Same Mistakes Haunts Orange

A disappointing 2 nil lost to Citibank, littered with a catalogue of errors, provided a worrying problem ahead of Team Orange's Division 3 match versus the firemen on Thursday. A poor backpass by stand-in libero Adrian to a hesitant Suresh prompted Man to intervene with devastating result as their striker robbed Man off the ball and slotted it past the helpless Suresh for Citibank's opening goal. Their second came from a set-piece as ex-Ramblers star, Chong, floated in a free-kick to the far post for his unmarked defender to power home a header.

The first half was a dour affair with Team Orange having the bulk of possession and better chances. However, they failed to produce anything out of it and whilst Siang's deflected shot was brilliantly tipped over the bar, Citibank's rearguard stood firm. Derek, Poay and Au bossed the midfield, with Derek outstanding in an anchorman's role. His positional and passing qualities was called to the fore as we were missing the ever-dependable Jason – and he did not disappoint. Wei, who started as the lone frontman in the absence of Heng and Brown, looked lost and isolated upfront as Keon labored almost ineffectively on the left. Citibank also had chances of their own as Lee headed just narrowly wide from a decent cross and their diminutive striker shot poorly at Suresh as he was being pursued by Adrian and Man. Au and Poay both had shots taken from out of the box but unfortunately we could have profited from a bit more accuracy.

The second half saw the introduction of Seng for Keon and Zambri for Au as they continued where they left off – in search of that elusive goal to put Team Orange ahead. But it was ironically Citibank, who was clad in a bright orange outfit, that took the lead from that poor backpass. Adrian should have hoofed the ball clear instead as he was clearly in control over his smaller opponent. But because he failed to do so, Citibank went 1 nil up – simplicity should have been the key. Team Orange responded to that set-back as they laid siege in their opponent's half but were being outmuscled by the very physical Citibank defenders. And as they failed to put the ball past Karthik in Citibank's goal, they pierced our hearts with their second goal off Chong's free-kick. It was a replicant of the goals Team Orange conceded in their games against PSC and NTFA as the opposition player was left unmarked at the far post! Clearly this has to be addressed prior to our match this Thursday.

As the minutes ticked away, Citibank was contend to soak up the pressure and hit us on the counter-attack as our players pressed valiantly to reduce the deficit. However, it was all in vain and when the whistle blew for full-time, the team in orange was clearly happier than the team named after it.