Stretford cruise to 6-2 victory

Joe Red
Correspondent, SFC News
29 March 2009

Stretford FC 6 - 2 West Coast Wanderers

-

Six different scorers capped off an encouraging first match for Stretford FC as they staged a spirited comeback from being 2-0 down in the first half to finish off 6-2 victors against West Coast Wanderers.

-

Following a nervy first half being on the receiving end of a barrage of attacks from their opponents, the Enders were made to pay for two lapses of concentration. The Wanderers opened the scoring when a speculative long drive was fumbled by keeper Gabriel Loo. Worse was to follow after consistent centre-back, Dennis Wu, turned in a weak cross into his own net (and being the first on the SFC scoring charts for the wrong reasons). The remainder of the opening half looked bleak for the Enders as they tried to pull a goal back before the break without much success.

-

The second half was to be a totally different story though.

-

On came speedy striker, Hakim, who made an immediate impact with a poacher's goal that was to provide impetus for a Stretford comeback. After a sweetly hit shot from left-winger Ho Tang came off the crossbar, Hakim was in perfect position to slot the rebound in to record his first goal in his first match for the club. The goal seemed to have a positive impact and set the tone for the rest of the match for Stretford FC.

-

Minutes later, the Enders were level after defensive rock Ivan Lee headed in from a well-taken set piece from the right wing to send team-mates and fans in a frenzy. Another set-piece was to give them the lead when striker Shawal Rosly drived an unstoppable shot in to the top corner from almost thirty yards out to put the Enders ahead.

-

The floodgates were truly opening from there as Ho Tang, Oki and a goal-mouth scramble from left-back Asyraf rounded off an emphatic first victory for Stretford in their first match ever.

-

"We clearly looked nervous in the opening half. But we understood that it was a new team which was not used to playing with each other." said veteran custodian Andy "Ole" Chua.

-

"Once we got into the groove of things in the second half, the lads started to turn on the style and we really took the game to them."

-

"I was bored in the second half! So I decided to show my Spiderman-like saves whenever I had the chance!" added Andy.

-

With their first match out of the way, the Enders will surely be re-grouping and looking towards the FC Barcelona game in a week's time. Several players will be working hard on their fitness over the week and the management will also be encouraged by news that some of their players will be making a return for the match - SFC News

-

-

Well done lads! Keep it up!

Enders injury woes grow

Pai Ka Lim

Correspondent, SFC News

28 March 2009

-

Above: Looks like a busy month for the physios

Absentees and injuries look set to dampen Stretford FC's first test as team as it has been confirmed that striker Alvin Oki will not be able to feature in tomorrow's training match.

He joins Enders right-back, Ridhuan, who suffered a long-term hamstring injury earlier this year.

-

And to add to Stretford's misery, they will have to contend with a string of absentees for tomorrow's match. Wei Jie (national duty), Ruben (work commitment), Chang Yao and Ethan Tam (both family commitment) complete the players who will be missing in action.

However, the locker room remains upbeat and the general mood is positive in anticipation of the training match.

-

"The boys can't wait for the first match tomorrow. We've been looking forward to this for months. Now that we have a complete squad, we can look forward to working on getting the synergy right in the coming weeks." said pacy right-back Ridhuan.

-

When asked if the absentees will be an issue, Ridhuan was poised with his reply.

-

"Well that's what we have a big squad for. There shouldn't be a big problem for the lads and I feel we have enough quality to cover for the boys who are missing."

-

Ridhuan then hurriedly limped off back to the dressing room when SFC News probed further and was heard saying "*Nabbies! Don't ask me already lah! I injured so long liao. Better not say too much myself!"

-

While the current situation does not look rosy over at the Stretford camp, the team and staff can take comfort in the fact that tomorrow's match will only be a "training" and will just provide a good run-out for some of the players who will surely be needing match fitness ahead of the FC Barcelona clash next week - SFC News

Training Match - 29 March 2009

Details are as follows:

Date: Sunday, 29 March 2009
Time: 0900hrs (pls report latest by 0830hrs)
Venue: Kent Ridge Sec Sch (West Coast side)
Attire: Home Kit/Black Shorts/Black Socks

Let's use this match as a warm-up to next week's big one against FC Barcelona boys ;)

Cya there!

Breaking News: Enders in pre-season test?

Joe Tan
Editor, SFC News
25 March 2009

SFC News have received breaking news from organisers over at the Stretford FC camp that a 29 March "training match" may be fitted into the team's fixture schedule after all.

This news follows the recent postponement of the Enders clash with The Legends FC.

Details are yet to be firm but rest assured, SFC News will be updating viewers and fans as soon as we gather more information behind this latest pre-season development - SFC News

Stretford FC Home Kit 09/10 - Launch Date: 05.04.2009

Doubts over kick-off date?

Teo Pang Seh
Correspondent, SFC News
23 March 2009

-

Above: Looks like fans have to wait a week more to see the Blue Peacock

There has been a growing air of uncertainty surrounding the opening match of Stretford FC's campaign following the withdrawal of The Legends FC from their initially scheduled 29 March friendly.

The Legends FC spokesperson, Andy Lee, cited a mixture of "a poor turn-out" and also numerous members of his squad "away on duty" as the reasons behind the postponement. In what must seem to be an anti-climatic episode for the Enders, Stretford FC winger Glenn Wong took a much more philosophical stance to the news.

