Kemaskini terakhir: 2 Ogos 2009
Tarikh hari ini: 8 Sep 2010

Liga Alumni 2008 League Match 5

Game 5 2008 – Taiping vs SERATAS
Venue: Stadium Petronas, Bangi

Scorer: Paan (2)
Assist: Eby (2)

Line-up:
Gk – Rizal
Def – Musa (CB), Madun (CB-Stopper), Reilis (RB), Pak Lah (LB)
Mid – Ayie (CM), Paan (AM), Megat (RM), Eby (LM),
Fwd – Shaz (CF), Jose (S)

Subs – Jeenial, Mazuki, Zainal

Taiping head to Bangi to end their season in the most desirable manner but more prestigiously, to end the Division 2 season with the championship in their hands. This is easier said than done, though. Before the match, Taiping had already known that SEMESTA finished the league with three more points with four higher goal difference figures, which meant that Taiping had to win by a four goals margin just to get even with SEMESTA.

(more…)

Ditulis oleh Abe pada 2 September 2008

Liga Alumni 2008 League Match 4

Game 4 2008 – Taiping vs SEMESAAS
Venue: Politeknik Shah Alam

Scorer: Megat, Ayie, Jose, Paan
Assist: Eby (2), Zainal, Megat

Line-up:
Gk – Rizal
Def – Musa (CB), Madun (CB-Stopper), Megat (RB), Jeenial (LB)
Mid – Ayie (CM), Zainal (CM), Kalai (RM), Eby (LM),
Fwd – Reilis (CF), Shaz (S)

Subs – Jose, Paan

Have you ever faced the football team from Sekolah Menengah Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah otherwise known as SEMESAAS? My word, the very sight of the physical presence of their first eleven can spread a little more than anxiety throughout your ranks. Given the average physical size of Taiping’s players, it can certainly be the case.

The match kicked off amid humid conditions, possibly the warmest that both teams have encountered this season. The surface of the pitch didn’t help either, being described as “bumpy”, leading to both teams, especially Taiping, who did not manage to get any rhythm in their play. As such, a lot of passes were not smooth and went astray.

SEMESAAS were quick off the blocks and pressed Taiping aggressively from the kick-off. In the first twenty minutes, Taiping could not manage more than a few moves that involved three or four passes. It was frustrating for the spectators. Taiping managed to trouble SEMESAAS only twice, when Reilis got through one on one, but could not find the target.

It was not surprising when SEMESAAS scored the first goal from open play. Zainal lost possession in midfield, and an opposition midfielder fired a volley that was parried by Rizal, but he could not prevent the follow up from entering Taiping’s goal.

After the almost lifeless display in the first half, Madun made a tactical change. Megat was repositioned as right midfield, Reilis dropped down to right back, Kalai and Zainal supported Shaz in central midfield. This was made to utilise Megat’s better delivery and ball control, Reilis’ defensive speed and reliability and Kalai’s energy and commitment. Another reason was to gain control of central midfield, which was effectively “owned” by SEMESAAS in the first half. It was also done to prepare the team for the next tactical change to be made later on.

In the first ten minutes of the second half, Taiping started to run proceedings, but still to no avail. Madun made the second tactical change, bringing in Jose and Paan for Madun and Kalai. Taiping now have 3 centre backs (Musa, Reilis, Jeenial) with Ayie dropping deeper as defensive midfielder in front of the back three. Jose came in as the top striker, supported by Shaz (centre forward), Eby (left wing) and Paan (right wing) and two attacking midfielders (Megat and Zainal). Effectively, Taiping were now playing 3-1-2-4 as the formation, the focus being to attack and press the opposition relentlessly.

The changes bore fruit almost immediately. Megat scored off a free header from Eby’s corner. 1-1 and game on.

It was almost all Taiping from here on. Ayie scored the second for them through a long range shot from Zainal’s pass. 2-1 and you can feel a sigh of relief from Taiping’s players, especially Zainal, who had lost possession for the SEMESAAS goal.

But SEMESAAS were no pushovers. Having experience from playing Division 1 for a few seasons, they fought back, scoring from outside the 16 yard box, after a striker dribbled past Jeenial. 2-2 and Taiping knew they had to dig deep again.

Along came the third tactical change from Madun, with Paan and Shaz switching positions. Paan was now causing havoc in the middle with his pace and tenacity, and Shaz providing ammunition from the right.

