game.

It was a game as drab as the weather. The sun was merciless and it seemed to have taken a toll on the level of play on the field. BPFC’s makeshift squad could not conjure up any creativity and deservingly fell to the opposition 2-1.

The game started brightly with BPFC dominating the early proceedings. With only 5 minutes gone, Li Heng was presented with a one-on-one that was kept out by their onrushing goalkeeper. BPFC continue to pressure the opposition with Leonard making a series of promising runs only to be stopped by the referee’s whistle. It was controversial, as Leonard insisted that he had been playing off the shoulder of the last defender.

However, against the run of play, a lapse in defense allowed the opposition’s winger to place a curler beyond the despairing dive of Zhi Kai. One shot, one goal.

BPFC was presented with a glorious opportunity to equalize when right back Joel spotted Alison’s run and looped the ball over the defence to send him through. Alison looked up and saw Alan unmarked and squared the ball across the 6 yard box. However, the pass was a tad over hit and another good chance went begging.

Meanwhile, Peng Yong provided a surging run from the right flank and sped past two defenders before blazing his shot over the bar. Alan had his chances too, he had used his pace to good effect to put him through on goal, only to be let down by his first touch.

First half drew to a close and it was plain for all to see that BPFC was losing the midfield battle. Newly recruited players Li Heng and Leonard were too enthusiastic in supporting the attack and often left empty pockets behind the midfield. BPFC was also quick to realize that the opposition goalkeeper was playing so high up to the extent that he was sweeping away all the through balls like a sweeper. Hong Yun’s instruction was clear “Test him from distance. He is playing too far off his line.”

Test him BPFC surely did. In fact, BPFC did more than that. This strategy reaped instant dividends as Oon tried a shot from distance which the Goalkeeper spilled into the bottom corner of his goal. It was 1-1 and game on.

Buoyed by the equalizer, BPFC was clearly on the ascendancy now as they enjoyed the lion’s share of the possession encamped inside the opposition’s half. Peng Yong headed over the bar from a corner and Oon sliced a shot wide from a Alan lay-off.

A long goal kick was controlled brilliantly by the opposition’s striker who then executed a volley on the turn in one sweeping move. His outrageous shot caught Zhi Kai by surprise as the ball sailed over him and nestled into the bottom of the net. It was a goal that brought back memories of Henry’s turn shot against Manchester United at Highbury and also similar to Drogba’s 90^th minute effort against Everton. The goal totally came out of nothing. Just like that; 2 shots from the opposition and 2 goal. Talk about taking your chances.