NFA Singapore U-15 beat Newcastle United U-15 4-3 in
their first 2011 Canon Lion City Cup match with an incredible
comeback.
SINGAPORE, 18 June 2011: In the opening match of the 23rd edition
of this glorious youth tournament, the NFA Singapore U-15 team
came back from a two goal deficit to make it 4-3
against the Newcastle United U-15 side at Jalan Besar
Stadium.
A goal in the 4th minute from Newcastle’s James Atkinson gave his
side the lead. The goal was a messy affair as a scramble led to
Atkinson needing only a tap-in.
The Magpies’ joy was short lived as the Cubs equalized in the 13th
minute with right winger Zulfadhmi Suzliman pouncing on a rebound
from a shot earlier by Azhar Ramli.
Newcaslte got back into the lead by capitalizing on a defensive
error in the 31st minute. Adam Armstrong, who was awarded the
man-of –the-match, received a pass in the six-yard box and slotted
it home neatly.
Coming into the second half with a one goal lead, the Magpies set
their sights on increasing their lead and duly got it in the 62nd
minute through Alex Gilliead.
The Cubs fought on with a couple of chances hitting the post but
they pushed forward and got what they deserved in the 86th minute.
Azhar Ramli proded the ball into Newcastle’s net and that was the
beginning of a marvellous comeback that got the entire Jalan Besar
crowd cheering in unison.
With five minutes added on the clock, the cubs broke down the
Newcastle defence with brilliant passes and set up substitute,
Rifqi Yazid to score the equalizer. And just when the crowd thought
the home team will walk away with a well-rewarded draw, the boys
went for the kill and Faridzuan Fuad slammed home an absolute
screamer to give coach Dejan Gulscevic a winning start to the 2011
Canon Lion City Cup.
Despite the defeat, Newcaslte United U-15 coach, Lian Bramley said
that he was pleased with his team and felt that his players had to
adjust to the change in climate which caused them to lose out in
the last fifteen minutes.
Singapore NFA U-15 coach, Dejan Gluscevic, was happy with his
charges as he spoke to the press after the match.
He said: “I am not surprised that the boys have put on a great
match as that is what they are capable of and this team shows its
potential for the future of Singapore football.”
He also thanked the supporters and the players’ families for their
contributions and efforts.”
Captain Adam Swandi was also quick to accept responsibility as the
captain of the team when he added: “We have played in many matches
where we conceded goals first and then came back from it. I was
disappointed when we conceded but as captain, I knew I had to
continue playing my game and guide my team-mates to come back into
the game.”
Singapore NFA U-15 Starting Line-up: Heirul Suhanes, Ehvin
Sasidharan, Mahathir Azeman, Sadik Said (Raja Ahmad Zaki 69), R
Aarvin, Amirul Azmi, Zulfadhmi Suzliman, Muhelmy Suhaimi (Rifqi
Yazid 86), Irfan Iezran (Faridzuan Fuad 75), Adam Swandi ©,Azhar
Ramli
Newcastle U-15 Starting Line-up: Sam Bushy, Liam Gibson, Ben
Drennan,Benjamin Askins, James Atkinson, Greg Olley (Daniel
Barlasser 59), Jordan Storey, Alex Gilliead (Andrew Hall 84), Adam
Armstrong, Dean Briggs ©, Callum Roberts (Jack Elliot 64)
Source