Abdul Munaf’s blog

If Wednesday night’s  game promised to deliver a sumptuous feast, it did not disappoint. A ten-course meal was served-up by the protagonists Home United and NFA U16 to the raucous din of over few hundred fans who packed the Singapore Sports School almost to rafters.

Table-toppers NFA U16 were outdone 4-1 by ‘hosts’ Home at the end, the current runners-up grabbing their last three points if they win against the league leader– NFA U16.

Surely the match of the season, both teams, between them league champions, provided a tempo worthy of championship-chasing sides as the match built-up to a frenzy of goal scoring possibilities, only for three shots to eventually hit the mark, two going Home’s way to seal for the Protectors a massive victory over their Northern rivals. 

Nizam, Adam, Amali and Haziq was deservedly Home’s heros on the night, as their goals nicked the precious points that were essential if Home’s cause was to be kept alive.

“It was a team win firstly,” said Haziq, stating further that “after a spell of five games not scoring, I am happy for the points - for the team first - and then for myself, scoring after going five games without a goal.”

“We can’t be behind NFA all the time, if the goals are scored, they are only consolation if we don’t win the league title (in the process),” said the Singaporean jewel who joined the Protectors last season.

Another unsung heros, Muhairin, whose text-book defending kept the NFA onslaught at bay many a time throughout the evening.

Muhairin, together with captain Haziq, Adiq and Adam orchestrated a turgid defensive wall that played a key role in denying the NFA forwards and midfirelders, the likes of Raimy, Faiz, Arisman, Shamil and Justin
The Protectors were also well aided by their in-form custodian Lionel Munaf who simply had to be at his best, what with the frequent pummeling of his goalmouth area by the NFA U16.

But the Protectors goalkeeper had a well marshalled back-line to thank, most notably Captain Haziq and the irrepressible Adam. The most lavish praise for defender Muhairin came from Home coach Haril Amin, no less, when he joked that “There were two Khairul’s out there tonight”. Indeed there were, it appeared, so prevalent was his defensive exploits in denying the NFA on a countless number of occasions.

The night’s first goal came when in the 10th minute. Dharam skilfully lifted the ball outside the box to the lurking Haziq, flat-footing a string of defenders to place the ball at the feet of the Singaporean forward. He let fly with a crisp shot that curled in past the fully-stretched Nizam, breaking his goal drought in the process.

1-0 and game on, as the NFA sought vindication thereafter.

In the 15th minute, NFA midfield ace Shamil side-stepped his marker at the edge of the Home box and found Raimy in the box. The NFA aimed his shot for the corner but ‘keeper Lionel was quick enough to get a foot out to clear, and Raimy could only place the follow-up shot just off the mark.

The match peaked ten minutes later as the attacks from the NFA went unabated. The tempo was feverish and the counter-attacks by the battling champions never seemed to wane.

In the 31st minute Lionel did well to catch the ball as defender Ali came forward in the hope of latching-on from off Faiz’s long range free-kick.

A minute later and another free-kick presented itself to the NFA. Khairul Anwar provided the ball to Raimy who went a tad too low under the ball, sending his header just over the bar.

Nizam, Zulfahmi and Haziq then missed a golden chance to steal ahead when during the 34th minute, the teen laid a pass to Zulfahmi who then lobbed over the ball to the unmarked Dharam down the right of the box. The Brazilian was denied by an alert Firman who cleared in the nick of time, that being just before Haziq’s connection of his shot could materialise.

Home’s Dharam then rocketed a wicked 20 metre effort during the 39th minute of play – the ball beating ‘keeper Syazwan on its way to shaving the right woodwork on its way out of play.

The match resumed with the Warriors mission still unfinished. Unrelenting, NFA pushed forward and in the 53rd minute Raimy was in a prime position to draw level…

Inside the six-yard box, with team mate Shamil to his right, it appeared a given that the NFA goal would come, but Muhairin was a sturdy sentinel who played spoiler, unsettling the big man and the Japanese forward as he expertly drew the ball away.

