Match #37 (26 Aug 2012): Crushing Loss to AFC 2-5

It's the 7th Month syndrome again and that probably explained our dismal 1st half performance (what performance???) against AFC, trailing 0-5 at the break. Yes, you didn't see wrongly. FIVE goals down!!! Listless, disorganised and in total disarray. We were shredded apart by their swift one-touch football that opened up our midfield and defence like hot knife cutting through butter. Furthermore, their right-winger tormented us, giving us nightmare to our left-back and left-midfielder. Short, sturdy and fleet-footed, his mission was to shoot on sight and he duly notched up a hat-trick, all power-packed shots that left Brandon grasping for air.

But we were a totally changed team in the 2nd half. A couple of tactical changes - Weng Khong in the central midfield role and Weng Kwan to left-back to shackle their dangerous right winger - seemed to transform the team. The aggression of both Wengs added a lot of steel and won a lot of ball. In fact, the entire team seemed to have galvanised and stepped up 2 notches. The gallant effort enabled us to be in complete control in the 2nd half and created enough chances to reverse the deficit. Poor finishing and AFC's nimble goalkeeper ruled out a possible famous comeback. No fairy-tale ending but the 2nd half play was fantastic and commendable. Gan and Chwee Leng notched in the consolation goals for us but we knew we were good enough for a draw.