One To Cherish
To mark the special occasion, opposition replacement skipper Alexis Seillier graciously offered the six-goal
Che Harun bin Sabtu an additional training ball to add to the traditional booty of the match ball, which Che Harun gamely accepted. "You don't get too many of these!" the man of the day said from atop
Chow Ying Lee's shoulders, as the rest of the squad burst out in an impromptu rendition of Happy Birthday.
It was rather more dire over at Carrot Field, as The Match Losers, conquerors of Grilled in the Cup, wiped the Farmer Bunnies out by seven goals to none. Wen Weikun enjoyed free reign on the right as he got past
Isa Mubarak time and again with his large bag of tricks, proving once more that young legs are not everything.
In the Cup, big names like Arrogancae, Be Champions FC, Edbe FC and Pudgy Penguins were sent packing in a highlight-filled Round of Sixteen. II.2's Scallop Soccer Team went all out to edge Be Champions 4-3, likewise Yew Tea to do in Edbe FC 3-1 in a very tight contest.
Old rivals newbies are newbies and Arrogancae could not be separated over 120 minutes of football, as the former's overwhelming attack was neutralised by the latter's no less impressive defence. Polish midfielder Grzegorz Pisarski at last rolled in the decisive spot-kick, to conclude a draining affair.
That said, the match of the round was still probably giantslayers and romantic favourites FC Barca Singapore's Herculean effort against S-League side Twenty2 FC, though - despite having to make two injury substitutions, and being a man down all before the hour mark, they managed a four-all draw in regular time, and a five-all after extra time.
There was nary a dry eye in the stadium after
Vikas Alluri agonizingly missed the only penalty in the shootout, but FC Barca must still be congratulated on their exceptional progress.
