Written by: Phoon Jia Hui

In a 2014 Great Eastern Yeo’s Prime League clash, Warriors FC and the National Football Academy (NFA) U18 shared the spoils in a goalless draw at the Bukit Gombak Stadium.

The U18 team defended resiliently against their experienced counterparts, though Warriors FC were also let down by their players’ poor finishing.

Speaking after the game, Warriors coach Kevin Wee was left to rue dropped points for their second successive match while admitting it was ‘frustrating’ to see his side fail to put away the chances they had.

“It was frustrating for us, the fact that we had countless goal-scoring opportunities [but failed to finish them],” he said.

“I’m not saying they (NFA U18) did not have [any chances], they played well but [I thought] we had [more of the] ball in the attacking third and created more one-on-one chances with the keeper.

“It was case of us not bringing our scoring boots along. No excuses, but we did not do what we had to do which was to score,” he lamented.

“If you asked me whether I’m happy with the draw, I can say I’m not (simply) because it’s two points dropped, rather than one point gained.

However, Wee did find some positives in the draw and promised his team will only improve as time passes.

“The bright side from today’s result was the clean sheet. It’s always good to get a clean sheet because if you don’t concede, you don’t lose the game. We can only get better, I know I said it last week but I will continue to say it this week,” he said.

Wee’s opposite number Saswadimata Dasuki was on the other hand pleased with his side’s performance and revealed he had done his homework prior to this match.

“In the first half, my team were a bit cautious and were afraid of going in for challenges. But I told them at half-time to believe in themselves more and to be more confident,” said the former Singapore international.

“I watched them (Warriors) in their last game against the Singapore Cubs and I knew their strength lies in physical strength and dead-ball situations. The boys responded very well, we did a lot of work on this and I’m happy we didn’t concede so it’s credit to the boys.

“However, we could have been better in terms of finishing. They (Warriors) had their chances but we defended well against them and we can be more sharper in front of goal. It’s only the first game of the season and perhaps we need more time [to work on that].”