Canberra Sec Pitch, Sembawang - The much-anticipated game that marks TeamCuzz’s debut in a big league finally came, and it could not have gone any better. In a superb second-half display, TeamCuzz managed to come home victorious with an 8-0 win over Crescent Rangers Football Club.
The clock struck 3, but only a couple of CRFC players could be seen. That had a great bearing on TeamCuzz’s game plan, with A/Manager Khairi urging for an early goal. Despite the lion’s share of possession, the elusive goal never arrived. A combination of wasteful finishing and lack of luck kept the scoreline goalless. Shahrudin, Shukur, Naufal and Riduan were guilty someway or another. Of the lot, Riduan went closest when his deflected shot beat the opposing custodian, but bounced agonizingly off both posts.
The breakthrough finally came on the 25th minute mark, when Imran spotted the run of Shikin, and the latter duly converted with a low drive into the bottom corner. That eased some pressure on TeamCuzz’s players, and they drafted into a less adventurous game plan as more of CRFC’s reinforcements arrived. TeamCuzz were caught on the back foot with this approach, but it never really threatened to change the scoreline.
During the half-time pep-talk, both Manager and A/Manager gave their insights into the way TeamCuzz’s performance was, and ultimately, how we could increase the margin. That seemed to rejuvenate TeamCuzz’s players in the offensive aspect.
Before long, Shikin doubled his tally with a first time shot after latching onto Amirul’s low cross from the right. The young winger was showing impressive signs, particularly with his burst of pace by chasing a through ball from midfield. Just as CRFC seemed determined to narrow the margin, Shahrudin robbed possession from the opposing midfielder, and raced home to slot expertly under the GK.
Then, a controversial decision awarded some light for CRFC when TeamCuzz’s GK Sharif was sent off after being judged to have handled the ball outside the area. Fortunately though, stand-in GK Saifudin was present and he easily stepped up to the plate. It became a level playing field from then on, as both teams played with 10 each.
However, TeamCuzz did not let that setback destroy their excellent performance. They restored their momentum soon after through what is described as sheer hard work and determination. Having blocked a freekick, Khairil raced clear down the line (literally) before crossing low into the box. The defender took too long to clear his line, and Khairil made him pay. The ball fell invitingly to the feet of Amirul, and he duly converted. Then came Shahrudin’s second, from what seemed like the tightest of angles. Another through ball was chased and won by Amirul, and his shot trickled into the far post for his brace.
TeamCuzz then kept to saying of saving the best for the last. After controlling a pass from Shahrudin, Shukur shrugged off the challenge of an opposing defender before laying off a perfectly weighted pass for Imran. The central midfielder, without breaking his stride, struck the ball beyond the outstretched arms of the GK. It rattled in via the right upright. That had Frank Lampard written all over it!
The next and final goal was another goal to be remembered. Seeing the GK off his line, Shahrudin delightfully lobbed the ball into the far corner. In celebrating his hat-trick, the Skipper turned around ala Eric Cantona. He certainly deserved TeamCuzz’s Man-of-the-Match Award, not only for his goals, but his tireless contribution to the team’s cause. Not forgotten too is the cameo appearance from returning full back Luqman, who showed glimpses of his usual best.
We would like to commend Crescent Rangers for the brave front they put forth despite the lack of numbers. We look forward to facing them again in the next fixture, and wish them the best for their season.
As for TeamCuzz, congratulations for the 1st league win of the campaign. Let us get our feet back on the ground and look forward to performing even better for our next fixture. Till then.
TeamCuzz (vs CRFC on 7 Feb) – Sharif, Herri, Saifudin, Fazlon, Syukri, Imran, Khairil, Riduan, Shukur, Shikin, Shahrudin, Amirul, Naufal, Luqman, Khairi, Kamal.
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