Taiping’s third goal came shortly. From Eby’s pass, Jose pressed onto a back pass and the opposition’s custodian inadvertently struck the ball onto Jose’s body. The ball trickled into goal to the jubilation of Jose and the rest of the squad. This goal should come as a big boost to Jose, who has not yet scored for this season.

Taiping’s last goal was scored by Paan, a curling effort struck first time from Megat’s assist on the right.

This is yet another victory for Taiping to consolidate its position at the top of Liga Alumni’s Division 2. Anybody who watched the game should have known that this might just be THE season for Taiping to be champions of the division for 2008.

Ditulis oleh Abe pada 1 September 2008

Liga Alumni 2008 League Match 3

Game 3 2008 – Taiping vs Al Puchong
Venue: Padang ILSAS, Uniten

Scorer: Mazuki, Kalai, Musa
Assist: Reilis, Zainal, Shayrer

Line-up:
Gk – Shaz
Def – Musa (CB), Madun (CB-Stopper), Pak Lah (RB), Jeenial (LB)
Mid – Ayie (CM), Reilis (CM), Shayrer (RM), Kalai (LM),
Fwd – Mazuki (CF), Jose (S)

Subs - Zainal

On this day, only twelve players were present for Taiping, which reduced the scope with which to make changes during the game. Taiping was up against Al Puchong, a team that is making a return to Liga Alumni after a one year absence. It was also useful to note that they been beaten twice by Al Puchong in the past. Not exactly a case of bad blood, but a win for Taiping would be nice.

Upon closer observation, it looked like A Puchong’s players have youth on their side, probably within the age range of 19-22 years old, far younger than the average age of Taiping’s whole team. This clearly showed early on, when Al Puchong started strongly in the first half, with one clearly visible anchor man in midfield who was pulling the strings for them. They are not bad for a young team, along with the stamina and speed that you would expect from such team, they also possess decent ball skills and control. Taiping immediately realized that this will be a long day for them.

Taiping’s fullbacks Pak Lah and Jeenial were frequently tested in the first 15 minutes, with Al Puchong’s midfield continually trying to utilise the channels inside the fullbacks to find their wingers’ runs. Ayie was having his hands full in central midfield trying to contain the constant probing of their attacking midfielders. It was also important to note that Ayie’s partner on this day in central midfield, Reilis, normally plays as a fullback or a winger, which explains the apparent unfamiliarity with each other’s movements.

Despite these seemingly evident setbacks, Taiping’s seasoned centre backs Madun and Musa coped well. Al Puchong striker’s inexperience showed in the first half, with no less than four offside decisions awarded against them. Nevertheless, they scored the first goal. From a long pass, the ball bounced between Musa and Madun towards the opposition’s striker. Madun’s indecision in clearing the ball cost Taiping dearly, with the striker lobbing the ball over the onrushing stand-in goalkeeper Shaz. 1-0 to Puchong. Other than on this occasion, Shaz coped very well, making 2 point blank saves after that.

However, upfront, Taiping giving Al Puchong as good as they got. Shayrer, Mazuki, Kalai and Jose were interchanging passes comfortably, frequently making intelligent runs. Five minutes before the end of the first half, Reilis made a pass through the heart of Al Puchong’s defence. Mazuki was on hand to slot the ball home from the edge of the penalty area.

On came Zainal in the second half to take his place alongside Ayie in central midfield. Kalai replaced Pak Lah in right back, who instead took Jeenial’s position at left back, who had suffered cramps. This is one the most important strengths of Taiping’s players. The versatility of a lot of players meant the strengths of each player can be used to counter whatever the opposition team throws at them, whenever they require. For instance, Pak Lah, Jeenial, Reilis, Shaz and Paan are players who are good with both feet. Pak Lah and Jeenial are by no means orthodox fullbacks; both being auxiliary wingers as well.

But Al Puchong upped the tempo as they did in the start of the first half. Within 10 minutes, Musa was harshly adjudged to have fouled Al Puchong’s striker in the box. Shaz did good to unsettle the striker though, and he sent his penalty shot well over the bar.

Puchong’s flank players and strikers improved in their positional play in the second half, probably due to their coach’s briefing during the break. Now when they decide to find a way forward, their wingers or strikers didn’t interfere with play as the pass went on although they were in an offside position, but their fullbacks bombed forward to chase these through balls. These resulted in one on ones with Shaz twice, but Taiping’s keeper came out on top.

