Skuad Bolasepak Ansara Taiping » Liga Alumni 2008 League Match 5
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.

The weather wasn’t so kind too; it was raining cats and dogs from 500pm. At 800pm in the stadium, which was supposed to be the kick-off time for the game, one of the SERATAS players remarked “How many players you guys have already?”, indicating the concern that some players may not be able to turn up on time. However, most of Taiping’s first team players began to arrive one by one, to the relief of Madun, the team manager. Even Jose, who works in Kedah, managed to make it on time, turning up only five minutes after 800pm.

Before long, the referee had blown the whistle for both teams to appear on the field, although it was important to note that SERATAS only had nine players. A number of Taiping players, notably the midfielders and strikers, were seen checking the state of the pitch prior to kick-off, probably worried that it would be badly affected by the heavy downpour. The smiles and nods on their faces implied that the pitch is in good condition. “It better be; we paid good money for this”, uttered one of those on the pitch. The stage was now set for an early onslaught from Taiping, to ensure they hit the four goals they think they deserve after a remarkable season.

And Taiping did just that, scoring after their first attack. They gained possession in the middle of the pitch and sprayed the ball to the left wing. Eby beat the fullback easily and sent an inviting cross in the penalty box. With a first time shot, Paan had put the ball in the back of the net. Fairy tale start for Taiping.

Taiping began to control proceedings, most notably in the middle of the pitch, where Paan and Ayie were controlling the tempo of the game effortlessly. Shaz came down frequently to fetch the ball, while Megat and Eby provided continuous threat down both wings. SERATAS only had one striker at the start of the first half, and there were more content in trying to prevent Taiping from inflicting further damage rather than searching for the equalizer. Taiping’s back four were never tested.

In one rare foray forward by SERATAS, Rizal got hurt. In a tussle for the ball, the striker went in to challenge for the ball with studs up, and inevitable in the wet conditions, struck Rizal’s face. The challenge drew blood and play was stopped for five minutes. Spectators may feel it an accident, but Taiping’s defenders and Rizal clearly thought otherwise.

Play continued, and Taiping scored their second. Again, from Eby’s left wing wizardry, his cross was met with a glorious first time volley from Paan, who scored with his left foot this time. The half ended with Taiping two goals ahead and one could not have faulted Madun for thinking that the four goals target could be achieved.

Come second half, Shaz replaced Rizal in goal, and Madun and Jose were withdrawn to allow for Zainal, Mazuki and Jeenial to enter the fray. Zainal was now paired with Ayie in the middle, and Paan partnering Mazuki in attack.

Sadly, what had promised to become a better fast flowing game in the second half with SERATAS having eleven players, and Taiping having to score another two, never materialized. The game just fizzled out, sometimes threatening to become a half-paced no-pressure match. Paan, Eby and Mazuki all had chances that they squandered, whilst SERATAS finally had a look at Taiping’s goal, but nobody managed to score.

Taiping finished the season as the runner-up, but remain happy with the fact that they can finally strut their stuff in Division 1 next season.

Ditulis oleh Abe pada 2 September 2008