Story by REDintern Amir Yusof

national a division football

MJC skipper Naufal Nur Hakim heads the ball past the NJC goalie for his team’s first goal. (Photo 1 © Les Tan/Red Sports)

Meridian Junior College, Friday, 1 April, 2011 — National Junior College (NJC) had no answer to the attacking prowess of Meridian Junior College (MJC) as the defending champions beat them 6-0 in their National A Division Football Championship first round game.

MJC have already hit double figures for the season after just two games in defence of their crown. After thrashing Anglo-Chinese School (International) 10-0 in their opening game, MJC rattled home six, with skipper Naufal Nur Hakim (#25) and striker Amsyar Omar (#8) each bagging a brace to the delight of the home support.

MJC got off to a flying start when they took the lead after only eight minutes. MJC captain Naufal headed in from close range after a well worked corner by Ang Bing Quan (#9).

The defending champions were in full flow, with skilful forward Amsyar cutting in from the right touchline and firing just over the bar on two occasions.

Soon after, MJC doubled their lead, this time through striker Hairi Alias. After fine play down the left wing, centre forward Hairi raced onto a through ball before slotting the ball into the bottom right hand corner.

Further excellent play by MJC left back Ang Bing Quan and their left winger Darren Low (#17) led to the third goal on 20 minutes, with Amsyar sliding home after a teasing cross by Jeremy.

However, for the rest of the first half, MJC were profligate as numerous chances went begging. Amsyar, who scored six goals in the opening game, was largely responsible for embarrassing misses, shooting over the bar and straight into the hands of the NJC goalkeeper when it was much easier to score. This allowed NJC to go into the break knowing full well the 3-0 score line could have been worse.

The second half began like the first, with MJC looking determined to extend their lead. However, long range efforts from Amsyar and Naufal sailed over the bar.

NJC then ventured forward in search of a way back into the game. Five minutes after the break, they were rewarded with a free kick about 30 metres from goal. Despite that, NJC failed to capitalise on a rare opportunity as the ball was wastefully put wide.

As NJC attempted to attack, they left spaces at the back for MJC to take full advantage of. However, a brilliant strike by Amsyar after fine ball control within the penalty box was ruled out for offside to the dismay of the home crowd.

With half an hour to go, MJC skipper Naufal went on a brilliant surging run from his own half into the attacking third, skipping past three NJC players in the process. Naufal then unselfishly squared the ball to Amysar but the stocky striker’s shot was parried by the NJC goalkeeper.

Just two minutes later, fine play by Hairi inside the penalty box forced a clumsy tackle by the NJC#18 right in front of the referee. Inevitably, MJC were awarded a penalty which was easily converted by Naufal to make the score 4-0.

Darren Low (MJC #17) then grabbed the fifth with a stupendous striker after Hairi crossed from the right before Amysar doubled his tally with a header in the last five minutes to round up an easy victory for MJC.

Despite the emphatic win, MJC skipper Naufal did not get carried away and insisted there were more to come from the defending champions.

He said, “We played okay but we were slow off the blocks. Also the speed of play can be further improved. We can play even better than this.”

NJC coach, Mr Iskandar, was upbeat about his boys’ performance despite the result.

He said, “The boys kept to the game plan and we provided a strong test to the champions. Now, we must look to win our remaining three matches in this group. Thankfully, the other teams are not all of the quality of MJC.”

MJC now top Group A after two huge wins. Their next game is against Jurong Junior College on Friday, April 8th while NJC will look upon their next game against Innova Junior College on April 5th to attain their first points of the season.

National A Division Football Championship — Full fixtures and results

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