NUS vs UWC 2-1

The first friendly game of the new training season got off to a winning starting with a good 2-1 victory over our neighbours UWC SEA.

NUS got off the blocks quickly against the bigger and stronger UWC players. Quick interplay passing carved out some decent chances in the first half. The defence, well-marshalled by Daowei and Eng, cut out many through balls with their astute reading of the game and fantastic aerial abilities. Dona ensured our midfield held firm against the attackers by winning crucial balls in the middle and spreading the play well. The silky skills of Nigel and Chengwei showed the crowd why their 2 left feet are touted as the best in the game. Enterprising runs from Long and Muhadher down both flanks brought panic to the opposing full-backs. One of these runs by Muhadher drew 5 defenders to him, and with a flick of the right foot, threaded Kaka-like through-ball to the on running vincent, who made no mistake from close range. UWC came back strongly and won a number of corners in the first half. Their right midfielder, reportedly on his way to German Giants Stuttgart, displayed sizzling skills to trouble our defence many times. But NUS stayed strong to protect the 1-nil lead to half-time.

10 min into the 2nd half saw another eye-catching through-ball by our very own Khairul Amri, which sliced the UWC defence for Anand. With a sublime first touch, Anand side-footed the ball past the on-rushing keeper to double NUS's lead. With Rafi, Nazri, Azahar and SongKiu forming the backline and guoxin making a good debut as defensive mid, our defence looked pretty solid. Damien also had a sniff at goal with a snap shot which sailed just over the bar. Rama's speed made the defenders look slow as he literally forged down the left with ease. Yasin was a hardworking presence in midfield with his energetic runs and strong tackles. But a slight lapse in the middle of the 2nd half gave UWC the chance to pull one back. Aziz then became the hero by saving a last minute penalty to ensure NUS held on to a morale-boosting victory.

A good performance this evening formed the platform for the start of our preparations. Please remember the points mentioned at the end of the game and reflect upon them so we can all improve as a team. Special mention has to be given to Hatta, who showed tremendous commitment to come down from work just in time for the cool-down.

Credit to all players: Sham, Aziz, Long, Eng, Daowei, Azhar, Rafi, Nazri, Song Kiu, Guoxin, Dona, Nigel, Vincent, Amri, Anand, Yasin, Chengwei, Rama, Hatta, Damien
(hope i didn't miss out anyone)