It was a great way to kick off the 2009 S R Nathan Cup for SIM as they beat RP by a solitary goal to clinch pole position at the top of Group B. The goal came courtesy of Ex-RP striker Ram Shankar who netted in the 79th min. SIM Coach Marko Kraljevic decided to go with the untested striking partnership of Ram and Jeremy.
SIM, defending champions of Sunig 2008, were desperate to continue the form, that saw them clinch gold, into the S R Nathan Cup. RP, on the other hand, had other ideas, a deflected shot from the RP striker sent SIM goalkeeper, Neo Zhi Han, scrambling to palm the ball to safety. Moments later, another shot just flew wide of SIM's goalposts as SIM Captain, Jerome, did just enough to put the RP striker off. RP were desperate to win the game as another draw would probably signal the end of their hopes for qualifying for the semi finals.
Jeremy's runs were creating plenty of problems for the RP defence. He had a few shots but the end result was lacking. At the other end, Jia Han proved colossal in defence as he made a last ditch tackle to prevent RP from drawing first blood. SIM went in goalless at half time.
The second half started the same way the first ended. Ram had a good opportunity mid way through the second half but his lob went agonizingly wide. Marko then took off Tong for Terrance who was more attacking minded. Melvin Yang, one of the heroes of the Sunig campaign was also tossed into the fray.
SIM pushed and pushed, not giving an inch to any of the RP players. SIM striker, Muhammad Fahmi chested the ball down brilliantly in the 70th min but could not evade the defender's challenge. The challenge looked to be illegal but the referee amazingly waved play on. And in the 79th min, the breakthrough came. A through ball to Fahmi, who was in an offside position, did brilliantly to signal for Ram, who was onside to latch onto the ball and fire it into the open net after beating the goalkeeper. First blood to SIM. This sent the SIM players both on and off the field into estacy. RP pushed for the equalizer but the SIM defence stood firm. Vann and Salid came on in the dying embers of the game to ensure SIM won the first game of the campaign. It was yet another display of "no nonsense, in your face" football but the most important thing was that 3 points were in the bag for SIM. There were many Man of the Match awards to be given out that night. Everybody played a part, in defence, midfield and attack. Ram got his first goal for SIM. Jerome, Joe and Jia Han proving unbeatable. Fahmi showing quick thinking to run the clock down in injury time, and not forgetting the rest who gave their 100 %.
SIM next face ITE away on 12th January. 3 points would all but guarantee their place in the semi finals. The SIM boys will definitely look forward to the game after this morale boosting win over RP.
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