Monday, December 31, 2007

Thanatos FC vs AC United

Thanatos FC vs. AC United

30 December

Qiao Nan Sec


Today’s game marked the first ever game for Thanatos FC(TFC).

Turnout for the game was very good. The downside was some players not attending though confirming their attendance earlier. That left quite a sour taste.

Now let’s move on to the game proper.

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We started the game with a typical 4-4-2 formation.

As Desmond was late, we started with Ah Binn as our custodian.

In defense, we operated with a flat four consisting of (from left) Chee Hian, Ah Chen, Sebas and Jimmy.

Mervin, Suraj, Salwa and Kenny made up the midfield line-up.

Vicson and Andy spearheaded the attack.

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Ah Binn


Jimmy Sebas Ah Chen Chee Hian


Kenny Salwa Suraj Mervin


Andy Vicson

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The game started off the way we wanted to but the field was not in exactly the best condition. Patches of mud were all over the place.

AC United (ACU) had a few early shots from afar. They were all well taken care of by Ah Binn.

The impressive thing was that, he wasn’t even wearing any gloves!

Our opening goal came early in the game. From a harmless looking cross, the opponent’s defender managed to totally mistime his back pass to the keeper. An ever alert Andy intercepted the ball and score from a meter out. 1 – 0 for TFC.

We were dominating the proceedings from thereon, but a bad call from the referee handed ACU the equalizer.

A through ball from ACU’s midfield put their striker through with only Ah Binn to beat. Unfortunately, Ah Binn fouled the player. The ref immediately pointed to the spot even though the foul was commited outside the box. The opponent made no mistake from the spot to equal the score. 1 – 1.

The rest of the half was rather uneventful except for a yellow card for Andy for jersey tugging.


Half time talk was short and sweet. Instructions were given to the team as well as to individuals.

We decided to try out various players in their strongest position.
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Ah Binn

Kenny Rasheed Sebas Chee Hian


Salwa Eddie Razali Azri


Chuan Seng

Suraj


Desmond finally showed up just before the second half kicked off.

Ah Binn started the second half with a pair of gloves!

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The second half started slowly for TFC as we’re still getting use to playing with each other.

Despite that, the chemistry between the lads were getting better by the minute.

A fast break from the left midfield of ACU caught our rear guards by surprise.

Their star player, number 23 managed to nutmeg Kenny and unleashed a powerful shot pass Ah Binn to grab the lead for the first time. 1 – 2 for ACU.

That goal apparently woke up TFC. The action was not really fast and furious, but the buildups was just brilliant. Our midfield quartets were orchestrating play from the center with such dominance that the opponents hardly got a sniff of the ball.

Our good work paid off soon. From a short corner kick, Razali curled in a shot from the line to catch the keeper off guard. The defender tried to stop the ball but all was in vain.

2 – 2.

ACU’s goal was being bombarded by our impressive attacking line up.

Our third goal came not soon after.

From another brilliant build up, Suraj received the pass and decided to take on the whole ACU’s defense. His intentions nearly worked but he was brought down from behind just outside the box.

The tackle would have warranted a red card if it was a competitive match as the defender was the last man.

The free kick was in the perfect, most ideal position for Suraj.

Surprisingly, he played a short little pass to Razali and he cheekily chipped the ball over to on rushing keeper. A elegant yet cheeky goal for TFC.

3 – 2 for TFC.

The gaffer decided to make some wholesale changes to the team.

Desmond was bought in to replaced Ah Binn in between the posts.

Chuan was bought in to replace Suraj, Ah Chen for Rasheed and Ah Binn for Chee Hian.

Play resumed and nothing changed as TFC was still dictating play.

ACU’s attacks were all being neutralize very well by TFC’s back four .

We nearly doubled our lead through Chuan. From a corner, he executed a perfectly timed scissor kick but the attempt was brilliantly stopped on the line.

Late into the game, from a quick counter attack, ACFC managed to grab a equalizer from just outside the box. Our keeper misjudged the flight of the ball. A very bad turn of events.

3 – 3.

Although we were bombarding ACFC’s goalmouth, we were unable to make the breakthrough. Even from an indirect freekick inside the box, we missed the target.

Full time whistle was blown and a very good game came to an abrupt end.

Final Score 3 – 3.

Overall a game played in very good spirit. Well done lads!

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Post game opinions.

Although it was a very good performance from the team, much are still left to be desired.

Our defense did their job today,however we were caught napping by the opposition in some occasions, but luckily we were up to the job of winning the ball back.

Our keeper really needs to come out of the box whenever the situation calls for. And of course, he needs to show more concentration. The third goal could have been prevented.

As for our midfield, the chemistry between the lads are getting better every time they play together.

Our strike force needs to play together more in order to gel together.

Anyway, today we welcome to the Thanatos Family, Azri, Mervin and Sebas.

All three individuals played well today in particular Sebas who marshaled the back four.

But the stand out performance/man of the match will be our number 55, Salwa. Be it playing on the right flank or in the center, he’s always giving his 100% . Never shying away from any tackles and even going for the high balls even though he’s not exactly the tallest of players. Also showed his dribbling qualities on a couple of occasions.

Let’s all hope that we will be able to work on this performance and improve on it.

Monday, December 24, 2007

Merry Christmas

Merry Xmas to all you Devils ...

Last week was a rather quite week for TNFC

No games for us ...

Well, time for some updates,

We have collected our home kit ( luckily it does not look like Derby's )

Luckily enough, the navy blue was so dark that it looks like black ...

The jersey will be ready for distribution hopefully in 2 weeks time ( works on our team logo still going on )

That's all for now ...

Will be organizing a friendly match this Sunday ... Hopefully we'll get a good turn out ...

Monday, December 17, 2007

The First Entry

15 Dec 2007 , the birth of Thanatos FC.

After a long and arduous process, we've finally settled with Thanatos FC.

The word Thanatos is actually the name for the Greek God of Death himself.

But why Thanatos you might ask ?

We want to have this aura in which, whenever any team comes face to face to us, they'll look death (defeat in our context) straight into their eyes .

Currently, our home kit is still "under construction". By the start of next week, we'll finally lay our hands on our jersey ...

Our home kit is an adidas jersey (still not in store yet according to the shop).

Navy blue with white strips we'll be decked in ...

As for the away kit, we're thinking of something bright, say luminous orange or yellow ?

Well, this blog will basically contain pretty much everything one would need to know about Thanatos FC.

As for the team hierarchy,

Manager:
Mr Ng Boon Chen a.k.a Ah Chen (that's me)

Assistant Manager cum Captain:
Mr Suraj Kumar a.k.a Raj

Vice-Captain cum Treasurer:
Mr Tan Chuan Seng a.k.a Ah Seng

Honorary members:
Mr Binnson and Mr Ang.

Speaking of Mr Ang, we'll like to thank him and Heng Motor Enterprise for being our sponsor.

Well, stay tune for the next entry.

Till then, have a good day.