A lot can change over the course of a year. And Ramblers came into this match against the intimidatingly named Penang Chinese (whom are actually Inpro SC), and starting with 3 Myanmarese players, full of confidence after blowing away Old Man 4-2 in their opening Chinese Super League match last Sunday. About a year ago, at Vokasional field, we took a 3-nil lead only to see Inpro SC salvage a 3-3 draw. But lightning doesn't strike at the same place twice!
The Coach looks at the action with senior player, Max.
Breaking from conventional tactics, Coach Mustafa decided to go into the game with an unfamiliar 3-5-2 formation after missing several regulars that included Sin (left back), Brown (striker), Darlington (midfield) and not wanting to risk the half-fit Keong and Chard. And it looked like a big risk as Ramblers struggled to find any rhythm or footing in the first 20 minutes of the game as Inpro dictated play with Lee and Owen pulling the strings for them. But as they failed to convert their chances and as the game wore on, Ramblers started to impose themselves. Slowly but surely we were sparking to life.
The midfield trio of Benni, Poay and Jason started to regain control of the midfield as wingbacks Ming and Shukor worked tirelessly to support Heng and Keon upfront. Benni in particular was in commanding form as he and Poay used the occasion to showcase their mesmerizing talent. And it was no surprise that Benni was the one who instigated and finished off the move that gave us the lead. His cross-field pass to an overlapping Shukor was sublime, but when he ran into space and received the ball and knocked it pass the keeper.. that was pure class.
Minutes later it was Keon's turn as he pounced on a loose ball from a Heng free kick to fire home. Penang Chinese did have their chances but whenever they got pass our defenders, Chris was there to smother the danger. As Penang Chinese went in search for a goal to pull them back into the game, Shukor fired in goal number 3 to send us into an ascendancy. And half-time couldn't come sooner for them.
The Ramblers goalmouth was busier in the second 35 minutes.
Second-half saw a more invigorated Penang Chinese with the introduction of Loon and Rustam. They began well by bombarding our defence with wave after wave of attack. Then from successive freekicks, they found their elusive goals. The first came when a foul by Adrian on the edge of the area allowed Lee to curl the ball pass the despairing Chris. The second sparked wild celebrations by Penang Chinese as Lee again stepped up to send the ball into the bottom corner of the net. 3-2 and we were rocking. Was it going to end up like last year? They continued to pour forward in numbers and even had a goal disallowed for offside which we were just thankful for.
Poay - The fourth goalscorer
But Poay had other ideas. A beautiful exchange of passes with Keon put him through to place the ball pass the advancing keeper to seal our win and dashed the hopes of the Penang Chinese players. And when the final whistle blew, it was mission accomplished!
Final Score:
Penang Chinese 2 – Ramblers 4
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