A Game of Two Halves

Despite the odds stacked against their opponents, Street 51 FC slumped to a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Hairul's Team (let's call them the "Hairs" for short). Despite the importance of the game, Street 51 manager Cassim Munshi fielded an under-strength side, lacking the services of Dins, Nir and Petak. Understandably, the team went 3-0 down at half time.

Despite the setback, a rejuvenating half time team talk resulted in a brave fightback in the early second half which saw Amir score the first goal in the history of Street 51 FC in a move started by Sofian deep inside his own half. The Street51 captain exchanged passes with Petak and Nir, before unleashing a 30 yard pass to the mysteriously unmarked Dins on the left flank. With three Hairs defenders arriving upon him, Dins cooly fed Amir on the edge of the penalty box and after causing at least one Hairs defender to slip, Amir lifted the ball with the outside of his right boot over the head of Hairs goalkeeper Rahmat Suparman. The crowd went wild.

Sensing an upset on the cards, Street 51 FC pushed on and came close on a number of occasions thereafter. However, resolute defending by the Hairs backline meant that the scoreline stayed at 3-1.

Despite the defeat, Cassim remained upbeat about the team's performance. "We all saw today that the better team won, the better team during the first half that is!"

Meanwhile, Hairs manager Amat Busong Rodriguez was quick to thank his stars. "We rode our luck in the second half. I must say that they (Street51 FC) gave us a run for the money. They'll definitely be one team to watch!"

Highlights from the game: