AyyuB’s journey of LiFe

Match Report for Friendly game

Sunday, January 25th 2009

Venue: Ahmad Ibrahim Secondary School

Redbacks FC            12

VS.

Bai United                 2 (Half-time: 3-1)

Scorers: Ayat(5), Ming(3), Aki(2), Ayyub(2)

After getting whipped 0-5 at the hands of Raven United last weekend, Redbacks responded in the best possible fashion with an astonishing 12-2 victory over Bai United. Man-of-the-match Ayat had a special spectator and her presence seemed to have a huge impact on him, netting 5 goals within 75minutes of playing time.

Azhar gave a suprise with the team selection. Ming was paired with Ayat upfront, Jaz and Mok on the wings with Azhar and Ayyub pulling the strings in the middle. Wan Small and Bob started as full-backs, with Abang Sani and Zaini in the centre of defence. Aki played as keeper and we had Wan Small to play in goal for the remaining 20mins in the 2nd half!

Redbacks started the game strongly, seeming determined to put an end to woeful performances last few games. Ayat went one-on-one with the keeper and his shot was deflected to Ming and he was composed to put the ball into the empty net from the edge of the box using his left foot. Unfortunately, Bai United pulled a goal back when their striker’s shot was fumbled into the net by Aki. The blame is on the China-brand goalkeeping gloves provided by Ayyub! However, the reaction of Redbacks was immediate. Ayat was put through on goal by a lovely through ball from Captain Azhar and Ayat had the odessity to dribble past the helpless keeper and slotted the ball home. 2-1! On the verge of half-time, a weak clearance from the opponent’s defence was spectacularly volleyed by Jaz into Ayat’s path and he drilled the shot into the bottom left corner putting Redbacks 3-1!

2nd half started with a bang as Ming’s ferocious shot was parried by the keeper into Ayat’s path yet again. Ayat first timed his venomous shot into the net. It was Ayat’s 2nd hat-trick for Redbacks FC this season. With the defence finding its feet and Azhar providing an excellent anchor, chance after chance were to be followed. Soon after, Ming was sent clear on goal and instead of shooting himself, he unselfishly squared the ball to Ayat for his forth goal of the match. Truely amazing display from the team at this point, Ayat wrapped up his outstanding display for getting his fifth by slotting the ball home after intercepting a pass from the opponent’s defence. Redbacks already 6-1 up. Ayat was subbed by Muhaimin, Jaz’s 15 year old brother, who makes his debut by playing in the right wing. Aki and Ayyub were pushed upfront with Ming to form the three men assault on the opponents. Aki’s first shot was misjudged by the keeper and ended in the bottom right of the net. Then, Ayyub went one-on-one with the keeper and his shot was parried by the keeper. Ming was at the right place at the right time again to score the rebound. Aki smacked his second goal into the net after some mix up in the penalty box, the keeper looking stunned. Aki found Ayyub with an excellent through ball and Ayyub finally got his goal by placing the ball in the bottom right corner. Later, Ayyub jinked his way past the keeper to set up Ming’s first ever Hat-trick for Redbacks FC. Bai Untied scored again by a brillant individual effort that beat Wan Small in the far post. Ayyub scored his second by a powerful shot that went underneath the keeper’s right arm pit. Final score: 12-2.

After the final whistle, a group of the Redbacks were taking a mini-victory pictures. Despite it being a friendly, it was a major boost of morale and excellent workout for the whole team. The team had a solid all round display and we hoped to bring this positive form in our next league games.

Erm… Khai… for statistics please help me update… for the assists and saves:

Aki,Azhar,Jaz,Ayyub,Ming (1 assist)

Wan Small ( 1 save)

Pictures of the match will be coming up soon…

Faiz on lorry

Ayat on lorry

ming seem to know whats coming

taufiq

Aidil

1st half subs

Irwando's back

Yubz

Faiz

2nd half bench

Ayat

Mok coming

Faiz again

Azhar cross

Wan small

aftermath

In another disappointing game, i failed to even find my way in this friendly against Raven United. I was frustrated with many things and i allowed it to affect my performance. I only had one pathetic shot that went off target early in the game. I had another chance to shoot later but i made the wrong choice of passing it to Faiz instead. In the second period, i lost possession of the ball too many times for my own liking. I was subbed halfway through the second half, rightfully so. My own rating for myself:  2.5/10

After tha game, the whole Redbacks team had a talk about how to improve ourselves. I cant help but noticed that some of us just cant be bothered about the team. Thankfully, the majority of the Redbacks are keen to at least listen to what was being said. Well, to those who didnt listen and keep watching other teams playing at that time, i only have this to say to you: Respect the teamates as we attempt to have a dialogue together. If you have no heart to play for us, then come again when you have the heart for the team. Many of us admire the likes of Abang Sani, who is a veteran and yet has lots of heart for Redbacks. How i wish that we all can be like him, displaying lots of heart and courage for Redbacks.

All is not lost, what lies ahead are in our hands. I realise now that the current backbone have to buck the hell up, including me of course! Captain commented about me blowing hot and cold this season. Last season is history and i seek to rediscover my hot hot streak again. The ultra regulars include: Me, Ming, Kai, Jaz, Azhar, Bob, Aziz, Aidil, Wan Keeper, Wan small, Ayat. If your names appears that means you are extremely vital for Redbacks’ performances. None of us can afford to play half-heartedly and hence, only a minimum of 100 percent is expected.

I say it’s time we take that responsibility for our own performances. Let’s prove that Redbacks has the potential and can show that we are capable of producing attractive football every week. In order to achieve this, we must have strong teamwork, communication and show lots of heart. Forget the past games, forget the Espn challenge and forget our pathetic performances. It’s time to stand up and be counted. Dont forget that even our WAGs (Wives and girlfriends) are our fans and hope to watch us play attractive football.

It’s a wake up call…