"To be honest, yes I'm disappointed that we may have to postpone this weekend's match. The lads and myself have been working hard in training to prepare for this and *whatsoever. Wah lao! I even dyed my hair a special Peacock Blue color for this!" said the Kembangan native.

"That being said though, another week delay just means another week more to prepare ourselves as a team. We're new so I guess this could also be good for us to work on more things together and also **enjoythebreeze.com" added Wong.

It looks likely now that the much-anticipated debut for the Enders will have to be delayed by at least week - leaving organisers, sponsors and players understandably disappointed.

Stay tuned for more updates as SFC keeps track of latest developments in the week ahead.


*whatsoever - a term which is used habitually by Glenn.
**enjoythebreeze.com - famous blog which star winger Glenn posts his thoughts etc.

Enders striker facing race to be fit

by Pai Ka Lim
Correspondent, SFC News
17 March 2009
-

Above: Oki (in red) stretching before a match

Physios over at the Stretford FC medical room are sweating over the fitness of star striker Alvin "Oki" Poh after he suffered a twisted ankle during last Sunday's training session. Doctors have had a look and while the good news is that "Lao Da" - as he is known by some of his team-mates - did not sustain any fracture to the joints, he may be out of action for at least 2 weeks.

SFC News visited a seemingly relaxed Oki at his 6-storey Yishun mansion and were surprised to find the Enders frontman still being able to see the lighter side of the whole injury.

"It's not that bad lah. N*bei, why waste time come interview me?" said Oki with a sheepish grin.

Oki even went on to joke that "It was si beh funny! I went to the doc and said I suspect my skull was twisted and he gave me a worrying look!"

"Only after he saw the skull tattoo on my ankle then he realised what I was talking about!"

It remains to be seen whether the striker will recover in time for the first match but word has it that he seems determined to make a speedy recovery after a friendly locker room wager with team-mate Shawal Rosly to claim the club's top scorer honours this coming season. - SFC News

Umbro deal falls through

by Nosey Tan
Correspondent, SFC News
16 March 2009

Speculation behind the "leaked" news of an Umbro and Stretford FC kit deal were laid to rest after it was officially announced that the British sports outfitter will not be the kit choice of the Enders for the 09/10 season.

With just about 2 weeks left to the Ender's inaugural match against The Legends FC, it looks like a race to confirm what Stretford FC will don on the pitch in the matches to follow. There have been fresh rumours though from an unknown source that the management is working hard to firm down a new kit for the new season.

"This is just a minor setback for the club. We are assessing the situation and are quietly confident after speaking a few suppliers that have been in touch with us." said Dennis Wu, the club's official treasurer.

"Our finances looks healthy and we should not be facing much difficulty with securing something in the coming days." Wu continued to hint.

Will a new kit be ready in time for the first match?

SFC News will continue to track the developments with the team kits as well as players' progress leading up to the 29 March kick-off. - SFC News

Enders set for 29 March debut?

More news and info coming right up...

Launch of 09/10 Stretford FC kit?

by Nosey Tan

Correspondent, SFC News

10 March 2009

Amidst the hype surrounding United's UCL clash against Inter at Old Trafford in a couple of days, closer to home, there have been rumours brewing of leaked images believed to be the designs for the 2009/2010 home kit for Stretford FC.

After several attempts to reach kit manufacturers Umbro, they declined to comment on the leaked images. A source close to the Stretford FC however, has hinted that the revealing of new team kits would be something that the management would be working on.

"The team kit is essential to any club. It brings uniformity and brings a great feeling of belonging to the club. While I cannot give you a clear indication or comment on those images, one thing I can confirm is the color of the home kit - RED!" said a cheeky Ivan Lee.

Stretford FC - or the Enders as they are affectionately known as - are the official football team of the ever-popular Manchester United Singapore Supporters' Club (ManUtdsg) forum which is led by chairman Louis Chia.

Following the recent formation of the team a few weeks ago, the Enders have been actively preparing for their first match after recently concluding an eventful pre-season competition in the far West region of Boon Lay before ending the 2-day tournament on a high at Ngee Ann City Civic Plaza after making it through to the knockout stages of the competition. And with increasing speculation that their first match will be taking place on the 29 March, the team will be working hard in the coming weekends leading up to it - SFC News.

---

SFC: Like the kit design? Post a comment or write on our 'Shout!' section to tell us what you think.

NTU-RHB 'Goal for Fund' - The teams!

...and here are the 3 teams!

-

Killer Mafia FC

-

Bitches FC

-

I Walk Alone
-
-

The Cheerleaders =)

and not forgetting.....
-
-
-

EVERYONE!!

NTU-RHB 'Goal for Fund' Futsal Competition!

Above: A sign of things to come for the SFC boys

2 thumbs-up to the 3 teams that took part over the weekend!

-

Overall it was a brilliant showing and despite the gruelling weather conditions as well as some interesting opponents, everyone did their respective teams proud. At the end of the day, we never forgot to have fun too! (as seen with all the clowning around)

-

-

Congratulations to:

Killer Mafia FC

I Walk Alone

Bitches FC

-

and...

-

YOU, the supporters! =D