Prodigy clinched promotion at the death

Arguablly the match of the season and also a game of high entertainment value. Team Prodigy virtually sealed promotion at the last kick of the game in a dramatic 3-2 extra time victory over AC United this morning. With only 13 players turning up for this important match. Manager Chua certainly has food for thoughts on how to improve the depth of his team in the upcomming season. Both teams were evenly matched and AC United certainly proved tough opponents with their physical play and physique as compared to the smaller built Prodigians. AC United then took the lead in the first half through a free header after a cross was floated in from the right by their striker who broke our offside trap.

First Half: 1-0 to AC United. Team Prodigy certainly was feeling rusty after a 2 weeks layoff and was not playing their trademark passing football. However, the second half was a different story as Team Prodigy started to get their act together by stringing more passes and attacking the opponent goal in search of the equaliser. It came through a beautiful build up play involving Benard, Ken and Ali as Bernard cross was diverted towards goal by the onrushing Ken and the AC keeper pulled off a miraculous save, however, the rebound was slammed in by the ever impressive Ali who had now scored in 3 concecutive games. It was 1-1 now and game on and both teams attacked each other. AC then took the lead again in the 65th min through a quick counter attack and even the most avid punter would feel that Prodigy's time is up. But not the Prodigians who refused to admit defeat with their new found confidence and they continued to throw bodies forward in search a goal. The pressure told and the goal came 5min before the end of game with Longkun scoring his first and most important goal for Prodigy. There were jubilant scenes on the field and on the touchline. FT: 2-2

Extra time commenced thereafter and Prodigy's superior match fitness was telling as they attacked the AC goal in search of the winner and the AC keeper deserved special praise for his many outstanding saves which kept them in the game. Alas, but lady's luck was on Prodigy's side this time after a penalty was turned down earlier, the opponent defender handled the ball on the line after a goalbound header by Ken. It was the defining moment and Prodigy top scorer Mick stood out to take the spotkick. He confidencely depatched the ball to the top left of the keeper and ensured that Prodigy enjoy a fairlytale like ending to their debut season in ESPZEN.

Well done guys for achieving promotion after a long and hard season. There are tears and joys and new friendships are made over the course of the season. Hopefully this footballing love and friendships will last for many years to come and special praises to the players who constantly turn up to help the team. Without you all, there will be no Team Prodigy. Also, we will like to wish our veteran striker Kelvin Kuek a speedy recovery from your ACL injury. The team misses your presence off and on pitch and when you come back next year, hopefully we will be playing in a higher division. =)

All the best and thanks to all who helped in one way or another to make this dream possible be it blogging, having lunches together, or driving the team members to the venues. There will confirm be a BBQ Awards Night in the near future, but due to budget contraints, this will be put on hold for awhile until further notice. Until now, enjoy the preseason friendlies before the war begins again in July 20th and we will be aimming for promotion again. Nil Sine Soccere