Story by Ryan Lim/Red Sports. Photos by Chua Kai Yun/Red Sports.
Eldon Foo (ACJC #20) hooks the ball over the SRJC goalkeeper for the only goal of the game. (Photo 1 © Chua Kai Yun/Red Sports)
Temasek Junior College, Tuesday, April 12, 2016 — Anglo-Chinese Junior College (ACJC) solidified their place at the top of the group following a 1-0 win over Serangoon Junior College (SRJC) in the National A Division Football Championship.
ACJC started the day level on points with second-placed St Andrew’s Junior College (SAJC) in the table, and ahead only on goal difference. For SRJC, their third place finish was already guaranteed, with no chance of qualification for Round 2. ACJC looked to extend their lead over SAJC with either a draw or a win, while SRJC were playing for pride.
ACJC were the firm favourites coming into the game, after scoring 18 goals and only conceding one. In contrast, SRJC had shipped a total of nine goals, making them underdogs in this match-up.
Three weeks ago, with the match at a 0-0 stalemate after the first half, the fixture was postponed because of the lightning alert. The match resumed with only the second half left to play.
The second half began with key player Ayyadarshan (ACJC #14) making a pacey run down the right wing, and delivering a cross into the penalty area. The ACJC forwards failed to get to the end of the pass.
With the teams only needing to play one half of football, the game intensity was high. The players chased down every ball, without having to ration their energy. The ACJC midfielders were tidy in their passing and dominated the contest in the centre of the field.
One of the first chances of the half came when Mark Lam (ACJC #21) got his head behind a corner kick pass to register an effort at goal. The header went over the crossbar and the match remained 0-0. Minutes later, Mark came close again as he skied a volley above the goal.
SRJC had their fair share of possession but could not make much of it as ACJC remained on top.
The deadlock was finally broken when Eldon Foo (ACJC #20) hopped past his markers to lift the ball over the onrushing SRJC goalkeeper. ACJC took a 1-0 lead.
SRJC immediately responded with their left winger breaking down the right flank, delivering a heavy pass across the penalty box, missing all his SRJC teammates.
With 15 minutes of the game left, ACJC delivered a dangerous ball behind the SRJC defensive line only for the SRJC goalkeeper to intercept before any ACJC players could get to it.
Midfielder Devon Gammon (ACJC #8) was vital to his team’s passing game, as most plays went through him. He also contributed heavily defensively, as his robust nature helped him win many duels.
Minutes before the full time whistle was blown, SRJC centre-back Katiravan (SRJC #12) made a last ditch tackle to deny ACJC another goal.
The game ended with ACJC edging the tie 1-0.
Devon Gammon (ACJC #8), who was the captain for the day, commented, “We were a little sloppy at the start but overall we still came out with a win which was what we wanted from the start. There is always room for improvement.”
ACJC ended Round 1 top of their group, while SRJC were knocked out having missed qualification by five points.
Score by Half
SRJC vs ACJC
1st Half: 0-0
2nd Half: 0-1
Full-time: 0-1
Scorers
ACJC
Eldon Foo (#20) – 1 goal
SRJC Roster
Declan Tham (#1), Teo Bongee (#2), Faries (#3), Teng Kian En (#4), Timothy Ngoi (#5), Mukmin (#6), Abdul Qadir (#7), Park Jung Hoon (#8), Zhi Xiong (#9), Astenn Mun (#10), Akid Durrani (#11), Katiravan (#12), Morgan (#13), Glenn (#14), Bryan Goh (#15), Giovanni (#16), Mujeer (#17), Nicholas (#18), Syafiq (#25), Jove Liew (#21)
ACJC Roster
Ethan Koh (#1), Suhas Ramanan (#2), Joel Tan (#4), Justinian Macpherson (#6), Kang Seong Soo (#7), Devon Gammon (#8), Leow Chun Kiat (#9), Tan Kayshin (#10), Oon Jinkuan (#11), Tan Xinwei (#12), Yao Zhikai (#13), Ayyadarshan (#14), Ryan Chew (#15), Jonathan Chia (#16), Chia Chong Jin (#18), Loy Hui Jing (#19), Eldon Foo (#20), Mark Lam (#21), Loo Wee Sing (#23), Jonathan Long (#24)
National A Division Football Championship – fixtures and results
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