RMM 4 Puchong Indian Veterans 4

DAYLIGHT ROBBERY

Coming off a sequence of bad results, the embattled veterans were relieved to come out of this game with a well earned draw. That said, the result would have been even more positive for RMM if not for some controversial refereeing decisions.

In a game played over 3 halves, followers of the veterans must have feared for the worst when RMM went 2-0 down in the first half. Defensive lynchpin Siyeh had a diabolical 1st half, especially during the first 15mins when he did everything he could to avoid having any contact with both the ball and any players.

Puchong Indian Veteran's (PIV) first goal came courtesy of Siyeh when he let a long hopeful punt upfield bounce over him before letting a PIV striker overpower him. The delighted striker then casually stroke the ball past a stranded Shark in goal.

Shark's nightmare in goal continued when PIV scored their second, squeezing in a shot via the near post after RMMs defense failed to clear their line off a corner.

RMMs fightback started in the second half when Flash That pulled 1 back, outfoxing a static PIV defence in a set piece to power home a header from 6 yards. The wily veterans then began turning the screws and finished the half off strongly.

Flash That then had a very strong claims for a penalty when he was bundled over in the PIV box not once, but twice. Unfortunately for RMMs original speed demon, the referee who had been right in front of him turned a blind eye.

The 3rd half proved to be the most entertaining of all as RMM equalized through a brave diving header from the Partyman Eddie who had up until that point, tried to mirror Siyeh's decision to avoid any physical contact with his opponents as well.

RMM then took a well deserved lead when Mat Burit's attempted cross was deflected into the PIV goal by an unfortunate PIV defender.

Blindman Poon who had been tormenting the PIV defence the whole afternoon then added RMMs 4th when he played a series of passes with Flash That before powering home.

With a 2 goal lead, the veterans of RMM visibly let their foot of the pedals instead of parking the bus, letting PIV back into the game.

PIV then pulled 1 back controversially when Marvelous Mel was lost the ball at the edge of his own box, giving the PIV striker a free run into the RMM goal. This time Shark got off his line quickly and managed to steer the onrushing striker wide from goal. Out of position, the striker then played the ball to his strike partner who was in an offside position. The one eyed ref however waved play on, resulting in offside man easily slotting home from 2 yards out.

The goal was a harsh welcome for Marvelous Mel who had up until that point been a defensive wall after taking over from the diabolical Siyeh. Soon he will learn that mistakes at the back like that is an expected occurrence from a RMM defender.

Things then got worse for RMM when the veterans conceded the 4th and equalizing goal through a cross turned shot from the PIV winger, catching the off form Shark rooted again.

Fans were sceptical on whether the winger actually intended it as an attempt at goal even though the winger celebrated as though as it was. The blank and embarrassed reactions from his teammates however, suggested otherwise.

Although the final stood at 4-4 score, the manner in which RMM fought back from 2 goals down may suggest that a revival is at hand.

Date: 6th June 2010

Venue: Kampung Pandan Sports Complex

Scorers: Flash That, Partyman Eddie, Blindman Poon