TEAM PRODIGY’s ruthless demolition of INTERSTAR FC at Marsiling Secondary on Sunday ensured their current position on top of MATADOR Sunday League Division 7 remains firm. Prodigy now lead their closest rivals Simei United FC by 3 points following a postponement of the latter’s match against Sparta Cowboys FC. The stands were a spectacle of toddlers and mothers on one end and WAGS on the other. Clearly Prodigians and Interstar players are in different phases of their lives, but on the pitch, both teams are equally focused on the match and the match only, though I must add that it was rather cute of a Interstar player to be warming up with his (must have been around) 3 year old son=)
The match kicked off brightly on a beautiful astro pitch in different shades of green. Merely 2 minutes into the game, a long pass from Weng on the left found James after Inter’s defender made a mess out of it. The prolific striker opted for precision over power to curl the ball into goal but it ricocheted off the right pole instead. Interstar’s marauding wingers proved a handful for Prodigians to cope and there sure were a few nervy moments at the back. In the 6th minute, Inter got their first clear chance to go one goal up but the player miskicked with the goal at his mercy.
GOAL! The first goal of the match arrived in the 8th minute. Midfield maestro Ken pumped a high ball to James who easily shook off his marker before coolly slotting the ball pass the keeper. What a way to mark his comeback into the team (as if he needed any!).
Despite taking the lead, Prodigy never quite seemed in full control. In fact, it took a brilliant twelfth minute reflex save by Jiahui from close range to keep the scoreline unchanged. On came Nigel in the 14th minute for Longkun who lamented that he was off-form and Wilson for Kel with the former taking his familiar position on the left while Weng shifted to the right.
GOAL! Prodigy’s lead lasted only 10 minutes as a sloppy display at the back allowed Inter back into the game. Failure to deal with Inter’s cross first time proved fatal as they duly grabbed the opportunity to send the toddlers wild.
Midway through the first half, Derek substituted Ali on right. Minutes later, Weng launched a cross field pass to Bernard on the left of the penalty box. He trapped the ball neatly and laid it back for Mick whose shot just scrapped the post. What a great build up from the back! Following this near miss, Bahrain took matters into his own hands (or rather feet) as he hurled a shot from the halfway line which tested the keeper’s alertness.
GOAL! Yet another of James’ classic (don't we have an archive already?)! A quick free kick taken by Wilson found James through on goal and he ole-ed the onrushing keeper in style.
Five minutes from the restart, a goal mouth scramble had the entire entourage of Prodigy supporters up on their feet! James had the last touch but failed to connect cleanly and it was cleared off the line by Inter.
GOAL! Kudos to Prodigy strikers’ never say die spirit, they continued to pressure Inter in their own half and James managed to dispossess a defender. He proceeded to round keeper to slide in goal from acute left angle.
GOAL! WHAT A GOAL! NIGEL VOLLEYED A BULLET FROM THE LEFT TO THE TOP RIGHT CORNER WHICH NEARLY BURST THE NET! PHWAH!! GOAL OF THE SEASON CONTENDER!
Prodigy was by now 4-1 up and looking to rest some tired legs. In Bernard’s words, "Of course must sub la! This kinda match got chance to score one!" On came Bernard and Derek for Ali and Brandon, and Ken for Longkun. Wilson gave away a penalty in the 31st minute. Inter shot straight down the channel perhaps predicting Jiahui to go either way but he stood firm as ever to put the away for a throw in. Prodigian's misery for goals conceded despite the clear advantage was clearly evident.
GOAL! A quick counter, where Prodigy is always at its deadliest, found Ken with the ball in midfield. He was momentarily spoilt for choice with James, Derek and Mick on the run to support. The player/manager rightly opted for a short pass to James who in turn slid the ball to Mick to slot home for the fifth goal for Prodigy.
Highlight of the match must be the clash of the titans! Bahrain and a Inter player both went full blooded for the ball which resulted in the latter catching Bahrain on his left knee. Stay tuned for the poll results on your right for the number of times Bahrain cursed=)
Last attack of the game saw Bernard twisting and turning in the penalty area, His prophecy almost came true but the woodwork denied him of his much longed-for goal. A minute later, the referee blew for full time without taking into account injury time - not that it had mattered anyway=)Final Score:
TEAM PRODIGY 5 INTERSTAR FC 1
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