Hilderinc Football Club

Hilderinc FC returned to league football after a two-week recess with an away trip to Hollandse FC in the Equatorial Football League.

While the earlier meeting between these two sides in the casual MSC Summer Cup ended in an entertaining 0-0 draw, the fortunes of the two HFCs have vastly contrasted since, with the Dutch growing in stature, while the Hilderincs have gone through an acute identity crisis, with results indicative of the recent struggles with quality and experience, or lack of it, leaving them in opposition ends of the league table.

Such the level of deficiency, that skipper Ian Morris was set up in a deep laying defensive midfield role, while Fahmy Baker assumed a central position in the middle of the park; both usually offensive in their traditional traits, but the inclusion of Anthony Farraccu, Danial Hairul and Rex Chee offered much needed attacking prowess in their absence.

Whatever the form guide, the Hilderincs started the game in different mood, unseen in recent months, taking the game to their more coordinated opponents, with the Blacks testing the Dutch keeper within 4mins of the game, when Danial Hairul, put through by Ian Morris, put in shot straight at the custodian, perhaps instead of finding the corners.

In fact, the Hilderincs should have been ahead when they were presented with a golden opportunity after a good build up, but the tricky winger, shot at the keeper once again, though better composure would have yielded a different outcome.

Playing with extreme dedication and commitment to the cause and, one and another, the Blacks were a complete contrast to their recent incarnation, but were heavily punished for a momentary inattentiveness, leaving them trailing to an unnecessary goal, but looked very much capable of finding a way back into the game heading into the break.

However, the exhaustion induced changes with restricted resources proved telling as the Hilderincs returned to their disjointed recent self, allowing the Dutch to virtually encamp themselves in the Blacks half, leaving them scrapping for crumbs, and if not for the heroics of the resolute backline and goalkeeper, the Hollandse would have enjoyed an avalanche of goals.

Apart from an Anthony Ferraccu freekick, which narrowly sailed over the crossbar, there were little to show for, and though a 4-0 defeat might be harsh, in an inept second half, the Hilderincs can consider themselves fortunate, but satisfied.

While they might not have turned the corner yet, and result not pleasant, there were positives to glean from, and with stubborn resolve and focus, it could be just a matter of time before better days return.

The Hilderincs will continue to believe and work hard.

Equatorial Football League QD 1

Hollandse FC 4 : Hilderinc FC 0

POM: Sean Rajah

Yellow Card: Sergey Darovskikh

Starting Line-up

1. Gowthan Durai

2. Sean Rajah

3. Nicholas Ledenmark

4. Ken Yap

5. Sergey Darovskikh

6. Al Shafiq Bakhitar

7. Fahmy “Ollie” Barker

8. Anthony Ferraccu

9. Danial Hairul

10. Ian Morris

11. Rex Chee

Substitutes

12. Jose Kasijo (GK)

13. Craigton Gan

14. Danzal Han

15. Tan Euren

16. Truong Chi Duc

A HFC Online Publication