Worthy Wo
Ciro Makes Certain
It was another narrow one-nil result against the resolute Woxingwosu FC, who entered this home game on the back of three league victories, including two against Al-Daud and Footwork FC. It was up to Grilled to come prepared, and they did, setting up a sensible counterattack plan that paid dividends.
WFC's midfield strength had been amply revealed in their recent games, and Grilled made no effort to compete directly on their turf. It didn't click immediately, however, and some intelligent harassing by Grilled's veterans threw the opponents off balance. Colombian left winger Mario Camargo was sufficiently riled up by Branbilla to try and prevent him from taking a free-kick, which got him booked immediately.
This was strangely enough to keep WFC from really threatening, and Grilled actually had more clear chances that the home side. Rotteveel was odds-on to score when he was released by Penati down the right, but he cut it too tight and swiped it onto the outside of the post.
Tom Breitung was the next one to fall afoul of Grilled's harrying, and he caught Han Kok's shin after the ex-international had gotten the ball thanks to Branbilla closing him down. It wasn't quite intentional, but the referee saw fit to hand out his second caution of the match, an act which was roundly booed by the spectators.
There were more protests to come when Penati appeared to have sneakily nudged Diogo Martin in the side as the two raced for a long ball hit down the channel by Talib, but this time the referee saw nothing. Penati obviously paid no heed, and completed his run by beating McWilliams from a very tight angle.
The home side were displeased, and Zhigalko handed out some vigilante justice of his own by slamming harder into Han Kok than he needed to, as the two of them went for the same ball. Quah was calm enough to let it go, satisfying himself with a meaningful stare at his assailant.
WFC were more like their usual selves after the break, and Vick Smeets came close to making it one-all when he darted free of Lik-Tsun and sprang up to meet a cross from Ascenzo. He missed by inches, but Valdir appeared to have that covered. Jianyong then should have given Grilled some breathing space when he found himself alone with McWilliams, but the big Canadian keeper spread himself well, and blocked his grounder.
The home side started to impose themselves, and Talib responded with a crunching tackle on Ignasi Pellicer, who appeared to be unharmed, but then sought treatment a couple of minutes later. The Spanish stalwart then nearly got his team back level when he stuck a leg out to deflect Karo's through ball at goal with Valdir otherwise engaged, but it agonizingly found the post, leaving WFC's hopes unfulfilled.
