Ruiqiang continued to pose problems down the right but his crosses could not find Seow Chuan and the rest. Weiqiang, Hazmi and Kenny took control of the midfield well but it was North-East Burghley that took the lead when a break through down the middle freed their striker and he lobbed Boon Chen. But 1 minute later, Hazmi did a Steven Gerard when he volleyed the ball into the net from outside of the penalty box for the equalizer. Both sides continued to fight hard and the match was evenly matched.

1-1 at halftime

In the 51st minute, Amin saw his free-kick hit the crossbar. North-East Burghley upped their attack and they lobbed Boon Chen to take the lead again. They further increased their lead to 3-1 when a cross found their striker unmarked and he did a scissor kick into the net. Ruiqiang continued to break their offside traps constantly but the last passes were not there. Weiqiang decided to take the game in his hands and 2 through balls by Amin and Hazmi found Weiqiang and both times, he scored to take the match into a draw. Hornet FC began to dominate the match, however a counter-attack saw North-East Burghley took the lead again when their striker lobbed Boon Chen once again in the 80th minute. Hornet FC threw everyone into the attack and it was all Hornet FC’s game with North-East Burghley defending the lead. Kenny, Hazmi and Weiqiang all had brilliant chances to score but North-East Burghley’s defense and their goalkeeper hold firm not to lose goal. Hornet FC rained 12 shots and had 5 corners in the last 10 minutes. In the dying seconds, a corner by Chuan Seng found Ruqiang open and with the goal at his mercy, he skied the shot. A pity for Hornet FC in a match where they could had won if they took their chances well.

After match thoughts: We must really take our chances when it comes. Tough matches like this is decided by the team that can take their chances.