Match Report: Westside Laborist vs. Al-Hambra (0 - 5)

Assalamualaikum w.b.t.

We thought we could win big, but it turned out that the exact opposite took place. Westside Laborist suffered a humiliating defeat to F2L underdogs, Al-Hambra, by a scoreline of 5-0. Things didn't really start well, with only 5 players available on Matchday 3. I myself was forced to be included in the lineup, and, haven't fully recovered from the 'curse of the bloody ligament', being the goalkeeper was the only option I had. Anyway, I would like to thank our brave warriors who did manage to make it to the match (Basyir, Joe, Norman, Azlan, and Afiq Shazwan).

With Al-Hambra having a full lineup of 10 players, clearly they had the advantage in numbers. We were short of one player and I had a really tough time finding any player from other teams who is available to be loaned. Then along came a man who goes by the name Firadaus Khazis. Having just playing a part in the thrashing of Bunga Tanjung by a 2 goal margin, Fira, as he is famously known, offered himself as the 'seventh player' for our team. Yes, the player who was the architect of the success of Asadul Aswad in the F2L 2007 season, will now have the privilege to play for Westside Laborist. Having Fira in your lineup is every manager's ultimate dream.The moment Fira expressed his interest to be part of the 'Laborist Experience', I knew we had a good chance of winning this match. Unfortunately, things were not meant to be.

The match started sluggishly, with both teams being cautious and taking a defensive approach. There wasn't really a shot on target in the early minutes after the whistle was blown. Suddenly out of nowhere, Al-Hambra's versatile midfielder, Amal Asrol took a shot on goal from long range and it took me by surprise as I watched the ball roll passing the goal line. Being 1-0 at such an early stage was really demoralising. And the fact that we won't be having any subs was not helping either. Our players started to wear down especially Fira (for obvious reasons). Joe wasn't as sharp as he used to be and our team really started to miss the likes of the other players in the team (Suboh, Hazman, Farhan, Anwarul and Kamil). A few minutes later, Amal increased his tally wih a spectacular goal. By half time, we were 3-0 down and the rest, as they say, is history.

One thing that I would like to highlight from this match is the determination of our players. Trailing by 3 goals and playing with whatever energy you have left against a team who has an advantage in numbers is by no means a small feat. Having this never-say-die attitude among our players really impressed me and, in my view, a victory in itself. So kudos to our warriors who never gave up and fought till the end.

As for next week, its Westside Laborist vs. Bunga Tanjung and I expect to have a full squad to choose from. So we will be back to our best form and for Bunga Tanjung players who are reading this, please do take note of the return of Suboh and the gang. You have been warned.

We're still at the lower end of the table after Matchday 3, though we're not the last. We can still catch up if we manage to grab a win in our remaining matches. I believe the title race will go down to the wire, as was the case for last season. Currently, Al-Ahly is leading the league. No doubt they've done farely well this season but we will never surrender and if we maintain our never-say-die attitude, who knows we can one day humble the Al-Ahly players. There's no such thing as 'giving up' in this club. We may be second from bottom in the league, but one thing for sure, the Laborists will fight, and we'll fight hard. As they say, it ain't over 'till the fat lady sings!!