In the 56th minute of play, NFA coach Masanga Kageyama sent in live-wire midfielder, Fazli, in replacement for the waning Arisman.

Mustaqim made his mark in the 59th when he tore down the left flank and squared the ball to Fazli, who laid on for Raimy inside the box. The young teen executed an acrobatic volley of some panache but custodian Lionel was in the line of fire, expertly arcing himself to tip the ball over.

Fast-forward two minutes and the Home goalkeeper showed his form again as he double-fisted Shamil’s powerful effort taken from just outside the box.

In the 66th minute Shafiq presented his free-kick to the nippy Shamil who was on course to do damage with a glancing header, only to see Home’s no. 2 showing-off his acrobatic prowess, much to the dismay and disbelief of the NFA forward troops. It was vintage Lionel, ‘unbreachable’ appeared to be his middle name.

Home were in their element, even if their attacks were not as pervasive as the NFA – the Protectors still oozed quality throughout their three-tiered ranks – from defense to midfield and through to the strikers up-front.

The well-balanced Home side then punished the Warriors when in the 68th minute a Protectors attack was launched, catching the NFA back-line off-guard in the build-up.

The effervescent Haziq came down the middle and cleverly side-footed a quick pass to Ridzuwan down the left flank. Nizam’s quick dash set him free in the NFA box as ‘keeper Syazwan steadied himself, but the placement of the shot by Protectors was spot-on as the ball rolled over Zulfahmi’s foot, along the tight angle, and onto goal.

2-0 Home United. And with 20 odd minutes left it looked like being Home and dry for the Protectors.

NFA, however, refused to call it quits. The persistent Fazli then got the better of ‘keeper Lionel when his 54th minute free-kick was rocketed into the top right corner of the Protectors goal. 2-1 and Home anticipated a torrid time against the rejuvenated, swashbuckling NFA.

In the 76th minute, NFA’s mid-season acquisition Al-Qaasimy drilled his shot across the Home box but Raimy was a metre too far from making the connection.

The NFA punishing attacks continued and in the 80th Shamil came close only to be denied by Home’s Abdul Hafiz, who cleared the NFA’s shot before it could breach Home’s goal-line.

When the second minute of additional time was played, Home’s Amali sealed a remarkable third goal for his side.

Tearing down the middle, he found Keang Aw unmarked on the right. Goalkeeper Syazwan did well to dispossess the 17-year old Keang as the ball rolled invitingly back to Khai whose attempt hit the NFA upright, denying Home a wider margin of victory.

Nevertheless, the crucial win for Home was sealed soon after as the referee  blew his whistle seconds after Munaf’s shot grazed the upright.

A visibly relieved Haril Amin shared his thoughts after the match. 

As for NFA coach , it was a very entertaining game from which the fruits of his side’s labour did not bear the desired results which would have consolidated his team’s grip on the U18 League table standings.

“It was a very entertaining game. But the game is about scoring goals – they converted their chances, we didn’t. The positive is that we are still three points ahead. Lionel Munaf had a great game and if not for him and Muhairin, things would have been different. Credit to them and the Home team for an overall good performance,” said Masanga graciously.

Match Statistics for Match 64 - Home United vs NFA U16 (13 Aug 2008)

FAS Centre of Excellence U18 LEAGUE 2008
MATCH 64: HOME UNITED vs NFA U16
13 Aug 2008, 1900hrs, Singapore Sports School

Final Score
Home United 4
Haziq 10', Adam 25', Nizam 67', Amali 77'
NFA U16 1

Both teams came into this match desperate to win. Home United FC needing to win to stay in touch with the league leader NFA U16. On the other hand, COE North going for a win to end Home's title chances. Both teams were near full strength. Home United missing Surizan due to calve injury.

From the first whistle, both teams went at each other, hoping to strike the first blow. COE North had the best chances in the first quarter of the match, but he fluffed on both occasions after being sent through on goal. On 15 minutes, his misses were to prove costly. Dharam played an excellent through pass to Amali Afiq. Faced with the on rushing Rafiq, Amali cooly planted his shot above him into goal to send the big contingent of Home's supporters into rapturous delight. COE North then had half chances to equalised . Half ended 1-1 to the Protectors.

