Match Report: Team Sausagefest vs SFA (4-3)

In an earlier match report, I mentioned that in every team there is a turning point, a defining moment. The moment has arrived, but it was almost not to be.

From the first minute of the game, the hopes of the Sausages were dealt a heavy blow. Lack of cohesiveness and a slice of bad luck led to a goal for the opponents. Nobody knew what to say. However, undaunted, the Sausages pressed forward, and were the better team. An equaliser was on the cards.

Then, another blow. On just their second attempt at goal, SFA scored again. Clinical finishing or another big slice of luck. Yet the Sausages' heads did not drop. A superb dribble by Bennett set up Zack for his first goal of the campaign. The momentum was with us.

However, the footballing gods are cruel, and just before halftime the worst thing happened. If the first two goals were bad, their third goal was akin to ripping the heart out. A lesser team would have crumbled, but not these brave Sausages.

A good start was needed in the 2nd half, and that was what we got. Within 5 minutes we had pulled one goal back. A surging run by player-manager Ben Ang and intricate passing resulted in a cross by Bennett that winger Leon converted with ease at the far post. The Sausages surged forward, wings on their boots. The equaliser was scored in similar fashion, with Bennett and Leon once again linking up. However, the players did not celebrate much. They wanted the win. However time was running out, and the opponents were content to pack their defense and go for a draw.

We pressed and pressed forward, never believing that the win was beyond us. A wise man once said that the juice is worth the squeeze, and so the Sausages squeezed, with every ounce of strength in their bodies. And the juice finally came. A goalmouth scramble resulted in the ball falling to lanky midfielder Sara's path. Trapping the balling with consummate ease, and in the face of onrushing defenders, he did not panic, and volleyed the ball. His aim was true, and the ball sailed into back of the net, an unbeatable shot. What happened next was a uninhibited display of emotion and joy that I best not describe, as it resembled kindergarden kids on a sugar rush.

Yes, on that faithful day, the Sausages had turned a corner. They now had savoured the taste of victory, and like cocaine and heroin, it will only make them want more. Onwards Sausages!!

Man of the Match: Bennett. With 3 assists in this game, he tore the SFA defense to shreds with his marauding runs down the wing. The focal point of Team Sausagefest's attack.

Notable Performances: The whole team. Everybody gave their all, fighting for evey ball and never saying 'fuck lah die'.

Pitch Performance: With several balls flying over the fence, the stadium organizers should install a higher fence or allow a exit near the field for easy retrieval. Other than that, the grass was soft and there were few potholes.