Star – Bowden, Wells, Goerojo – Bates (Sutton), Anderson, Souiade, Alonso (Neurbronner) – Tan (Azran), McCarvel (Donovan), Paul ‘Ji-Sung’ An

Last minute location change due to flooded Dempsey pitch, and I believe both teams and referees were happy to play at the Padang. This is with no doubt one of the best pitch in Singapore, and even after few rainy days the pitch was in perfect condition for the game of the day. Thanks to the groundsman and SCC field manager.

ISA Lions Team had great results in the last few weeks, beating few of the top teams, and even got clairvoyance power when they predicted the next team to play Casuals may feel the backlash of their result 4-0. They were right indeed and I am wondering what they have got out of their crystal ball for the game of the day vs. SCC?

SCC lads were up for a good game, with Rogers and Bowden always happy to play vs. their former team. Thanks Steve to come down for warm up, an inspirational presence as usual and also for teaching me that the lion does not live in the jungle but in the savannah. I thought savannah was a kind of cake or something… anyway…

SCC took immediately the control of the game putting Lions under pressure all over the park, taking all initiatives, playing a lovely quick and short pass game Arsenal alike, going wide as often as possible and indeed creating many chances. 10’ and a poor challenge on Souiade’s back gave no alternative to the referee, a penalty shot was rightly awarded to SCC. Souiade converted himself, 1-0 SCC. The remaining of the first half was up to the same quality, intensity and passion by SCC, but credit to ISA Lions who managed to stay in the game.

1-0 SCC half time, and the second half to focus on scoring a goal as early as possible to secure the game.

Second half was at least as good as the first half. ISA Lions were getting more tired after each attacking wave and indeed SCC managed to secure and kill the game very quickly. I can’t really list all the great moves we had, but the display was fantastic. The passion, intensity and quality showed by SCC lads was outstanding, the subs that came in just showed the same. All in all it was a fantastic team display for 90 minutes. McCarvel, Paul ‘Ji-Sung’ and Souiade twice in second half for a personal hat-trick scored for SCC. Is Souiade the king of the savannah?

MoM is a difficult call today again, but all will agree it goes to Souiade, involved in 4 out of the 5 goals of the day and showed his class throughout!

Thanks to ISA Lions and wish you the best for the remaining of the season.

Thanks to the referees, excellent game as usual.