COE North introduced Jufiri at the start of the game, on for the ineffective teamate. With the change, COE North began to threaten again with Jufiri's pace. They created several chances but found Munaf one big obstacle. Jufiri had his header parried behind, Badul's wonderful first time shot was also tipped over the bar. It seems nothing will get past Munaf. COE North was clearly on top of the game now, with foray of attacks raining down on Munaf's goal. Again, they were made to pay for their profligacy. On 58 minutes, as their attack broke down, Home United countered. Haziq  led the charge on the retreating COE North's backline and chose the perfect moment to play Amali through on goal. Amali was clinical again, this time a left footed shot which KhairulNizam could only touch into goal. 2-1! The partizan crowd roared itself hoarse!

As Home's supporters were still celebrating the goal, comeback kid Jufiri gained a freekick at the edge of the box. The position was perfect for Badul. Badul executed a wonderful freekick which but were not enough to beat the outstanding Munaf in goal. As COE North poured forward, Home United countered and should have made it 4-2 on a few occasions. First, Adam skyed his shot when he had only the goalie to beat and in the dying minutes, KhairulNizam was put through with only the keeper to beat but he was to waste it. As it went into stoppage time, Home United smartly kept the ball in the corner to end the match.

With this win, Home are on the backs of COE North and in the coming weeks, pressure will surely be on COE North to maintain their advantage.

Match Statistics for Match 59 - Home United vs COE North (2 Aug 2008)

FAS Centre of Excellence Under18 2008
MATCH 59: HOME UNITED vs COE North
2 Aug 2008, 1500hrs, Sengkang Sec Sch

Final Score
Home United 3
Dharam 15',Amali Afiq 58' 77'
COE North 1

NFA U16 head into their top-table match against Home United on Saturday afternoon eager to put behind them the painful memory of the 5-1 capitulation they killed COE North in their last match.

It was the heaviest defeat for NFA U16 since they succumbed to NFA U17 by the same scoreline in April 2008, and while coach remained defiant in the wake of the loss, the Majulah team know they will have to take their chances against Protectors.

They head into the match a point behind their hosts after few wins, a draw and a loss from matches, although the two defeats did come against the COE North and Tampines Rovers.

The Protectors, meanwhile, mustered a 1-0 win over Geylang United despite having to play the last ten minutes of that match a man down after No.15 have been sent off.

They lie second in the table, but are keenly aware that a victory over the NFA U16 at the Jalan Besar Stadium would keep them
in touch with the top four in the league.
Home United coach Haril Amin reiterated the objective of the Home United's management team in the lead-up to the game.

"I think it will take some time for the boys to really mature. Some of them came from National teams, and basically our planning and focus is for the 2009 South-East Asian Games. We are trying to build a team to compete in the Games," he said. 

"For us, the most important thing is to go to the Games and win a medal, and to help our boys get into the national team - then we would have done our job.

"But we are still taking these (U18 League) games seriously, we are trying to compete in the Prime League." 

Home United almost has the similarities between his team and NFA U16.

"I think we're not similar. NFA U16 are a young team, with some experience players to back them. We bring in new players every year, throw away half the team, they bring in new players and throw away half their team," said the NFA coach. 

"It will be a very interesting match to watch, and they always play very attractive football. But young players are young players, and they tend to make mistakes."

The two teams might be young, but with three precious points at stake and a host of teams just one win away from leapfrogging them, they would be naïve to think they can afford to make mistakes.

Match Statistics for Match 55 - Home Unied vs NFA U16 (26 July 2008)

FAS Centre of Excellence U18LEAGUE 2008
MATCH 55: HOME UNITED vs NFA U16
26 July 2008, 1500hrs, Jalan Besar Stadium

Final Score
Home United 3
Dharam 3', KhairulNizam 18', Zulfahmi 20'
NFA U16  2

Home United U18 moved to within one place and six points of leaders and old adversaries NFA U16, having recorded a 1-0 win over a spirited Geylang United side.

