live, laugh, love, sleep later: Venture 14 FC – “Ready for the next phase”

Venture 14 FC – “Ready for the next phase”

22 March 2008

With a notable third consecutive win over NYP Benchwarmers (3-0) two weeks back, morale was high among Venture 14 players as they went through a crash course on improving on the drills led by our master tactician and coach, Qixiong at the Yishun field this morning (22 March). He planned a few main drills: improving on taking shots, set pieces, correct heading and taking throws techniques. The more experienced players also assisted to coach the starters.

"We are going through the second phase of our challenge for a top-four finish which can be a tough one" cited Zewei, the heroic goalkeeper who helped to save a critical penalty kick during the last game. Venture 14 has fought valiantly well till date, against the Youth teams (Evo, Eastdee, Northeast and Benchwarmers). The team has matured a fair bit, maintaining consistency and insisting on playing attacking, free-flowing football with integrity and respect for our opponents. It remained a question as to how the team will keep its form as they faced teams from the adult congregation, which could substitute pace for tactical play.

(The league is promising an exciting second-half with teams expected to fight it all out in a congested schedule ahead in the Apr & May period after the Easter sowing period, expecting to accumulate to a climax with the top-four Cup Playoffs which will likely end before the adults’ annual church camp in early June)

“We must keep winning!” said the always-smiling Jacky, anchor Defensive Midfielder (DM) who had given his best in every match by his sharp and faithful clearances and had also netted his first goal of the season in the previous match. The two-horse race at the top, X2024 and Evo, had safeguarded their first and second positions well in the league table, drawing a gap between them and the other teams. FC Anonymous, currently third in position, still has a game in hand which could see a potential three-horse race for the top spot. Indo District FC could be the team that quietly works its way up for a top-four finish. The words of Jacky do carry much wisdom if Venture 14 were to keep its current fourth position.

Venture 14 cannot afford to be complacent and must concentrate on killing the game early as it experienced the consequences of not doing so in the last game. It is a hard match to play as some players were worn down by fatigue. It was saved by the lapse in the opponent, Benchwarmers, which provided an opening to net in the three goals within a short time span.

Will their tactics still work against the adult teams? If there is anything to show, the enthusiasm, confidence and diligence put in by the players during today's training seemed to suggest that they are ready for what is to come.