The rest of the match, as they say, is history. Musa and Kalai scored from corner kicks from Zainal and Shayrer’s assists, and Taiping went home satisfied and justified.

Ditulis oleh Abe pada 31 August 2008

Liga Alumni 2008 League Match 2

Game 2 2008 – Taiping vs SDARA
Venue: Pdg MSN Bukit Jalil
Scorer: Eby, Paan (3)
Assist: Paan, Omar, Jose, Shaz

Line-up:
Gk – Rizal
Def – Musa (CB), Sahlan (CB-Stopper), Kalai (RB), Pak Lah (LB)
Mid – Ayie (CM), Omar (CM), Paan (RM), Eby (LM),
Fwd – Shaz (CF), Jose (S)

Subs – Jeenial, Zainal, Madun

This could be the match that will define Taiping’s season. Taiping had to get the first win under their belt fast, after the disappointing draw against SEMESTA. The weather for this game was perfect, albeit being a bit sunny and warm. But it seemed that Taiping were really up for this match.

Due to this being the first time Taiping plays at this venue, several players could not find the way to the field. One of them was Paan, who had to do his Asr prayers by the field because he was starting. Taiping also gave a league debut to Sahlan, on the back of a string of recommendations from several squad players who knew him from their university days.

The match was soon under way and quickly SDARA made their statement of intent. In the fifteenth minute, the ball broke loose in the space between Taiping’s midfield and defence. One of SDARA’s strikers took a first time swipe at the ball. Rizal dived swiftly to his right expecting to parry the shot, at least. Each one of his teammates did. But the ball bounced wildly just before reaching Rizal’s despairing dive and went in above him. 1-0 to SDARA.

In drawing the first blood, SDARA had also inadvertently revealed their pattern of play and movement. They have speedy wingers and decent strikers. It became apparent that they like to bypass their midfield; their fullbacks and midfielders delivering diagonal through balls between Taiping’s centre backs and fullbacks to the wingers. Musa looked comfortable with these along with Pak Lah. Sahlan too justified his selection ahead of Madun, proving that he has pace, power and anticipation in abundance. However, Kalai was struggling. It showed soon after that he may have tweaked a hamstring or calf muscle, and was having difficulty to maintain good positioning to chase the wingers.

Soon after, SDARA scored again. Sahlan and SDARA’s top striker were battling to reach the ball. Sahlan came in front and dived in for a tackle, planting his foot in front of the ball to stop it from moving. The following action was amusing at best, when SDARA’s striker tried to take the ball and move forward, he fell in the box. Sahlan was adjudged to have fouled him in the area. Harsh. The resulting penalty gifted another goal to SDARA. The penalty and linesman’s decision had really winded up Taiping’s players, especially Kalai, Rizal, Sahlan and Musa. Taiping’s back four knew the striker fell down himself, and Sahlan got the ball. The funny thing was, the referee was verbally refuting Taiping’s claims, up to the point of reaching argument point with Rizal and Kalai. Taiping was really rocked by being two goals behind since they didn’t play badly, and SDARA was not really that irresistible either.

Nevertheless, Taiping pressed to find at least a goal before the break. That goal came just in time, with Paan, who had been constantly getting the ball on the right wing, providing the assist for Eby to slot it in. Taiping went in at the break one goal adrift of SDARA.

Madun now realized that Kalai couldn’t play anymore. Only one substitution has to be made and this could be arranged. No sweat. What he didn’t expect was the request from Eby, who wanted to be taken off due to exhaustion. Madun had to enter the fray at right back and Jeenial replaced Eby at left wing. A tactical change was made also, getting Paan to work with Jose through the middle and Shaz to break out to right wing. It is time to start exerting real pressure to SDARA.

SDARA played the second half almost identical to the first, launching hopeful diagonal balls to their wingers. Madun had to deal with this threat from the left winger, who was real quick. But to everyone’s relief, Madun played well and it was dealt with comfortably.

The switch to have Jeenial and Shaz playing on the wings paid dividends. They were finding a lot of rooms to play in, with both Omar and Ayie ably supporting them. Omar and Ayie are traditionally more defensive-minded central midfielders but they are also decent passers and ball-players. If one went up, the other stayed behind in front of the back four. Off an attack, Shaz lobbed a ball to the onrushing Paan in the penalty box. Paan duly obliged, rounded the keeper and slotted the ball home to level the scores.

