National JC convert penalty to beat Jurong JC in A Division Girls football

Story by REDintern Yvonne Yap. Pictures by REDintern Chan Hui Mui

Jurong Junior College, Wednesday, May 6 2009 – National Junior College chalked up their first victory of the A Division Girls’ Football Championship with a 1-0 win over Jurong JC.

Being the new kids on the block, NJC went into the game with the strength of 13 players, enough for just two substitutions. NJC had taken a break from the competition in 2008 and re-entered only this year.

NJC started the game with the kickoff, and just four minutes into the game, JJC was awarded a free kick as NJC #26 had committed a hand-ball while blocking the ball coming straight at her. The NJC girls formed a 3-man wall before Sharon (JJC #8) took the kick, which she missed.

The turning point for NJC came during the 17th minute. NJC's Emily Lim (#14) dribbled past the JJC defence and almost had a shot at goal till she got a rough challenge from Sharron (JJC #8). Sharron tried to regain possession of the ball, but her boots found Emily instead, sending her down to the ground within the penalty area.

A penalty was awarded to NJC, giving them a golden opportunity to take a lead. Nurazleena (NJC #25) stepped up to the task and calmly slotted the ball in the bottom left of the goal, bringing NJC a goal up from their opponents.

JJC had a few opportunities to level the score line as well, with a notable effort coming in the 26th minute. Sharron made a clean pass to Jamuna (JJC #13), who dribbled the ball towards goal with three NJC defenders hot on her heels. However, NJC's keeper Audrey Cheong denied JJC any chance as she came out to make a save before the ball got any closer to the net.

The first half of the game ended 1-0 in favour of NJC.

JJC students began to fill up the grandstand during the second half as they rallied to give their team a warm home support. Spurred on by this encouragement, the JJC team had more possession of the ball during the final 35 minutes of the game and took more shots at goal.

In the 49th minute, JJC was awarded a corner kick which was taken by Sharron. The ball went into the 18 yard box but was blocked by NJC defender Liang Sihui (#7).

There was a momentary tussle for the ball within the penalty area as the ball was passed to and fro the NJC defenders and JJC forwards, but it was eventually saved by the keeper and sent out into play again.

In the dying moments, JJC was awarded a free kick from the left flank. Sharron sent the ball long, making use of this last chance to make it a draw with NJC on home soil. However, it was too late as the referee blew the final whistle to signal full time, with NJC bringing back victory.

The teacher-in-charge of NJC reflected that the NJC girls gave themselves credit for putting up a fight against the more experienced JJC, who were good opponents to play with.

Although both schools will not progress on to the semi finals, it was a good fight placed up by JJC and NJC alike as the players showed their passion and determination in the 90 minutes of play.

NJC will next face IJC on Tuesday in their last group match, while JJC will wrap up their season.