Story by REDintern Gerald Goh

Victoria Junior College Field, Tuesday, May 19, 2009 - A gritty display by the incumbent champions saw Meridian Junior College (MJC) produce a workmanlike 2-0 victory to see off the challenge of Saint Andrew's Junior College (SAJC) in the A Division Boys’ Football Championship semi-finals.

The Saints must have been particularly heartbroken to lose their fourth consecutive semi-final, but will acknowledge that they acquitted themselves admirably as they played their hearts out.

A sweltering afternoon sun greeted both sets of fans as both MJC and SAJC struggled to find any sort of early rhythm, with plenty of scrappy play. MJC’s Khairul Azmi Dzulkarnain produced a good solo run as he ghosted past three defenders, but his final touch was found wanting.

SAJC had two good chances in the first 15 minutes. A nice one-two down the right flank in the 6th minute saw Wilson Tio with a cross to the far-post where the unmarked Neville Chia volleyed over from 6 yards.

In the 15th minute, another cross by Tan Wei Zheng found Marvin Dion at the top of the box, and after sidestepping the MJC defender, Marvin bent the ball inches wide with the keeper beaten.

Disaster then nearly befell Meridian when the MJC ´keeper recklessly rushed out 30 yards to intercept a loose ball, but missed totally. In an effort to clear, MJ defender Fazli instead hit the ball against an SA forward and the ball bounced back towards an empty goal. However, before Marvin Dion of SAJC could apply the finishing touch, Fazli raced back to clear.

SAJC's Muhammed Asyraf bin Isnin then muscled his way past a crowd of players before shooting narrowly over the bar, drawing disappointed exclamations from the SAJC fans.

MJC’s Joseph Obaje brought the MJC fans to life when he emerged from a goalmouth melee following a corner taken by Zul to head past Fu Qiang in the 32nd minute, prompting joyous celebrations among players and fans alike. However, Joseph’s contribution for the rest of the half was found badly wanting, as he sent shot after shot well wide instead of attempting to find a teammate or hold up the ball.

In the second half, a pass by Muhammed Asyraf of SAJC dribbled through to a surprised Ng Siu Hon, who could only send a weak shot wide. SAJC's Marvin Dion then showed admirable determination to win back a ball he lost, before floating in a cross that Chen Xuanhan lobbed well wide of the goal.

With SAJC throwing bodies forward, Fazli of MJC continued to be a pillar in defence, superbly marshalling the back line and providing key interceptions. Unfortunately, a rare lapse in his concentration allowed Marvin to let loose with a rasping shot that sailed only inches past the goal.

SAJC's Tan Wei Zheng then brought the Saints fans to their feet as he found himself bearing down alone on the MJC custodian, who went down bravely to collect the ball under the trailing studs of Wei Zheng.

Joseph Tai of MJC came on as a substitute and his first act was to be clattered over in the penalty area, and despite vehement protests from both fans and players, the referee waved away all penalty claims. However, any injustice was shortly forgotten as Khairul scrambled in a messy goal following a goalmouth melee, and he promptly ran more than half the length of the field to celebrate with his teammates on the bench.

With the wind taken out of their sails, SAJC's play faltered noticeably. MJC’s Ang Bing Quan even tried an audacious shot from the left mid-way point of the field, amid furious whistles from the crowd.

Although SAJC's Chow Jia Chuan hacked a dropping ball literally inches over the bar in the dying minutes, MJC hung on to spark a mass frenzy in the middle of the field as their players and substitutes engaged in a mass group hug and liberal spraying of isotonic drinks.

“The players were disciplined and played above themselves,” said SAJC coach Mr Roland Lee. "I think it's a great achievement to go so far. They rode their luck at times in this tournament, they had their chances in this match but didn't take them, I guess that's football."

Mr Roland was also philosophical about his team's defeat. "This is the fourth time we have lost in the semi-finals, but I feel that we are improving. I want to let my boys I'm very proud of them and that they're not just footballers, but some of the nicest, hardworking people you'll ever meet," he beamed.