Fling F.C. review
Woes for Flings
By Tai Wen
Going into the game versus TPJC off the back of a stimulating performance in the 3-3 draw against Yokogawa, Flings had nothing to show for their supposed upswing, as far as proficiency in front of goal and defensive resilience was concerned.
Flings started with an overall 4-5-1 formation. GK Jia Jun retaining his position between the posts, FB Abra joined CB Yuquan in the heart of defence, with FB Rong Feng and Malcom on either side and DM Zhi Han sitting nanny in front of the back four. CM Eug played in the middle of the park, LM Tai Wen and RM Jiun Hoe providing the width in midfield, with ST Dovanson in an advanced position to assist CF Wei Siong.
With much unfulfilled promise prior, Flings was looking to finally put their losing ways behind them, aiming to get an early headstart. Straight off the blocks Flings made clear to their opponents their attacking intent, as they broke at pace, focusing play down the widths, players running at defenders. Flings flooded forward in numbers, with both FBs quick to penetrate and provide that extra man to support in attack. TPJC were well pinned back, unable to cope with the attacking intensity, with players careless in possession. It didn’t come as a surprise when they finally crumbled to pressure, conceding an early penalty, CB ESPZEN criminally taking down FB Jiun Hoe in the box after his blazing run saw him through on goal.
Perhaps it was burden too much to shoulder, and it wasn’t helping, that the team behind him was a team low on confidence looking to turn things around. CF Wei Siong stepped up to the plate, only to put an uncharacteristically tame effort straight at the keeper.
Flings had multiple chances to break the deadlock, with LM Tai Wen, who was having a fairly good game, getting the better of his marker in a number of occasions. They came the closest, when Tai Wen picked up a stray TPJC pass and broke down left flank to pull one across goal, ST Dovanson arriving a split second too late.
Devoid of ideas and most definitely against the run of play, TPJC surprised their opponents by taking the shock lead in the extraordinary, albeit in a fashion not unfamiliar to Flings. GK Jia Jun proved unable to shake off previous demons and found himself back in the similar nightmare two fortnights ago.
GK Khyrul, who was by far the busier of the two custodians, became the unlikely goalscorer. His huge putt of a goal kick sailed down the field, taking a significant bounce on the edge of JJ’s box before inevitably dipping under the crossbar. JJ, backpedaling, scrambling.
As though there wasn’t enough humiliation, history repeated itself for the third time, Khyrul replicating his previous successful attempt for TPJC’s 2nd goal. To say it was harsh, was an understatement. TPJC were elated, equally perplexed, Flings, disbelieving. Damai Sec was rocking. 0 – 2
LB Zimu, CM Shawn and RM Minhan came on after the break to assist in restoring parity. Sporadic efforts throughout the 2nd half by the increasingly despondent Flings outfit were ultimately unable to put them back into the game. CM Shawn, Abra, noticeably, had shots well saved by the TPJC keeper. Flings were lacking the final product. In cruise control now, the rest of the game was seen off by TPJC constantly playing the long ball, hoping to again catch JJ off guard. It paid off in one final effort, TPJC ST poking home from close range after the Flings defence was unable to clear a difficult ball from deep.
Its been slightly more than year since Fling F.C. was formed, a band of brothers supposedly brought together by their sheer passion for the game. Although differences in appointment and employment made it difficult for the now semi-defunct Flings to gather for the odd game which was once deemed so probable, perhaps one should revisit the very reason which galvanized the set-up of the club itself. Never mind the contrast in ideas and differences in efforts, because at the end of the day, if you share the same love for the Game, you speak the same language.
