RMM 5 James Team 2

21/09/09, Raja Muda Stadium

Scorers: Yung(2), Gary, Foo(2)
Squad: Guvnor, Meng, Jason, Shaunn, SiYeh, Iceman, Foo, Yung, Speedie, Shark, Gary, Eddie, Thong.

A special Hari Raya derby was arranged by the fixture computer with early arrived RMM players all looking towards the ground entrance hoping to see 11 players coming in. The surprise appearance by aircond expert Yung was a big welcome and was probably the difference as many others have decided to take a holiday break.

James requested the game to be played in 3 thirds as the local rivals hoping to gain some advantage knowing we only had 2 players in reserve compared to their 5 or 6. RMM accepted without a fuss and lined up with the sore-kneed Guvnor in goal, Meng, Jason, Beng Koh and Si-Yeh in defence, a slightly unbalanced looking midfield consisting Iceman, Foo, Yung and Speedie and the big small combo of Batigol and Shark in attack.

The game started exactly the same way the last 3 games played on this ground as RMM scored another quick goal. Seconds after kick-off, Yung picked up a loose ball just inside James half and immediately ran at the defence who appeared shellshocked with his pace and determination. Before they could react, he was already one on one with the keeper and cooly fired home another contender for the fastest goal of the season.

James side responded instantly almost equalised when Rio Ferdinand’s biggest fan Si Yeh decided to test his fellow defenders by passing straight to the opposition striker at the edge of the box. To his relief, the goal attempt was weak and off target. Moments later, a hopeful ball into the box caught the RMM defence napping but not the goalkeeping great Guvnor who was alert of the danger. He received a badly bruised thigh for his troubles though and was playing with a red mist from then on. Despite the warnings, RMM’s slack defending was punished 10 minutes later when the striker got on the wrong side of Meng and was duly taken down by Guvnor to concede a penalty. The great keeper had no chance with the well placed spotkick. 1-1.

It was a scrappy game after that as both sides kept fouling each other and happy to finish the half at 1-1 although RMM forwards were unfortunate not to get a second goal despite some good play down the wings.

As usual changes were made at the break. Guvnor returns to his favored place in midfield leaving goalkeeping responsibilities in the legendary hands of Speedie. Fast tiring Yung was given a rest with partyman Eddie making a brief appearance on the right flank as versatile futsal star Foo was deployed on the left.

Although James introduced more fresh legs to his side after the break, it was the battle hardened oldies of RMM who dominated. Even Si-yeh looked a totally different player as he started tackling like a 19 year old alongside the no-nonsense Beng Koh as they repelled everything that came close to the box. The unusually quiet Batigol was sent away to the right by Guvnor after winning the ball in midfiled, easily outpaced two equally fat defenders. Despite being forced out wide, the superstar’s shot somehow deceived the goalie and found its way into the back of the net to put RMM back in front. The now familiar (and annoying) one man goal celebration is heard again.

With the defence looking solid and the attack rampant, it was only a matter of time before RMM grabbed a 3rd goal and it came in a rather strange and comedic way from Foo. They futsal maestro worked his way from the left flank into the box and was sent tumbling as he cried for a penalty. The ref however waved play on, everyone else seemed to moved in slow motion, as Foo managed picked himself up and danced around the keeper and a defender before slotting the ball in off the far post. 3-1 RMM.

Minutes later the match ended as a contest as Foo grabbed his second. The unstoppable Batigol made his way to the edge of the box only to find himself facing a sea of defenders. With everyone expecting him to barge his way through he fooled them all with a clever backheel to the tireless Foo. The futsal star had a clear run at goal easily converted the chance despite the keeper getting a hand to it. Shark however nearly stole it on the goal line but decided otherwise as he in an offside position.

Shark, Eddie and Jason all came close to adding to the score but the finishing let them down. RMM ended the half happy but still unsatisfied with the score. Some slight changes were made for the final half as the weary looking shark took over in goal. With victory guaranteed, Guvnor gave a hint that he might see red as he seeks vengeance.

The energetic Yung was again causing havoc with his persistence by forcing defenders into mistakes and was rewarded with a second goal. He charged down a clearance while leaving another rooted with his pace and slotted past the helpless keeper to make it 5-1.

With players tiring, mistakes began to creep into the RMM defence again. Meng (the other Rio Ferdinand fan) with time and space somehow decided to pass straight to the opponent who gladly accepted and dash towards goal as the others can only watch. The ball was played into the middle where the tall striker easily scored. 5-2 as Meng held hands up in apology.

The rest of the game saw Guvnor chasing his red card with some hard tackles as Shark, Iceman, Batigol and Si-Yeh collected their yellow cards. Foo also missed a great opportunity to claim a hattrick. At the end it was a great result over the “noisy” neighbours. Bring on the next game!

*Report compliments of Iceman