Jose Riuz back on top after win.
posted by : Munaf (goal-keeper of Jose Rius)
Sep 2, 2008

It might have been a long time coming, but Jose Ruiz FC eventually came up trumps in a straightforward 8-2 victory over visitors Manhilton FC.

“Manhilton's goalkeeper had played well, and so did the rest of the team.

“We expected a tough game and although the result was disappointing, the boys improved defensively and played as a collective unit.”

The task never gets any easier, as another powerhouse ReUnited Rovers awaits Jose Ruiz FC after the month of Ramadan.

Jose Ruiz began the match with one change from last Thursday, Rozaimi taking Ahmad’s place on the right.

Unfortunately, the youngster’s stellar work only lasted 33 minutes before injury forced him off the field, to be replaced by compatriot Amir.
In fact, Jose Ruiz could have taken the lead inside three minutes, having had the lion’s share of possession from the onset

It was perhaps a sign of things to come – Jaz somehow managed to sky the rebound after good work by Izzat and himself set up Jude, whose shot had opposition goalkeeper spilling the ball, in which Jude subsequently missed.

As much as Manhilton tired their best to be in the game, goalkeeper had to endure a busy night, making a double save from Izzat on nine minutes.

While Jose Ruiz managed to exploit the gaps and mistakes in the Manhilton defence, it was the visitors who earned the first corner of the game.

Sadly, Manhilton's attacker attempt seconds after the corner had been taken was rendered harmless as it sailed over the bar.

As both sides struggled to get into any sort of rhythm or tempo approaching 15 minutes, Jose Ruiz reminded the watching crowd what stuff they’re made off, as Izzat sent amir’s cross wide off a free header.

There was little the two teams could do to rouse themselves out of the slumber, as Jaz’s 20-yard effort was gathered comfortably caught by the Manhilton goalkeeper.

Amazingly, Manhilton was somehow given some space and time to work their way upfront, and they contributed to this team’s first real effort on goal, a direct shot at Jose Ruiz No.1 goalkeeper Lionel Munaf.

A catalogue of missed chances was beginning to unnerve the crowd, and so it proved – having let Jude crossed the ball and Jaz hit the post, a lurking Rozaimi stood in front of goal.

In the 41st minute, having expected to receive a godsend from his teammates, a chance of a rare goal quickly evaporated after he had astonishingly missed form three yards out, as an attempted chip went awry.

Thankfully and crucially, Jude’s latest effort on goal paid off in first half stoppage time.

Indra played a first time through ball that split open the defence perfectly, and Jose Ruiz midfield strode into the box first time to give the team the psychologically important half-time lead.

Amir had already come on for Fareed before the break and he impressed by bearing down on goal on several occasions, where he could have extended Jose Ruiz’s advantage.
Jaz need no second invitation to try and add onto the goal tally, a rasping drive matched by a brilliant save from the opposition goalkeeper.

Inevitably, Jude made his presence felt after one mazy run down the right paid dividends for the Jose Ruiz.

Two-nil to the good, it gave Jose Ruiz the extra impetus and desire to go for more, in which they had the away side camped in their own half.

Twice Afiq and Izzat tried to force their way through but the Manhilton boys stood firm and nipped the threat in the bud.

Credit to Afiq who had a hand in the third goal- the fullback never gave up and after he raced down the left to cross, substitute Fareed had the intelligence to sidestep the ball with a deft backheel.

It was left to who else but Jaz who let rip first time, sending the ball convincingly into the net for Jose Ruiz’s third of the evening on 81 minutes.

Even if the Manhilton's goalkeeper got a hand to it, the ball had other ideas and therefore he was unable to keep it out.

In the end, Jude just failed to make it four for the Jose Ruiz, his stern shot crashing off against an unforgiving right hand post.

Jose Ruiz head coach gave credit to the visitors, who almost frustrated the Jose Ruiz to the full.
“We thought it was going to be one of those nights, evident in two glorious opportunities missed in the first six minutes.

“We had wondered whether this was going to be our night. Thankfully it did, after we managed to find the patience and composure required to find a way through Manhilton.

“Take nothing away from them, who came here with a game plan and stuck to it by putting men behind the ball. As they defended deep, the crowd got impatient and it got to the players as the midfield was crowded out.

“Thankfully, the goals came and we were able to win the match.”
Youth Match 2008: Jose Ruiz FC vs Manhilton FC
Jose Ruiz FC 8
Scorer(s): Jude, Izzat, Salihin & Jaz