Meridian Junior College maintain clean sheet with slim win over Millennia Institute

Story by REDintern Desiray Tay. Photos by reader Dirah Sabrudi.

Meridian Junior College, Wednesday, April 29, 2009 – Meridian Junior College continued their perfect start in the girls’ A Division Football Championship with a slim 1-0 victory over Millennia Institute.

MI kicked off first, but their attack through the centre was quickly shut down by the MJC players. With the turnover, MJC brought the ball forward down the centre and out to the wings, finally crossing in for their first attack at the MI goal. But it was not to be an early goal for a dream start as MI managed to clear the ball.

Both teams started out with equal possession, but the MI players just could not bring the ball further up the field due to stout defending by MJC’s strong midfield. MI also failed to capitalise on the excellent goal kicks taken by their #5, Valvin. The ball was also often given away to opportunistic MJC players whenever the MI keeper, Dina Hazirah, failed to deliver proper drop kicks.

But despite the liability posed by her inability to drop kick well, she shone when she bravely went in for the ball several times, clashing with Athirah (MJC, #3) just to stop the fast-advancing player from scoring.

The MI defenders also proved themselves by consistently clearing the crosses that came in from the wing throughout the game. However, they were not able to stop the MJC attack effectively, thus giving the players plenty of chances at goal. Unfortunately, the MJC players were unable to maximise those chances, often shooting it wide to the side, or straight at the keeper, who was often in the right place at the right time.

Another thorn in MI’s side was Angeline (MJC, #33), MJC’s left-footed winger. Her presence on the left wing gave MJC the option of attacking on either wing, instead of depending on the right wing only, like most of the other teams.

The first half ended 0-0, but right after the restart, MJC scored when Athirah flicked the ball over the onrushing keeper and into the net. However, there were no more further goals as numerous free kicks and corners were cleared by both the keeper Dina and key player, Valvin (MI, #5).

As the second half progressed, Mun (MJC, #6) came on as a substitute and proved her mettle by picking up the passes from the wingers quickly. However, her attempts at goal either hit the side of the net or went over the post. Her teammate Anne Marie also attempted to increase their advantage, but her shots went over the post too.

The girls from MI never gave up though, and continued attacking to try and force a draw, but MJC never let them get far. MJC’s strong defence and hard-attacking strikers also made sure of their victory with their continuous goal attempts at the other end of the field. The match ended 1-0, and thus sealing MJC's 4th win in their run up to the semi-finals.

MJC face VJC today, in the last group match that will determine the teams that make it to the semi-finals. It should be an exciting one, with both teams featuring extremely strong attackers.