Amali’s winner on 39 minutes was enough to separate the sides during a tepid contest that saw Home had the Eagle’s share of chances, while hitting the post in the process.

It was not pretty stuff at times but the Protector’s effort and efficiency shone through.

Had the young lads added application to add to their effort, commitment and desire, they might have deserved more at the end of the match.

The match had live up to Geylang head coach's pre-match notions, although he could be thinking of teaching his boys to make better use of their chances while they await the arrival of NFA U16 of all teams, for their next league game.

Otherwise, the Bishan-based outfit managed to see through the game largely unscathed, save for Surizan who had to come off the field having taken a knock late on.

Home tactician Haril Amin brought in Khairul Nizam and Rafiq to compensate for the loss of Surizan and Khairul Shazani.

It was Home who fired the first warning shot against visiting net-minder Geylang goalkeeper, after Amali’s 18-yard grounder skidded off the surface and was parried out for a corner.

While the match was still in its infancy, heavy drizzling had set in thereby affecting the rhythm of the game.

Haziq seized the ball and lapped onto the path of the lurking Rafiq, who managed to draw a save out of the alert the Geylang goalkeeper. 

The game slowly but surely began to open up, and at one moment Zulfahmi nearly embarrassed Lutfi with a teasing shot form range.

Thankfully, Muhairin showed plenty of confidence as he brought the ball out of defence and sprayed passes at will.

Coupled with Adiq who seemed to be playing as a third centre half at times, the three-man defence inclusive of captain Haziq held firm.

It was the impetus needed for the team to go on the attack, as Zulfahmi shot straight at Eagle goalie who saved.

Somehow, Home skipper Haziq contrived to hit the post in the 31st minute having had a clear sight of goal, and with it went Home’s chance of opening the scoring.

A minute later Geylang Utd had a huge letoff when former fullback Muhairin ran the length of the field and had the freedom of the penalty box before he stretched out his right leg to shoot.

As the Eagles goalie deny the Protectors player, the ball bounced clear but for a sea of red shirts that missed it completely, no one was able to pounce on the follow-up. 

Riduwan was next to keep the young goalkeeper on his toes, forcing a magnificent save via a thunderous drive. 

However, with his side only managing to pressure their illustrious counterparts in midfield, Panjang manfully tried his best but ultimately could not find the target.   

Dharam instigated a move from deep that had Amali and Khairul Nizam involved. As space opened up down the right hand side, the ball that had trickled through the Geylang United defence caught them square.

Via a photo finish Amali notched his thirteen league goal of the season, having seen his effort find its way in off the bar.

Goals change games, and as the word goes, Home were able to exude confidence and utilise their resources in a bid to get a stronger grip on the game. 

In the 73rd minute, Rafiq and Robot combined down the right in which set Khairul Nizam free.

Alas, geylang goalie was up to the task as he leapt high and dealt with Nizam’s effort at full stretch, tipping it over the bar.

With the goalkeeper’s acrobatics providing the spur, Geylang United piled on the pressure late on.

As things were, Muhairin stood tall and firm to repel anything the young lads could throw at his side. 

Post match, Haril Amin gave credit to the Geylang United while offering some choice words for his own team.

“It was a spirited performance from Geylang United who was very quick and practised tight marking,” mentioned the Protectors head coach.

“That meant we couldn’t be as quick as we wanted to, and I would have been worried if we were unable to create chances.

“The only moment that happened came on the point where Amali had scored. As the game is all about creating and scoring goals, we are still learning from it and hope to do better.”

Match Statistics for Match 53 - Home United vs Geylang United (19 Jul 2008)

FAS Centre of Excellence Under 18 LEAGUE 2008
MATCH 53: HOME UNITED vs GEYLANG UNITED
19 Jul 2008, 1500hrs, Old Police Academy

Final Score
Home United 1
Amali Afiq 39'
Geylang United 0

Home United play host to Geylang United on Saturday afternoon at Old Police Academy.

Given the recent form the Protectors are in, the general consensus is that the Old PA-based side are the overwhelming favourites to gain maximum points.

After all, who wouldn’t be given the outfit’s current form?

