Better Late Than Never
Eight In
Grilled's supporters barely registered their 8-0 thrashing of ownerless Thorocozzieq FC, as it didn't improve the Birds' situation much, although the win did at least prevent Grilled from setting an unwanted record for consecutive failures to win.
With a completely new volunteer team, Thorocozzieq were a shadow of the proud team they once were, and this was reflected by the ease with which Subri ran at the defence and slung an okay effort past youngster Azahar Mantali, who didn't quite look the part of a goalkeeper.
One cannot however accuse the visitors of lacking ambition, with polytechnic student Hu Chaoli in a cheeky attempt to con the referee with a dive in the box, after making sure that the referee's view was blocked. The linesman as well as most of the spectators spotted it, though, but there wasn't much rancor against the chubby Hu.
Another Hu, Grilled's Huihong, did mark a milestone by forcing the ball into goal at the end of the half, which was a relief after the abuse he has so often gotten from the Grilled faithful. Before that, Rotteveel had more or less confirmed the win with a brace, while Han Kok skimmed the bar.
The depth of Thorocozzieq's problems was revealed as their key man Damião Penas was kicked out of the game, and they couldn't get a substitute on due to improper registration. That didn't earn much sympathy from the Grilled players, who had their own share of troubles, but Subri went much too far when he headbutted Nunes after some persistent hassling. He left the field in disgrace as the obligatory red card followed.
It was ten against ten, but Grilled still had the upper hand, and Rotteveel made it four goals for himself with some predatory finishing.
Quah Han Kok and
Nawaz Talib wrapped up the victory, which earned some sullen applause from the fans as they trooped off after full time.
