Match Review: Singapore Football Club vs 1TM Latini FC

• DF Jack Cullinane
• DF Jahan Rezai
• MD Matt Zatto
• ST Liam Shotton
• ST Robert Eziakor
• -- Andrew Hutcheon
• -- Matt Hulen
• -- Ross Plain
• -- Kelly Williams
• -- Mike Hemmingway
• -- Simon Lloyd

• GK Ronnie Smollett
• -- Rob Benson
• -- Doorjoo Dashnyam
• -- Dom Lane
• -- Jonathan Huang

The Joy of Six

Cosmo League leaders, Singapore Football Club made it six wins in six games, on Saturday, despite not being at their best. Liam Shotton netted his second consecutive hatrick, as SFC secured a hard-fought 5-3 win over a battling 1TM Latini. Having started briskly the home team stormed to a two-goal lead, almost without breaking a sweat. Shotton slotted in his first, and easiest, goal of the afternoon from point-blank range after just four minutes. SFC’s number 14 combining with his familiar strike partner, Andrew Hutcheon, after great work down the right flank from Ross Plain. SFC 1-0. A few minutes later the goal of the game, and possibly SFC’s goal of the season (thus far) was scored. Following some neat passing out from the back, Seattle’s favourite son Matt Hulen, picked up the ball in midfield and hit a pinpoint crossfield ball, to compatriot Matt Zatto. The San Franciscan’s controlled, looping header found its way perfectly over a despairing Latini keeper, to make it 2-0. Rather than kill off the game, SFC then proceeded to squander a number of chances, whilst a further 3 or 4 other good opportunities were expertly saved by Latini's O'Brien, in between the sticks. Meanwhile, Latini, as is their trademark, knuckled down. After a clear penalty decision was puzzlingly waived away, by the referee, SFC then conceded a relatively soft goal, at their own end, to make the score 2-1. As the first half wound down, Latini continued to claw their way back into the game. Having, presumably, feared for the worst after being 2-0 down after just eight minutes, they certainly looked the happier of the two teams when the half time whilst was blown. Once the second half had begun, after just a few minutes, SFC again conceded tamely. 2-2 and Latini, understandably, would have felt they were in the mix. The next ten to fifteen minutes of play brought about a relative stalemate in proceedings and was enough for SFC’s management to ring the changes. Jonathan Huang and Dorjoo Dashnyam were introduced, to provide some much-needed impetus. The Frenchman, in particular, made an immediate impact with his direct running style, and SFC was again left wondering what might be needed to be awarded a penalty. Shortly afterward Latini then took the lead, as SFC had pushed forwards, to make it 2-3 with almost 20 minutes left. To SFC’s credit, they maintained composure and the lion’s share of the possession as the game went on. Shotton scored his second of the afternoon to bring the scores level and, as Latini’s legs started to tire, SFC decided it was time to bring, Andrew Hutcheon, back into the fray. The Aberdonian All-Star, freshly reinvigorated by a breather on the bench, thanks to the new rolling subs rule soon made his mark. As all attention turned to Liam Shotton, at a corner, the ball fell perfectly for the man dubbed “the White Pele”. SFC 4 Latini 3. For the first time in the afternoon, Latini’s heads understandably dropped, but Shotton was none done yet. With the last kick of the match, he hit a thunderbolt from the edge of the box which smashed in under the bar to make it 5-3. Thank you to Tally and his men for a great game of football and for a battling performance. Man of the Match for Latini goes to their keeper, Pete O'Brien, for some fantastic shot-stopping throughout the game For SFC, Andrew Hutcheon and Matt Hulen both put in great performances when many were a shade off colour. The standout player on the park and Man of the Match goes to Liam Shotton.

• Pete O'Brien GK
• Charlie Stark DF
• Thomas Sumantri DF
• Ben Tomlinson DF
• George Parrott MD
• Luke Townsend ST
• Jacob Saurin ST
• Harry Falconer --
• Lewis Wood --
• Mark Raven --
• Federico Cristina --

• Olly Griffin --
• Takuro Isikura --

Last Minute Kick in the GEMs

1TM traveled to nearby Malaysia to face league leaders, SFC, in the 5pm kick off. The game couldn’t have gotten off to a worst start for 1TM as SFC scored two quick goals inside the opening 10 minutes. The first was a cross from the bi line in which we could only half clear and Shots had a tap in. The second was a long ball over our defence and their winger scored a looping header over a stranded POB. From there we could’ve easily folded and it become a really long day but we showed great character to keep playing and Fede, Duplo and Flat White were a constant threat with their energy. On 15 minutes we got a deserved goal back after good work from Fede in the air that fell to Duplo and he hammered the ball home on the half volley. SFC continued to pose a threat in the final third but 1TM kept their shape well and restricted them to a couple of chances that POB was able to turn away. HT 2-1 In the second half, 1TM started the better and were rewarded with a goal thanks to our MOM, Flat White, with a nice finish on his left foot from the edge of the box. Soon after, Ned was brought down on the wing, Pet Shop delivered the free kick and Tommo scored a header. 3-2. Unfortunately, SFC drew back within minutes thanks to a good turn and finish by their MOM, Shots. With 2 minutes left to play SFC took full advantage of a scramble in the box to take a crushing lead and as 1TM piled forward Shots found space and hit a pile driver to extend SFC’s lead with the last kick of the game. 1TM were clearly disappointed not to take something away from a game that we deserved to. We can take heart that it will be the main game on Match of the Day this week. We go again with our final game of the year in two weeks time. Thanks to JR for coming down and supporting. SFC MOM Shots 1TM MOM Flat White DOD Pet Shop (the turn? The free kick? The celebration? - take your pick)