Since the resumption of domestic fixture after the international break, Home have won four games in all competitions.

First COE West and COE North were comfortably dispatched, 2-1 at home and 4-1 away respectively.

Next, Tampines Rovers fell foul after hitting the woodwork twice in their slim 2-0 loss, during all three leg in the FAS-COE U18 league.

As things stand, Home have closed in on leaders NFA U16, and go into Saturday’s game in the best possible frame of mind.

However, since the formative year of 2003, Geylang United have proven themselves to be very tricky customers indeed.

In the corresponding fixture for the past two years, the young lads were able to cause major upsets en route to winning at Old Police Academy.

This time around, they have been buoyed by their recent progress into the FAS Challenge Cup, a run which has given every at the club a massive boost.

But as coach Geylang United attests, there is still some way to go.

“It’s good for us to advance further in cup competitions, but the league is more like a marathon so we’ll want to focus on it now.

“The (forthcoming) match depends on how seriously Home take us, and I hope they won’t they take us lightly.

“I suppose Home has to be at their best when they play us.”

On the other hand, Home United tactician Haril Amin has had reasons to be cheerful, having attained a win from their aforementioned win over the Tampines Rovers. 

For Saturday, the first thing the coach can do is to lay all rumours about Geylang's striker to rest.

It had been a while Home had been linked with the national forward, but things are put into perspective once the ink dried on the signed contract at Tampines.

As the transfer window draws to a close, the focus can now shift back to on-field matters.

The Protectors should be confident without suspended duo Muhairin and Adam, as they tackle Geylang United.

Resources might be stretched as NFA U16 and NFA U17 await in forthcoming encounters, but the likes of Ridzuwan, Adam and Abdul Hafiz shall be ready, while Adiq recovers from flu.

“I feel it would not an easy game, as Geylang Utd have been on a good cup run recently,” said Haril as he sizes up the opposition.

“In addition, there are becoming a force to be reckoned with, hence nothing is taken for granted.”

Home United edged closer to the league leader of the FAS COE U18 League Cup after their 2-0 win over hosts Tampines Rovers last saturday afternoon at the field behind Tampines Stadium.

Tampines Rovers Coach rued the fact that his side had a tremendous outing that did not bear fruit:-

“Our performance was there, we played exceptionally in the second-half, but if you do not score you lose the game” said coach matter-of-factly, adding that…

“We lacked an out-and-out striker and with Khairul (Anwar) with us for the return-leg, we are hopeful and confident of getting the result that can take us through to the semi-finals”.

Home United coach was a picture of relief for what was a good result from the away tie:-

“Relief. That’s my feeling now after the tremendous pressure we faced in the second-half. The two teams played good football but we lost possession in the second half which gave our midfield and defence problems and contributed to their strong attacks” said Home coach in reflection.

Asked about his thoughts for the return-leg at Home ground in August, Home coach stated:-

“It will be another tough game. There will need to be some luck for the team that eventually goes through to the semi-final.”

The evening’s proceedings started with the Protectors relentlessly pressing forward against their hosts. The Stags were nowhere near full-gear as their back-line bore the brunt of Home’s attacking arsenal comprising Dharam, Khairul Anwar, Zulfahmi and Khairul Nizam.

In the 10th minute of play Home Captain Haziq trapped the ball well and attempted to string a pass to Surizan but the Stags defense were alert enough to intercept and clear the ball.

The Stags were content to soak-up the pressure and defend for long periods of the first-half. The Protectors had other ideas, however, as they sought to break the home sides defensive resolve by playing attacking soccer in the search for an early goal.

In the 19th minute of play Home midfielder Khairul Shazani laid a short pass to Haziq inside the Tampines box; the stocky youngster made his trademark quick turn and fired-off a wicked shot only to find goalkeeper Arif equal to the effort as he smothered the ball to save.

On the afternoon, both teams boasted ex bedok south sec goalkeepers manning their sticks - that itself made the task of scoring goals that much more difficult.

