Ramblers Back on Winning Note

Up against the tournament organizers, Ramblers needed to pick up the precious 3 points to revive their chances of qualifying for the quarter-finals of this league. And they duly did it with an angled drive from Au, an opportunistic goal from manager Michael, and a sublime chip from Heng. But it was a match marred by 2 red cards, one a horrendous kick from the keeper into Heng's throat as the custodian came out to challenge for a 50-50 ball.

Missing the suspended Poay and starting with only 10 men, Ramblers knew the task wasn't going to be an easy one. But they rose to the occasion and held out admirably until the arrival of Brown midway through the half. By then, Ramblers were already down 1-nil as early as the 5th minute, conceded when Chris somehow couldn't hold on to a freekick dispatched by Nara and allowing it to spill over the line. However, the presence of powerhouse Brown midway through the half reinvigorated the team and a teasing cross from Max found Au unmarked on the edge of the area and the gangly midfielder took a touch before sending the ball pass the keeper. Minutes later, just as Man. United's new number 7 was making his debut, Rambler's very own showcased his predatory instincts by knocking the ball pass the keeper to give us the lead. It was Manager Michael's first goal of the tournament! And Heng put the icing on the cake when he chipped in the third after good work from Man had allowed the striker supreme to beat the offside trap. But it was not all smooth sailing for Ramblers as a misplaced tackle left Nara with a free ball in the area, but Chris was on hand to thwart the bald striker from close range and palmed away the ball to safety.

3-1 to the good and Anak Malaysia were in freefall.

Even then they were never going to just give up. Ming reduced the deficit for Anak Malaysia as a cross shot somehow found its way to the top left corner of Rambler's goal. 3-2 and they sensed a comeback was possible. But that was before their keeper stuck his studs dangerously into Heng's throat. The big man collapsed in a heap and the custodian was given his marching orders. When play resumed, Ramblers tried to finish off the game by pressing for another goal. With Anak Malaysia defending desperately, they had Nara sent off unnecessarily when he handled the ball from a corner. It was his second yellow card and the referee had no choice but to flash the red. 11 against 9 and everyone knew it was game over as Anak Malaysia held on till the final whistle with a respectable 2-3 lost.

Final Score:

Ramblers 3 - Anak Malaysia 2