SDX FC was put to the sword yesterday after losing to F&F in a one sided match at the MMU ground. It was not hardly tight match as SDX FC opted to just sit out in their own half and let the F&F players throw flames to their mighty defensive castle. However, there were signs of their fighting spirit when they occasionally put their counter attacking supremacy to the show.(picture: Alwi loves his lollipop as much as he loves his football.)
The game started out in fine weather as both teams warmed up on a greasy pitch due to heavy rain the night before. F&F, with their new middle eastern signing, appears stylish with their new fluorescent green sleeveless kit The first half went on with much of the ball sprayed long by the SDX defenders only to be cut out by the impressive trio at the heart of F&F defense, Nadeem, Zul K and Fahrul. F&F tried to control their momentum by playing a neat passing game but all their efforts was frustrated by strong running by the SDX players. F&F finally got into stride as Alwi, the middle eastern last minute signing by manager, Aie, lofts a ball towards Zul P who managed to put his head to the ball but directing it up above the post. Alwi once again showed his class by dancing through the defenders and putting a slow shot, only to see it graze in front of goal. Boy P had a chance to breakthough when Zul P lofted a pass from the middle of the park. Boy P's intelligent running saw him chesting the ball and managed to get it to his feet. But the lack of match practice served him injustice as he blowed the shot over legendary goalkeeper, Saiber from SDX FC. Captain, Aie was the highlight of the first half as he tried very hard feed the strikers with his crosses from deep but he kept on missing the ball that saw him ' tergolek - dog ' at the sideline. But chanting from an unknown supporter kept his spirit going as he played the rest of the match with the swagger of a captain.
(picture: SDX FC)
With a frustrating first half gone, F&F players went into the second half more determined to win the game. A few changes was made as Fauzan was called off and Boy K came in into the forward role. Zul P was moved to left of the field filing in for the dynamic Fauzan. Reza, Nadum and Charles also made their F&F competitive debut in the second half but they hardly have anything to do as F&F controlled the ball. Saeed was denied a penalty claim after he latched-on to a through pass by Zul P, only to be brought down by a great tackle from one SDX defender. Aie finally showed his crossing ability from deep when he swerved a ball from the right side of the
field towards Zul P's head which Zul P fail to convert. Boy P once again had a chance to put F&F in front when he was clear in front of goal. But to the heroics of goalkeeper, Saiber, SDX managed to hold their breath. F&F tenacity was finally rewarded through a swift move from the left with the ball landing on Aie's feet. Aie launched a high cross towards the direction of Essa, last season top scorer. Essa headed the ball past the goalkeeper and celebrations erupted after that. Boy K also made an impact to the game after he came on and had chance to put himself on the scoresheet. Boy K connected with a beautiful pass when he chested the ball to bring it down but he blowed the shot over the goal.
(picture: Boy P's wardrobe outside of football attracted the media to stamp him with a "Casanova" status.)
SDX FC did however put on a good show defensively as they prove that they are a tough nut to crack. The first win for F&F showed good promise for matches to come as the players start to blend with each other. Final score, F&F 1 - 0 SDX FC.
