Story by REDintern Darren Ho. Photos by Les Tan/Red Sports
NUS High celebrate their second win at the final whistle. (Photo 1 © Les Tan/Red Sports)
Meridian Junior College, Tuesday, April 12, 2016 — Innova Junior College (IJC), who had a one-goal lead at half-time, stumbled to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of NUS High in a lightning-delayed match.
Matthew Chong’s (NUS #7) two brilliant strikes gave NUS High their second win to end their season on a high in the National A Division Football Championship.
Both teams finished their campaign with identical 2-3 win-loss records and were not in contention for a spot in Round 2. Meridian Junior College and Temasek Junior College qualified first and second respectively from their group.
IJC started the match, played in stifling heat three weeks ago, looking like they would romp to a comfortable victory. They created a host of early chances against a nervous-looking NUS High side, with Mohammad Amire (IJC #23) a constant threat in midfield.
But it was Ryan Tan (Innova #11) who grabbed the spotlight when he picked up a through ball and bent it pass a stationary Yao Leyang (NUS #22) in goal to make it 1-0 in the 26th minute.
IJC dominated up front following their lead, but squandered the chance to go further ahead when Muhammad Afiq (IJC #8) and Mohammad Amire (IJC #23) decided to fire long-range shots that did not test the NUS High keeper at all.
Meanwhile, NUS High were struggling to lift themselves with their dodgy defending at the back. The team also could not mount dangerous counter attacks as their lone striker Liu Shiqi (#8) struggled against the wall of the IJC defence.
The match was called off after half-time due to the lighting alert and was moved to MJC.
A new-look and hungrier NUS High side showed up in the second-half and they were soon rewarded with an equaliser in the 55th minute.
Free kick marksman Matthew Chong (NUS #7) rifled a thunderous shot from long range into the top right corner to keep the game alive after IJC goalkeeper Willem Ruseno (#1) could not keep it out.
With NUS High oozing confidence, IJC could have pulled a goal back.
Mohammad Amire (IJC #23) once again played a major role in the build up as he whipped in a dangerous cross deep into the center to pick out Shashvat Shukla (IJC #9).
But the striker’s weak attempt on goal gave the NUS High keeper a simple save did not do justice to Mohammad Amire (IJC #23) who tormented his opponents the whole game with his passing and movement.
Matthew Chong (#7) then tore through the IJC defence on the right flank and drove an acute angle shot into goal after a deflection off an IJC defender for the 2-1 comeback win.
Score by Half
IJC vs NUS High
1st Half: 1-0
2st Half: 0-2
1st Half: 1-2
Scorers
IJC
Ryan Tan (#11) – 1 goal (26th min)
NUS High
Matthew Chong (#7) – 2 goals (55th min and 76th min)
IJC Roster
Willem Ruseno Tjendra (#1), Muhammad Syahmi Bin Haniss (#2), Lim Zheng Feng (#4), Chew Jun Liang Jerrell (#5), Teo Chor Rong Linoel (#6), Mohammad Aqil Bin Mohammad Azhar (#7), Muhammad Afiq Bin Azman (#8), Muhammad Amali (#9), Ridhwan Bin Zanid (#10), Ryan Tan (#11), Christian Prasetia (#12), Amar Panatey (#14), Chua Yee Siong Daniel (#15), Luke Teo (#16), Ronald Khew Yue Xin (#18), Sabbadth Teo (#20), Sitoh Eugene (#21), Shamin Bin Shaik Othuman (#22), Mohammad Amire Bin Ibrism (#23), Muhammad Hunzairah (#24)
NUS High Roster
Mahadhir Bin Matali (#1), Datla Prithvi Raj (#2), Janarthanan Dharun (#3),
Dipansh Bhatt (#4), Bryan Ng Dawei (#5), Seth Chew Hew Peng (#6), Matthew Chong Mun Hon (#7), Liu Shiqi (#8), Shashvat Shukla (#9), Mohd Syahmi Hazmi Bin HJ Mat Sarudin (#10), Lee Dosang (#11), Lim Kok Tong (#13), Clement Wong Wai Kit (#14), Troy Duncan Tanudjaja (#17), Chng Xian Mao, Samuel (#20), Park Sang Jun (#21), Yao Leyang (#22), Chng Jin Yang, Ray (#25)
National A Division Boys Football Championship – fixtures and results
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