Suddenly, the balance of the game began to shift. SDARA’s midfield players began to slump, their body language changed, and they began to berate fellow-players for failing to supply each other. It wasn’t that SDARA’s other players were poor. Far from it. But they just fell to pieces, and lost their shape amidst constant pressure from Taiping.

Taiping was now in the driving seat. In no time at all, it was 3-2, then 4-2.

Sahlan is starting to roam freely to break up attacks and help out in midfield. From one move, Madun passed to him, and the ball was immediately dispatched to Omar on the left. Omar launched the ball into the penalty area. Jose dummied for Paan in one swift move and the rest is history. Goal number three to Taiping.

By now, SDARA was beginning to look tired and lost for ideas. From another attack, Jose got on the assist sheet for Paan, who completed his hat-trick for the day.

For the last ten minutes with results in the bag, Zainal came in for Ayie. Despite calls for him to anchor the midfield, he stayed in the final third hoping to score a goal. He almost got it, crashing a twenty-yard thunderbolt against the crossbar with the SDARA keeper beaten. It could have been a thrashing, which would have been harsh on SDARA, but it ended 4-2.

This was the first triumphant return by Taiping to winning ways, and this sets the rest of the season for better things to come. Insya Allah.

Ditulis oleh Abe pada 30 August 2008

Liga Alumni 2008 League Match 1

Game 1 2008 – Skuad BAT vs SEMESTA
Venue: Pdg Pusat Latihan BSN, Bangi

Scorer: Mazuki
Assist: Shayrer

Line-up:
Gk – Rizal
Def – Musa (CB), Megat (CB-Stopper), Reilis (RB), Jeenial (LB)
Mid – Ayie (CM), Zainal (CM), Shayrer (RM), Kalai (LM),
Fwd – Shaz (CF), Mazuki (S)

Subs – Madun, Pak Lah

This game is the curtain raiser of season 2008 and the first league game for new quality additions to Taiping – Ayie and Jeenial. This is also Taiping’s first game on the BSN field and it started drizzling when both teams were preparing for the match.

As usual, Taiping warmed up not in groups, but individually. But today’s match has added significance. Abe returned from the UK on a two week holiday, and Taiping’s players were eager to show that the team has improved by leaps and bounds from a couple of years ago.

Taiping had probably played SEMESTA once in the past, which they won comfortably. Taiping had expected a good fight, as any other game against other teams in Division 2 would provide, but never had they expected a rough ride.

The game started in the midst of pouring rain. Lucky for both teams though, since the BSN field absorbs water quite well. But Taiping could not string together more than two or three passes due to the increasing amount of water puddles on the pitch. SEMESTA had the same problem.

But SEMESTA had luck on their side. From a goal mouth melee resulting from a corner kick, a seemingly harmless shot from one of their forwards struck one of Taiping’s defenders and looped over Rizal’s head into goal from a tight angle. SEMESTA went ahead 1-0. To say Taiping was stunned would have been an understatement. It was no more than a freak goal.

Now Taiping had a mountain to climb. There were two major obstacles – one, the pitch condition was getting worst and downpour became heavier closer to half time; and two, SEMESTA were no pushovers. They had a good spine – good centre backs, reliable centre midfielders and decent strikers. Not to mention those two speedy wingers.

Madun made one change at half time, bringing on Pak Lah in place of Kalai. It became clear that the only way ahead is to launch long balls into the SEMESTA territory and utilise the pace of our forwards. Any team who tries to play a passing game in these conditions would be committing suicide.

Taiping pressed for the equalizer but became prone to counter attacks. Reilis and Jeenial were caught off position a couple of times, but Megat and Musa covered well. After ten minutes, Madun asked Reilis to swap positions with Pak Lah. Pak Lah was a steadier choice at full back, and Reilis’ pace may be useful in these wet conditions.

Five minutes later, Taiping equalized. Shayrer collected the ball close to the halfway line and made a gem of a pass. A Beckham-esque pass, as Mazuki put it, as the ball spun and caught their centre backs unaware. The pace of the ball left Mazuki with a clear route to goal and he duly obliged.

After that, Taiping pushed on. Near the end, Reilis had a clear shout for a penalty as he was brought down after being through on goal. But it was never given.

The match petered out after that, SEMESTA looking satisfied to earn a draw. But Taiping wasn’t. This was not an ideal start to the season, but to lose would have been an even bitter pill to swallow.

Ditulis oleh Abe pada 29 August 2008
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