Match #4 (14 Jan 2012): 2nd Leg - A Cracker 4-3 Win over SOFA!

The 2nd leg match proved to be an even more keenly contested affair, with heart-stopping moments right to the final whistle. We were under seige in the final 10 minutes but SOFA just missed that element of luck to at least secure a draw, which would have been no injustice to us as well. The final result was a great win for us, a testament to our great resolve.

SOFA fielded a stronger line-up than the 1st leg match, with the return of their regulars including their star midfielder after a lengthy lay-off through knee injury. Whereas, we were rather short in defence and once again, Gan gamely stepped in to fill the sweeper position and what a match he had. His authoritative marshalling of the line, including the timely interceptions, spot-on tackles, courageous defending, and especially his cool head in the final 10 minutes was one of the key factors, if not the factor, contributing to this win.

We had an early setback when the usually composed Rock allowed his recent lethargy to get the better of him and uncharacteristically messed up a routine clearance in the box and handled the ball instead. SOFA converted the spot-kick to put themselves 1 up. The Tang brothers reversed the scoreline with their respective first goal of the season and both found the net with a class of their own. Teck Wah found space on the left to receive a high pass from Kian Hwa and finished it off with a left-foot half-volley that gave SOFA's keeper no chance. Nobody could have hit the ball sweeter with such power and accuracy with the left foot than Teck Wah! He then set up the elder Tang, who waltzed his way into the box and sold the keeper a delightful dummy before planting the ball into the empty net. Such grace and class, who else but Teck Chye! 2-1 and we were in control. Simon then put us in a comfortable 3-1 lead with his specialty long-range free-kick that had the SOFA's keeper flapping. 3-1 at the break.

But SOFA reduced the deficit shortly after the break. A poor clearance gifted the possession to SOFA with the ball eventually finding their chief striker, Dinish, who enjoyed a huge dosage of luck when his miscued shot went into the lower right-hand corner of the goal. We restored the 2-goals cushion from a quick-thinking set play. Kian Hwa rolled a quick corner to Teck Wah, whose accurate cross found Mike rising unchallenged to head the ball in. 4-2. When it seemed comfortable, we somehow made life nervy for ourselves when SOFA's chief striker was again left unmarked to shoot past Brandon. 4-3 and we were living on the edge from then on. Mike could have settled the match for us but he wrestled the Miss of The Decade title from Teck Wah instead. KH brushed aside their burly right back to reach Brandon's long punt and then presented the silver on the platter for Mike to simple tap the ball in. He screwed the ball wide instead. The final 10 minutes were not for the faint-hearted as SOFA piled relentless pressure on us but we managed to hold out for this fantastic win. 4-3.