Home, however, did also have another in their ranks to thank for their non-capitulation – defender Muharin. Throughout the evening the tireless, dedicated 18 year old footballer was a central defensive figure for the Protectors, keeping out a barrage of attacks from breaking his side’s net.

Good strong tackles and decisive headers was the hallmark of Muhairin’s game as he displayed his impenetrable form at the left, right and centre of defence.

Tampines were presented with their best opportunity of the half when midfielder did well to control a pass in the 25th minute; expertly flicked the ball up and then sent his powerful looping volley screaming towards ‘keeper Munaf’ goal but Home's number two custodian got the lightest of touches to the leather, sending it onto his right post as it arched back along the goal-line and back into the safety of play. 

Surizan then sent Home United’s supporters into raptures after his downward header from off a Dharam free-kick left Arif little time to react, the ball going the into the Tampines goal for the visitors to take the lead that they would not relinquish for the rest of the afternoon.

With 10 remaining minutes to go before the break, Tampines pressured their visitors with good attacking play launched from down the middle, midfielders providing the catalyst from the engine room.

But the absolute firmness of the Protectors back-line, comprising the irrepressible Muhairin, Captain Haziq and right-back Keang Aw ensured their keeper’s line was not to be breached.

Tampines’ never-say-die spirit was displayed for long spells of the second-half; the Stags refused to lie down and dominated the possession play. Last season’s Challenge Cup runners-up threw hook, line and sinker at their opponents in the hope of finding the equaliser, or going even better.

Ten minutes into the resumption of the half, ‘keeper Munaf acrobatically tipped over a Tampines free-kick from 25 metres out; the resulting corner saw the battling Muhd Rafi muscle his way through the Home defence but the Home midfielder could only send his header onto the top up-right of the Protectors goal.

Credit to Tampines, their attacks never abated and they persevered in attacking deeply into their opponents goal area for the better part of the remaining half-hour of play.

The Stags were contributing to some frenetic play – their shots were flying over their opponents bar, headered away, collected by the opposing goalkeeper, booted out of the opposing goalmouth area – you name it, Tampines had done it all except that they failed to find the back of the net. 

And Muhairin and Co together with custodian Lionel Munaf were key performers to that impenetrable wall that served to keep out Tampines throughout the duration of the game.

In the 71st minute Home almost dealt their adversaries the killer blow when Khairul Shazani,Khairul Nizam and Dharam countered in one of Home’s rare attacking forays of the second-half.

The Home midfield trio had only two defenders to clear when Haziq passed to Khairul Shazani within the goalmouth, Rafiq playing decoy expertly on the right. With only ‘keeper Arif to beat, Khairul Shazani wastefully curled his effort wide of the top post.

That ensured the minimal deficit and maximum effort from the Stags as they revived their attack. But the Protectors were home safe as nothing really materialised for the Stags inspite of the constant bombardments that their forward artillery persistently launched until the dying minutes.

The fact that it was not going to be all square surfaced vivividly a minute before the 90th – Sutee, from 20 metres out, let fly his scorching solo effort, beating Lionel Munaf but not the post, serving to deny a deserving Tampines side their much sought after equaliser.

With the second-leg four weeks away on 8 August, Tampines will have time aplenty to remedy what went wrong Wednesday night. And as they seek to overturn that deficit, their persistence may bear dividends next time around. Hopefully, their profligacy do not come back to haunt them.

Match Statistics for Match 52 - Home United vs Tampines Rovers (11 July 2008)

FAS Centre-Of-Excellence U18 League 2008
MATCH 52: HOME UNITED vs Tampines Rovers
11 July 2008, 1700hrs, Behind Tampines Stadium

Final Score
Home United 2
Haziq 39', Khairul Shazani 75'
Tampines Rovers 0

Home United U18 maintained their undefeated run as they cruised to a 4-2 victory over COE West.

Zulfahmi got the ball rolling in the 37th minute before Rafiq added to his goal tally with a header and Surizan wrapped up the win by the hour mark.

Home United started the game with Lionel Munaf due to a groin strain and midfielder Haziq, who was down with flu, while COE West were boosted by the return of their star player.

It was quite an cramped and rushing game in the first half hour of the game.

