Story by REDintern Desiray Tay

Ngee Ann Polytechnic, Monday, August 3, 2009 – Republic Polytechnic (RP) faced Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP) in a Polytechnic-Institute of Technical Education (POL-ITE) girls’ football match which Republic had to win in order to overtake Nanyang to go third on the table. (The standings before the game was as follows: ITE, Ngee Ann Poly, NYP, RP, Singapore Poly)

Much of the play was determined by Nanyang, whose midfield players had the ability to switch sides and attack together. NYP’s defenders were also steadfast in their defence, clearing their lines with headers and forceful kicks. RP did put up a good fight all through the match, led by their skilful duo of Sasha and Nurul up front.

NYP bit down hard on their opponents, as they clamped down fast and stole the ball away from the RP players, who had to scramble back to defend against NYP’s subsequently quick counter-attacks. RP’s goalkeeper, Farah, was alert to this, and her steely defenders slid and tackled bravely as they were determined not to concede.

Both sides drew much contact and infringements, resulting in free kicks aplenty. The referee made some dodgy calls and awarded questionable free kicks, but neither team could convert from even dangerous spots at the edge of the box.

“Time, Sasha, time!” shouted out RP’s coach, in one of the many times that he urged his players to read the game in order to gain possession. NYP showed better control and timing, as their players coolly brought aerial balls under control and smoothly received passes from each other.

The game was still goalless at this point, but in the last ten minutes or so, there was one close shave where RP could have scored a potentially match-winning goal, which would have been an injustice to NYP. A fierce half-volley from RP’s #10 swerved high towards goal, but it fell into the arms of NYP’s onrushing keeper. That was one of RP’s few chances at goal, compared to the numerous opportunities which their opponents had.

The match finished 0-0, as NYP’s lack of sharpness in front of goal resulted in easy saves for Farah. It was certainly a waste for NYP to draw, as they had many chances as well as beautiful runs from their wingers and strikers.

This stalemate sets up an exciting match on Friday, where RP will play second-placed NP in a match the former needs to win in order to finish third. ITE will play SP on Tuesday, and although ITE is likely to win, the outcome will not change both teams’ respective first and fifth positions on the table.

ITE have been the champions for the past two years, while NP have been the runners-up for these 2 years as well.