EFL Qualifying Division SSFC 1 – 0 Newton Heath 14th Nov, 3 pm @ Marsiling Apartment Field

A solitary goal pushed Schwarz Star FC higher up the league table, leapfrogging over opponents Newton Heath, as lone striker, Kevin Wun struck in the early part of the 1st half. Ever the industrious player, Kevin’s earnest pressing earned him a shooting opportunity, as he emerged the winner of a tussle with the defender out on left goal-line. Despite the tight angle, his powerful blast found the opposite top corner, affording a glimmer of hope for SSFC’s league campaign. This sudden change in playing venue meant a hasty prematch routine. Some players had to rush down on a cab from the extreme northeast to the northwest. Though with some uneven mounds, at least the pitch was quite dry, a difficult thing considering the preceding days of non-stop torrential rain. SSFC had more of the ball from the start, trying to spring attacks from both flanks but chances were snuffed out by diligent defending from Newton Heath. Thus, it took much hard work for Kevin, with his characteristic workman-like ethic, to bag himself a goal. Having gotten hold of the ball after a tireless chase, and with support yet to arrive, Kevin opted to go for goal.

 Newton Heath’s chance for a comeback were foiled with a man sent off minutes after they conceded. Andy ‘Choon Hou’ run towards goal was abruptly halted by a defender – an action which the referee ruled to be a red card offence. Unperturbed by their numerical disadvantage, Newton Heath pushed forth, probing for the equalizer but by the break, it was still 1-0 to SSFC. The Falcons stuck to their guns, using what little width there was on this Marsiling Apartment field, to bypass the crowded final third, as Newton Heath pulled men back for a packed defence. Long or short; Aerial or ground, every attempt to deliver balls in were hoofed out. SSFC had a chance to double the lead but Ivan’s goal bound header, from a corner, was cleared off the line by the attending defender. There was a strong call for handball inside the box, against Newton Heath but the referee rejected the appeals. The one-man disadvantage proved too much an obstacle for the opponents as SSFC held on for the one-goal victory.

EFL Cup Tournament
SSFC 1 – 4 Highlanders
7th Nov, 3 pm @ Dunearn Secondary School

Having secured a big win in their previous cup outing, SSFC found themselves on the losing end as they fell to a 1 – 4 defeat at the hands of Highlanders FC. The sole consolation goal came in the 70th min courtesy of Yen – the Falcon’s top scorer in the tournament.

SSFC were riding on an encouraging wave of form in their Group E matches. A win in this 3rd and final game of the group stages would see them through to the next round. But group leaders Highlanders FC, almost guaranteed to qualify,were not in a charitable mood as they pressed hard and fast to thwart SSFC’s efforts.

SSFC tried bombing forward but the opponents mix of quick passing and movement were pegging SSFC back from the start.

A chance to take the lead, however, opened for SSFC in one of the few attacks they could manage in the 1st half. While through on goal, Azam was brought down within the box. Yet the ensuing penalty was parried safely away by the keeper.

Soon after, SSFC conceded. A lazy pass in the middle-third caught the team out as Highlanders pounced on the turn of possession, leading to a goal as the defence was left outnumbered. The 1st half ended with the opponents having a lion’s share of possession. It took much dogged defending from every department to maintain the one-goal difference.

The 2nd half was a slightly more open affair, with more SSFC attacks being successfully carried out on the right flank. But Highlanders’ experienced back-line were more than ready for those challenges – winning the balls back to launch counterattacks. And this worked -  as a searching ball from the back found a Highlander, who managed to remain onside, and created the 2nd goal for the opponents.

Needing a win to progress, SSFC threw caution to the wind and took an offensive approach. The gamble paid off as Yen, with his trademark goal-instinct, latched onto a loose ball and banged it in.

Unfortunately, with so many forward, all it took was just a long opportunistic pass from Highlanders, into the numerous gaps to widen the lead – which they did twice in the final 20 minutes.

