31/10/2015
31st October 2015 | Serangoon JC | 5 PM
Riverlodge Rangers : 0
Northstars FC : 3
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The Rangers played their second game in a month, against a familiar outfit in Northstars FC, over at Serangoon Junior College. The previous encounter saw the two sides played out a 4 all draw on a small pitch. There was never gonna be any complaints this time, as the wide turfed pitch of Serangoon greeted us.
With 14 players on the team roster to call upon, the Rangers lined up in 4-4-1-1 formation. The unavailability of natural center backs meant that the Rangers had to field an unfamiliar defensive lineup.
With Heiqal in goal, Husni, Kamal, Nasir and Addy lined in front of him. The quartet of Azman, Jaz, Ivan and Rakin took the midfield slots. Sunny spearheaded the attack with Amin in support.
The game was played at a comfortable speed, as the Rangers seemed to have most of the possession play. Attempts were made to play the ball via the attacking flanks, but indecisiveness on the players' part, meant that there was never to be any real threats.
Northstars FC sat back for much of the first half. contented with either breaking up the play in the middle or launching counter attacks.
Azman found himself at the end of two golden opportunities to put the first half on the Rangers' advantage, but could not find his predatory instincts to follow through.
The first half ended square.
The second half proved to be a stark contrast in its approach as Northstars seemed to push a gear up. Faster and more technical players were fielded in an attempt to wrestle the game into their favor.
The Rangers welcomed Hafiz back into the center defensive berth, with minimal changes being made to the lineup.
Northstars drew first blood when a through ball was played. A scramble between Nasir and Hafiz, saw the ball falling into the path of Northstar's onrushing striker. The attacker did not waste the opportunity as he neatly finished beyond Heiqal's outstretched hands.
The Rangers tried to reply immediately when Amin and Sunny found themselves at the end of some good play. Alas, it was never meant to be.
The struggle in the midfield and defensive lines became more apparent when Northstars notched another goal via yet another poor defensive play. A corner kick was not not cleared properly, and the ball fell gleefully for the striker to hook a looping volley into goal.
2-0
The tiring legs of the Rangers soon proved to be their downfall, as a wild clearance by Northstars, fell onto the feet of their speedy winger who burst free beyond the outstretched legs of Yusri. With just Heiqal to beat, it was just a formality.
The game swung without much momentum after that. An attacking play by Rangers nearing the end of the game saw Azmi being felled in the penalty box. Sunny gamely took the onus to take the penalty. Luck deserted the Rangers, as the shot was struck at the legs of their custodian.
The referee blew soon after to bring to and end, yet another defeat for the tiring Rangers.
Much work needs to be done, to ensure that the Rangers will be up and running again. The lack of movement, decisiveness and fitness is proving to be factors that has been affecting the Rangers as of late.
But rest assure, the spirit of Riverlodge Rangers will rise again, as we prepare for our next game.
