This was our first game of the year, and who better as opponents than our super-friendly rivals Menang FC, who quite a number of DRMer's also play for. The match itself got off to a strange start as when the referee blew for kick-off DRM's gaffa was no where to be seen! That meant no kit, no drinks and no line-up! Stand-in manager Julberg & Sulhi did well with their starting line-up choice and had to do with whatever shirt the players had on. Julberg played the 1st half in his singlet! haha
Despite the slightly in-experienced line-up, DRM did well in the 1st half to contain Menang FC's attacking line to just the one goal. They had pace aplenty upfront with Fadil TSW & Keat Yeaw running circles around our defense but it is to Ozzie student, Yazid's credit that the DRM goal was only breached once (and he wasn't even wearing gloves for the 1st 20 mins!!). Daus, Faiq & Azwan also did well at the back to close down and limit Menang's attacking opportunity with their running. Upfront Yamin & Sulhi did their best to retain possession of the ball whenever we had it at our feet but the chances really didn't come until Amir S came on as a sub halfway through the first half.
Shortly after Amir S got on the field, Fakhrul who sensing that the tide was turning DRM's way moved further up into midfield and he was able to put Amir S through for the match equaliser. It was Fakhrul who again made the space for Sulhi to run in for the second DRM goal, and he easily beat the Menang keeper with his pace and deft touch. There were several other chances on goal, Julberg's long range hitting the cross bar, whilst both Sulhi & Victor were unlucky to be called offside when through on goal.
The second half saw a different DRM team take the field, with Haidi & Fadhli playing upfront. Haidi had several chances to put the win beyond doubt but his touches were too heavy at times. He didn't dissapoint the third time of asking however, Sulhi's long ball from the right came in at just the right pace for Haidi to volley it first time in to the back of the Menang net to make it 3 - 1 to DRM. First game of the season, and already a probable contender for goal of the season from a very unlikely source!
Renny nearly made it 4 - 1 when Rahimin, who was playing in his first DRM match since returning from loan, put him through on the right flank. His shot from 20 yards clipped the bottom of the upright much to the dismay of the bench.
Eventually Menang managed to pull one goal back when Fadil was put through on goal after a mix-up in defense to score his second goal of the game. The match ended 3 - 2 to DRM, a fine start to the 2007 season!
