Sleepless Unknowns defy logic for rousing victory

WITH almost half the team devoid of sleep, Unknowns United defied all logic and came away with a rousing victory this morning at Sengkang Secondary.

Rising starlet Sherman celebrated his 21st birthday at Pasir Ris Chalet yesterday, a joyous occasion that almost all Unknowns attended. It was also Leslie's 22nd birthday on match day. As such, as many as five members of the team went without sleep prior to the game.

But the 50000 fans from neighbouring HDB flats, watching from the comfort of their own balconies or on the corridors, really couldn't tell that they were sleepless, as the Unknowns blitzed the opponents with four goals to wrap up the game by half time. The icing on the cake was added during the second half, when Birthday boy Leslie received his present with a simple tap-in goal, courtesy of Alvin's square ball.

Unknowns flew off the blocks right from the kick-off, wasting no time to go on the offensive. They took the lead when Zhenrong fed a delightful square pass for long-time strike partner Jianhua (AKA Raul), who provided the finish for his fourth goal of the season.

Yuanji then raced on to a Leslie through ball and fired past the keeper to make it three goals in two matches for the pacy winger. 2-0!

Zhenrong played the role of provider again for the third goal, laying off the crucial pass for Hanwei. The muscular midfielder held off the desperate challenges of a couple of opposing defenders and fired past the keeper.

Botak then delivered a "Rory Delap" long throw down the right byeline. Zhenrong chased it down, beat a couple of defenders and fired past the keeper to make it four.

In between, defender Tinky was guilty of racking up about 148 foul throws.

With the game all but over at halftime, Unknowns fielded Leslie up front in search of the birthday goal he was due.

In the 70th minute, the opposition had a player sent off for lashing out recklessly at Botak.

The goal finally came late in the second half. Alvin provided a wonderful square ball for the lurking Leslie who finished with the simplest of tap-ins and celebrated with aplomb.

With the game all sealed up, Botak, being the perfect gentleman that he was, probably felt 5-0 was too ruthless, and decided to let the opponent score one so that they wouldn't feel too upset.

5-1 the final score, and the Unknowns roll on.