By REDintern Emmanuel Phua
Ex-international Tamil Marren celebrates a goal for Yio Chu Kang. He eventually scored both goals in his team’s 2-1 win over Punggol. (Photo by Leandro Ngo/SNG 2012. Courtesy of Mohamed Badrulhisham/Fulford PR)
Yio Chu Kang Sports Hall, Tuesday, September 4, 2012 — Ex-international Tamil Marren scored both goals to fire Yio Chu Kang CSC to a 2-1 win over Punggol CSC to qualify for the final of the Singapore National Games masters’ football tournament.
They will face Toa Payoh Central in the final after the latter beat Queenstown CSC 1-0 in the other semi-final.
The men’s masters football tournament kicked off on Saturday, August 25th, 2012, and runs on a straight knockout format. Players are 40 years and above and the five-a-side matches are split into two halves of 12 minutes each.
While Yio Chu Kang boasted Tamil Marren (#19), who played for Singapore as a defender between 1993 and 1994, Punggol Central had Marko Kraljevic (#6) who has played in the S.League and the Malaysian Premier League.
To say that this match was exciting would be an understatement. Right from the sound of the first whistle, one could clearly see that both teams had the desire to win and proceed on to the final.
In the 6th minute, it was Yio Chu Kang CSC that drew first blood. A long throw by their goalkeeper was met with a precise header from Tamil Marren who directed the ball to the bottom right corner with ease.
However, Punggol Central CSC responded in almost instantly. In the 7th minute, Marko Kraljevic set up Daljit Singh (#5) with a teasing cross from the left wing and he made that count. The score was now 1-1. Game on.
In the second half, it was evident both sides were chasing that elusive goal that would bring them to the final. Tamil Marren’s cross-court pass set up Aravin (#7) nicely but the latter could only watch in disappointment as his effort hit the left post.
However, disappointment turned to joy in the 15th minute when Tamil Marren latched on to a poor clearance from Punggol Central CSC’s goalkeeper to score and give his team a 2-1 lead nine minutes to go.
Punggol Central almost equalised when Marko Kraljevic’s header seemed destined for goal but it was not to be.
Late in the game, Yio Chu Kang almost extended their lead when C Murugiyah’s (#8) cheeky back heel off a corner by Tamil Marren sailed just inches past the left post. Tamil Marren’s two goals eventually proved enough at the final whistle for a 2-1 Yio Chu Kang win.
Tamil Marren was pleased with his side’s win and said that the team played together once a week at Bishan Park.
“I feel that there is a need for the CC to keep the team together even after the competition as football is a good way to exercise, keep fit and maintain a healthy lifestyle,” said Tamil.
The final between Yio Chu Kang and Toa Payoh Central will take place on Friday, September 7th, 9pm, at the Yio Chu Kang Sports Hall. The 3rd/4th playoff between Queenstown CSC and Punggol Central CSC will be held an hour before the final.
Punggol Central CSC Roster
Azmi B. Ahmad (#1), Omar B Abdul Rahim (#14), Daljit Singh (#5), Marko Kraljevic (#6), Jamal B Rashid (#11)
Yio Chu Kang CSC Roster: Tamil Marren (#19), Ong Boon Heng (#4), Xavier Joseph (#22), C Murugiyah (#8), Aravin (#7)
Yio Chu Kang CSC Roster
Tamil Marren (#19), Ong Boon Heng (#4), Xavier Joseph (#22), C Murugiyah (#8), Aravin (#7)
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