Syam On His Way To Scoring MyRAWK's Opener. Pic By Pei Ru

MyRAWK’s 10th Garden Social League game in the 09/10 season was played under a hot and humid afternoon on the  GIS field in Sri Hartamas. This was a must win game for us as we run the risk of dropping from 6th all the way to the bottom of the league should we loose.  With the recent luckless run of 2 straight defeats, we were determined to break the loosing streak and get our season back on line – top 4 position is our aim.

The match started with both teams playing rather cautiously to test out each other’s game plan with the ball being played between both teams’ midfield area. As the match progress, both sides begun to find their feet and started to attack each other. DJ were dangerous with  their accurate long passing and free kicks. Fortunately for us, our defensive line was up for the challenge and managed to mitigate their attacks with a well marshaled back line led by Aaron. DJ nearly had an opportunity to open the scoring but their forward was stop right before he took a shot in the penalty box by Jon who managed cut him off and shadow him shoulder to shoulder away from the ball. The forward fell but the ref waved play on and deemed the challenge legal . However, DJ did took the lead half way through the 1st third after a defensive mixed up between Ryan Lai and Steven while dealing with a corner kick, gifted them an own goal.  They could have doubled their lead and if not for some poor finishing when their forwards got into dangerous positions.  Jon, the right back gave everyone a scare while challenging for a 50-50 ball after he had got passed 2 opponents but played the ball a touch too far when he tried to taken on the third. A loud clash of leg was heard, but he escape unhurt and won the ball. The 1st third ended with both team struggling in the late afternoon heat and with MyRAWK a goal down.

The 2nd third started with MyRAWK working hard to look for the equaliser. We used our speed down the flank through Syam and Syaz  take on DJ’s defender and drag them wide to create space for our strikers – Allan Loh and Allan Lee.  10 minutes in, Syam managed to beat 2 defenders on the right before unleashing a fierce shot that was slightly deflected by their defender pass the wrong footed keeper. 1-1 and it’s game on! We pressed hard for a second goal but was caught out when DJ’s midfielder floated a beautiful ball over our defenders who had momentarily lost focus and discipline, to their fast running striker. Ryan Lai, our keeper was beaten with a low drive to his far post in a one-on-one situation. Minutes later, Hans managed to caught the DJ keeper off the line when he lobbed the ball over him while attempting to cross the ball into the 6 yard box from the right, outside the penalty box. The match came alive with both teams working hard to score the next goal to retake the lead again.  DJ was the closes to scoring when our keeper was forced to make a diving save to deflect a shot away deep into the 2nd third, and luckily our defenders were on hand to help clear the ball away.

We could sense that DJ is tiring and struggling, so we sent in all our fast runners to run at their defense. Khai, now playing as a forward was working hard to hustle their defenders and could have scored 2 if not for their keeper who managed to make 2 finger tip saves to deny him . DJ was also working hard, trying to look for their 3 goal to go in front again. But they were caught out when our midfield won the ball and sent in a perfect through ball to Allan Loh who dully took on their defenders before unleashing a low powerful shot to beat the keeper at his far post – off the upright! It’s now 2-3 and we are finally in front! Knowing our tendencies to loose our focus before the end of a game and conceding silly last minute goals, we reorganised ourselves to be more defensive with the midfield dropping deep to cover DJ’s attacks. They nearly had an opportunity when Aaron was penalised for a high foot – in the box! Luckily the  ref gave a direct free kick instead of a penalty. In the ensuing melee, our defenders managed to clear the ball to a waiting Allan Loh who was perfectly positioned on the half way line to counter attack DJ. He took the ball pass their last man and placed it perfectly between the legs of the charging keeper to score MyRAWK’s 4th goal of the match. The match ended 2-4 to MyRAWK.

We are now on 13 points and in 5th position, level with 4th placed Predators who are ahead on goal difference.  Our next opponents will be Barcode who stunned us with a 5-1 victory against us in our 4th game in the league. We will be looking for revenge and a good result against them who have been struggling lately with 3 straight defeats. Knowing how tricky they are, we will not be taking anything for granted this time round.  However, the grudge match will have to wait till next week as the game will be postponed due to the Thaipusam and Federal Territory Day celebrations over the weekend.  Until then, enjoy coming long weekend and have a safe trip to those who are going outstation.