RMM 4 Chinese Valencia 0

TEN MEN TRIUMPH

With only 9 players available at the starting whistle, RMM had its work cut out for this tie against Chinese Valencia (CV). Amongst the players missing were RMMs current top scorers, Batigol and Guvnor.

RMMers were however relieved that the 2 resident speedsters Flash That and Blindman Poon were available for selection. Playing a 4-3-1 formation, the wily veterans dominated the game from the start.

Flash That playing upfront alone was in the zone as he wrecked havoc on the lead footed CV defence. On the right, Blindman Poon was also a constant threat with his direct running and on the left, Red Devil Meng played like a man possessed, bombing up (and staying there) like a young Roberto Carlos from his left back position.

With both Flash That and Blindman Poon came close on several occasions in the first few minutes, it was no surprise when Flash That scored the opener after some good interplay with the sonically enhanced Blindman.

The 2 combined again for RMMs second with the Blindman finishing off the move to make it 2-0 to the 9 men of RMM.

The belated arrival of Nitro meant that RMM then had 10 players. That did not disrupt RMMs rhythm as long time followers of the veterans were treated to a display never seen before in a RMM game... a patient build up style of play that starts from the back.

Playing with no pressure, RMMs backline comprising of Red Devil Meng, Aeroplane King Beng Koh, SiYeh and Zig Zack stroked the ball patiently from side to side in order to draw the beleaguered CV players out, leaving Shark in goal a frustrated observer. In the middle of the park, Iceman and Partyman Eddie played the percentages and kept possession well. It was all about sideway passing and triangles for RMM. That in turn ensured that Blindman Poon and Flash That's runs were timed and both players were spared unnecessary potentially energy sapping runs.

Controlling the game, RMM won a free kick in a dangerous position of the left. Up stepped the ice cool dead ball specialist, Iceman who let rip a curler that deflected off a stunned CV defender into the roof of the net. 3-0 and RMM were cruising all the way.

RMM then proved that it can also mix it up when a long punt by Shark in goal was smashed home by Flash That who outpaced the shell shocked defence. It was Route 1 football at its best thrown in the mix.

With the game sewn up, the battled hardened veterans then dropped a few gears on the second half. To the disappointment of the fans, RMM also reverted back to type and began playing the urgent attacking football it's known for, attempting to turn defense into attack on every occasion.

The end result was a deluge of misplaced passes, over hit through balls and blind clearances out of defense to any forward areas. The typical RMM game.

These combined factors gave the impetus to CV who started to get a foothold in the game, making the 2nd half a more even affair.

In fact, the best chances of the 2nd half fell to CV who worked RMMs 2nd half keeper Flash That twice. On the 1st occasion, RMMs goal scoring hero turned goal prevention machine had to scramble across his own goal to palm the ball away. He then had to pull off a superb reaction save to palm the ball over from a corner.

Flash That was however helpless when CV had their best chance during a corner kick. Having miscommunicated with Zig Zack, he could only watch the CV striker head against the bar from right under the bar.

Upfront, Shark led the line alone manfully and ran himself to the ground but with RMM not having as much possession, had little to shout about as well.

The game finally ended at 4-0 to RMM. Although one could argue that it should have been a cricket score, one had to admit that the 1st half display was indeed something to behold.

RMMers were also thankful that there was no penalty awarded in this game to spare everyone from more missed penalties.


Venue: Kampung Pandan Sports Complex

Starting Line Up: Shark, Red Devil Meng, SiYeh, Aeroplane Beng Koh, Zig Zack, Partyman Eddie, Iceman, Flash That, Blindman Poon

Late (as usual): Nitro

Scorers: Flash That x 2, Blindman Poon