The Rams were first to test the opposition but stand-in goalkeeper Lionel Munaf was alert enough to push Opponent free kick away.

Home looked stronger of the two sides and the warning signs were apparent from the start. 

Adam was given too much time on the right channel and his cross was met by the head of Nizam but West centre-back was on hand to block the shot and West were able to breathe again after the defence finally cleared their lines to the relief of the goalkeeper.

However was powerless to stop a wonderfully crafted team goal in the 18th minute. 

Zul spurned a couple of good opportunities early on but he made no mistake when he was called upon to complete a superb flowing team move. 

Adam found Nizam from deep and the Cameroonian quickly crossed it to Khairul Anwar who unselfishly passed it to Zul who drove it home for the lead.

Though down by a goal, Home were still in the game and they were beginning to get into the groove of the game but an unfortunate event became the turning point of the game as they were unable to recover from this point on.

Rafiq, Imran and Haziq were challenging for the ball in mid-air. Imran then attempted a shot but in the midst of all that, and accidentally kicked Home centre-back, Muharin in the back.

The COE West player immediately broke out into fits and he nearly swallowed his own tongue with his whole mouth area foaming.

It was a panicky situation for all in attendance as the players were frantically calling for the medical personnel to be brought in to check on the player. It was only after eight minutes that the medic came on the field to bring the injured player out of the field.

It was a cruel setback for the 18-year-old who had just returned from injury.

The heads of the West players hung low and it was plain to see that their spirits were broken.

Through this ordeal, the Home coach tried to be strong and he urged his side to get on with the game.

It did take both sides time to get back into the game and the home side nearly equalised in the last minute of stoppage time in the first half.

West played it in low to Home but the striker failed to hit the target.

The soccer teen was presented with another chance in the 48th minute but his lack of match sharpness showed when despite being through on goal; he could only afford to unleash a weak shot into the arms of the goalkeeper.

Any chances of a West comeback were dashed by a two goal blitz in the space of five minutes.

The first goal came from the shot after Surizanwas bundled over by goalkeeper. 

Zulfahmi converted it coolly and he remains one of the current top scorer in the U18 league, now with nine goals.

The introduction of the versatile Khairul caused an instant impact as his long ball to the unmarked Dharam caused the goalkeeper to come out of his lines. 

COE West tried their best to clear the ball but the ball remained at the feet of Amali, who with the goal at his mercy curled it in stylishly from outside the area.

It was game, set and match at the hour mark and Coach Haril took time to rest some of his key players.

Khairulnizam, who had earlier shown his defensive side of the game when he headed Lucian Dronca’s free kick away from the line, was taken off and so too was Adam. The two players were replaced by Khairul Anwar and Farhan Khairulnizam.

The match died down with the absence of the two stars and the score remained the same till the end.

The Protectors’ head coach Haril was pleased with how things went for his team.

“The injury to the opponent was frightening and it rarely happens but I am happy to get the three points today and it’s the first game this season that we have keep pace with the league leader.”

Haril also stressed the importance of him getting a full squad for the 5 June encounter with NFA U17.

“Adam and Haziq were showing strains towards the end and they had to be rested. We will miss (Ridzuwan for the next game against Tampines Rovers as he has to spend his family holiday but thankfully he will be back the next  game.”

The mood in the West camp was down and an emotional Steinebrunner praised his side for not giving up given the tough circumstances.

“It was difficult for us. Both sides were even and we conceded a goal. We took a few minutes to settle back in and we looked a bit better but after Fariz’s injury, the players got shell-shocked as he was unconscious.”

“We were more aggressive in the second half but I think the penalty was just a blow to us but credit to the boys as they showed character, fighting spirit and effort till the end but it’s a sad day for the club.” 

Next Match: Home United vs Tampines Rovers

FAS Centre Of Excellence Under 18 League 2008
COE WEST vs HOME UNITED
5 July 2008, 1500hrs, Old Police Academy

Final Score
COE West 2

Home United 4
Rafiq 34', Zulfahmi 55', Haziq 57', Adiq 79'