Goal!

Saturday, September 01, 2007

MUNJENS DRAW IN THRILLING CLASH

Munjen Portugal couldn't make most out of their chances to seal a much possible victory from Meridian Junior College Juniors (MJCJ). The goalless draw however, was nothing short but entertaining and drama-filled which kept the fans on the edge of their seats.

Kick off started to resounding cheers from the stands of the away team as MPFC kicked off with their brand new black and white kits which were also donned by the travelling fans.

Both sides shared a fare share of posession early in the game with MPFC seeming to be the more threatening side in the early exchanges.

MJCJ soon warmed up to the game and created early chances from the left and right but without support in the middle, causing their hard work to go down the drain.

The possesion in the first half was mainly stuck in the middle with MPFC creating more attack but failing to convert it whereas MJCJ struggling to beat the solid defence commanded by centre-back Azhar.

Makeshift right-back, Izzat, performed below par coupled with low confidence in the first half. His late throw-ins could be seen as a result of stress. However, as the game grew, he too grew with confidence.

The first chance to break the deadlock came to Haris of MPFC. A nice team play down the middle saw a through ball - neatly set up by Lucien - to Haris which saw his shot tipped away by the outstretched goalkeeper.

First half ended in a stalemate with both sides still unable to break the deadlock.

An entertaining second half
The second half started to a much more adrenalised kickoff.

Both sides could be seen challenging every ball and closing down on each and every one of them.

The early break this time came from MJCJ. After persistent attacks were stubbornly cleared by MPFC, a cross from the right saw Azhar stumble a clearance which was followed suit by Siu Sing. A quick minded MJCJ striker cleverly chipped in and toe-poked the ball past the advancing Wee Yang.

The ball seemed destined for the back of the net but for Izzat's reflexed clearance off the line kept the score at 0-0.

Munjen hit on the counter attack three minutes later when a long ball upfield was neatly laid by Lucien in the path of Haris only to see his shot come back off the goalkeeper.

MJCJ could have ended the drought when a long range shot from 25 yards into the top corner was superbly held on by Wee Yang.

Haris again came close to putting MPFC ahead when a poor clearance by the MJCJ defender saw the ball into the path of Haris who only managed to graze the upright for a goal kick.

The run of play by this time was mainly a classic ping-pong fashion which had no end.

In the 83rd minute, MJCJ had a one on one chance at goal but the heroics of Wee again proved to be the life-saver for MPFC to keep the scores locked at 0-0.

A controversial last minute injury time decision by the referee cost MPFC all three points when the ball which has seemed to cross the line was not given a goal by the man in black.

A last minute desperate attack by MPFC saw Hithaya's throw in down the left nicely volleyed in by Haris. Lucien's header met with the volley but was fumbled by the goalkeeper which saw the ball seemingly to float over the line. Quick reflexes from the goalkeeper ensured that he kept the ball in play but Lucien's rebound was again stopped by the solid goalie.

Post match conference with the team captain of MPFC, Wee Yang, he said,"I think we could have wrapped it up in the second half. We had more chances and although i wasn't there at the end, I suppose the ball had crossed the line before being cleared as the fans behind clearly had a better vision of the ball."

Speaking to team Manager Jac, "I'm very dissapointed that the referee failed to see that the ball has crossed the line. It cost us dearly as I think the lads deserve a win for the hard work they've put in today. The fans clearly saw it (the ball crossing the line) but not the ref. Porbably he should get a lasik.

"However, I think the three best players on the pitch today had to come from the defence. Azhar, Izzat and Wee were in splendid form. If not for them, I'd not want to wonder how many goals may have buldged our net."

The Munjens, though unsatisfied, still managed to pose a picture for the magazine and club site in their new kits. (Top)

To watch the Post Match Conference, click here.
Post Match Video was brought to you by, MPTV.com

-MPTV/haris

10:22 PM