The only goal scored was scant consolation for a well-beaten SSFC side, but nonetheless the boys can hold their heads up high. Neither did they just roll over nor be contented with just minimizing the loss.

In five years from now, i want to emphasize that it is very important for everyone to stay committed before we can hope for something good. Imagine for 5 years the current squad plays week in week out, the standard of technique and more importantly the level of understanding will improve tremendously. We will become a very united squad and it will be very hard to beat us. We will be the fear for our opponents.If the effort put in by all members of the team stays the same, i can confidently hope for a slot for us in National Football League division 1 or similar standard. S-league will be a bit too optimistic for 5 – year future but i would think that while we strive for better standing in the domestic amateur football society, it is more important to strengthen the bond between players, to make training fun and enjoyable for everyone and a place to make new friends. With that good players will be attracted to us and our future will definitely be a wonderful one.
Thank you for the interview.

Match Report
EFL Cup Tournament
SSFC vs Dong Shin
31st Oct, 3 pm @ Boon Lay Secondary School

Schwarz Star FC ended their win-less streak with an uplifting 5-1 victory against Premier Division side, Dong Shin, to keep their EFL Cup dreams alive. Long-standing Schwarzians Yen and Wesley scoring in the 1st half, with the former hitting a double-salvo within the opening 7 minutes. This season’s fresh faces, Andy and Azri, cemented their breakthrough into the squad, with 2 delightful goals in the 2nd half.

Coach Jason, fresh from his AFC ‘C’ Coaching course, injected a fresh look into the cup team, giving starts to Leslie, Alfian and Ivan. His different approach yielded instant dividends.

In the 2nd minute, a cross from the right, provided Yen the chance to bundle home as he pounced on an error from the under-pressure defender. Yen’s 1st competitive goal, is also SSFC’s all-time fastest goal in all competitions. 5 minutes later, in almost carbon-copy fashion, Yen nodded in the 2nd goal. Good work down the Azam-Isa flank as their tireless atheleticism crafted the assist after receiving a delightful cross from Thava, who had been sent through by Farhan’s through ball. The lad could have nailed his hat trick soon after kick-off, but this occasion, Yen missed the point-blank header at the far post.

New-boy Ivan’s debut was rudely curtailed with an ankle injury 15 minutes into the game. It was a lively start nonetheless, with the lanky forward very much involved in the opening exchanges. But his exit gave a chance for Wesley to stamp his authority on the game. And so he eagerly did, with a bullet-like volley into the top right in the 37th minute. It was a reward that was a long-time coming for him, with good form in friendly games and training.

Then against the run of play, Dong Shin grabbed their only goal of the game, as confusion in SSFC’s backline, allowed them to steal in past the keeper just before the break.

It was an improved Dong Shin after the break, causing a few scares. A penalty claim by the Koreans was fortunately turned down but credit to the Dong Shin striker who stayed on his feet – a situation in which most other teams would have easily chosen to go to ground.

Envigored by that lucky escape, the falcons reined their urge to stride forward, instead consolidating and playing the Schwarz Star way. From a pressured position on their left defensive third, SSFC shifted ball back and out to the opposite flank and seized on the space afforded by the switch. An early cut back found Andy in space, and with his trademark composure, and perhaps a tad of non-chalence, popped it over the onrushing keeper. Andy’s 2nd contribution to SSFC’s campaign – great awareness from the new face.

With 5 minutes to spare, Azri’s drilled shot, just inside the penalty area, through a mess of bodies, off their final attacking corner upped the tally to 4 goals.

SSFC’s keeper was called into action in the final minute as the spirited Koreans fought on for a consolation goal. With the Dong Shin forward through on goal, the custodian stood up to the challenge and deflected off the tight shot.

After a narrow defeat against Kool and the Gang, this match was a big morale-booster for the coach and his wards. Schwarz Star’s victory puts them in a fair chance of qualifying for the next round, but still need to secure a win against next opponents, Highlanders FC.