Story by REDintern Stefanus Ian. Photos by Vanessa Lim/Red Sports

A division Football - NYJC vs YJC

NYJC players could not find the target after Pradeep (the furthest behind in white) flashed his header across the goalmouth following a corner kick (Photo 1 © Vanessa Lim/Red Sports)

St Andrew’s Junior College, Friday, April 15, 2011 — Nanyang Junior College (NYJC) ended their season on a high note when they beat Yishun Junior College (YJC) 1-0 in the National A Division Football Championship. A very late NYJC goal allowed the boys in white to finish their season with a decent win-draw-lose record of 2-1-2.

Despite having no chance of qualifying for the next round, motivation was clearly not a problem for both teams. Both sides did not pull any punches with tackles coming in fast and furious in the first few minutes.

The first 40 minutes proved to be a quiet first half with most of the play bogged down in midfield. Both teams struggled to keep possession and neither side managed to threaten in the early openings.

Yishun had more than a few skilful players, with their #6 Lim Dao Neng a prime example. Dao Neng was more than willing to run at defenders but more often than not his team struggled for ideas in the final third, running out of space or getting muscled out by their bigger-sized opponents. Soon they were reduced to hopeful long balls which was not very effective either.

It was a similar story for NYJC whose attack seemed to lack direction during their raids. However their long balls were more effective due to the presence of their forward Zhi Qun (#19) who had the size advantage against his markers.

It took almost half an hour of play for the game’s first real chance which fell for NYJC. Following a poor clearance by the YJC defence after an inswinging corner, Pradeep (NYJC #14) controlled the resulting loose ball and managed to fire a dipping shot despite the attention of his markers which floated agonizingly just over the cross bar.

After that, Pradeep made full use of his blistering pace, bursting down the right flanks a couple of times but his crosses just could not seem to find the target. When the referee blew the whistle for half time, the game seemed destined for a goalless draw.

Perhaps it was the coaches’ team talks or maybe the cooler weather, the second half was a far cry from the first with both teams going all out to win the match. YJC, clad in dark blue, came out with fire in their belly, pressing unrelentingly, looking for the lead.

NYJC had to endure a nervy first few minutes as YJC continued their long balls and individual plays but their attack seemed disjointed and everything was just not falling into place for them.

In the 66th minute the NYJC keeeper Jonathan Chew played a superb long ball which bounced over the YJC defence. Chew Hui Yang (NYJC #7) managed to break through and with only the keeper standing in his way, he fired a tame grounder which was comfortably saved by the YJC goalkeeper.

Two minutes later it was YJC who came very close to scoring. Jonathan Chew had to be alert to tip over a dipping goal-bound free kick from about 30 metres out.

The pace of the game was clearly picking up and the NYJC supporters did their best to urge their team to score. With both sides struggling to create chances from open play, set pieces prove to be their best hope. True enough, four minutes from time, a free kick led to the game’s solitary goal.

A free kick into the YJC 18-yard box caused some panic in their defence resulting in a loose ball. Ryan Nair (NYJC #8) seized the chance to lash a low shot which the YJC goalkeeper did well to save. However it was not enough as the rebound was slammed into the bottom left corner by Lester Thio (NYJC #12) to send their supporters to cloud nine.

The closing few minutes were marred as tempers flared after the goal was scored, with the YJC #18 receiving a booking for a dangerous challenge on a NYJC forward.

Clearly delighted at their team’s late goal, the NYJC supporters cheered every attack and almost every touch of the ball. Buoyed by the support, NYJC even managed to create another chance in stoppage time through a corner when Gautham (NYJC #11) flashed his header across the goal mouth. However, no one was there to capitalize on it.

NYJC coach Sio Beng was pleased with the win.

“We were looking for a 2-0 win to improve our goal difference in comparison with Dunman but this season is a good experience for the 15 J1s that we have for next year.”

Match Statistics
NYJC 1 YJC 0
Scorers: Lester Thio (NYJC #12)
Yellow Card: YJC #18

National A Division Boys’ Football Championship — Full fixtures and results

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