Newcastle U-15 3-4 Singapore U-15 - Match report.

Singapore U-15 beat Newcastle United U-15 4-3 in their first 2011 Canon Lion City Cup match after an incredible comeback.

Liam Bramley the coach for the NUFC U-15 opted for the formation of a 4-3-3 line up, with Adam Armstrong in the midfield accompanied by Dean Briggs and Jordan Storey with the attack consisting of the strong Alex Gilliead who wears the No9 shirt with Greg Olley and Callum Roberts.

The game started off pretty quickly as both teams are looked to strike first. It was Newcastle who struck the first blow however as early as the 3rd minute. A long corner kick taken resulted in the Singapore goalkeeper misjudging the flight of the ball allowing defender James Atkinson from Newcastle to score the first goal. 1-0 to NUFC.

The Singapore Cubs responded quickly as the went in search of an equaliser which came just three minutes later when a delightful through ball from midfield set Azhar Ramli free and deftly chip over the goalkeeper. Unluckily his attempt hit the post but Zulfadhmi was there to apply the finishing touch. 1-1.

But the joy was short lived as Adam Armstrong scored the second goal for Newcastle in the 31st minute. A wonderful long ball from the defence dropped directly to Alex Gilliead who used his body strength to shrug off the Singapore defender and run through on goal. He had clear chance to score but his unselfishness allowed Adam Armstrong to grab the glory. 2-1 to NUFC.

That was how the score ended up at half-time. Both teams were playing short passing, counter-attacking football which delighted the crowd in the stadium.

The Singapore team started off the second half well, with Adam Swandi making some crisp passes as well as Azhar Ramli making some brilliant runs. The Singapore team had some great spells in Newcastle half, and had a fair few attempts at goal. However, in football, it's goals that count.

On 62nd minutes, a long pass from the Newcastle caught the Singapore defence off guard allowing Alex Gilliead to have a clean run on goal and finish with a powerful right foot shot. 3-1 to Newcastle. Game over.

But football is football and the game doesn’t end until whistle is blown!

Singapore kept trying to bombard Newcastle, and they got their reward in the 85th minute. Adam Swandi took a short corner before manoeuvring into the Newcastle box and passing to Azhar Ramli. His low shot caught the Newcastle defence by surprise, and Singapore narrowed the gap. 3-2.

Newcastle started to fear for a potential comeback from their Singapore counterparts and started to make some silly challenges on them, resulting in yellow card given to Adam Armstrong. Kevin Richardson the coach also started making substitutes for the team to freshen it up,with Alex Gilliead taken off to be replaced with Andrew Hall. Callum Roberts was also taken off allowing Jack Elliot to replace him.

The Newcastle players are also started to cramp up as the humidity took its toll on the players. As the clock ticked down to the injury time the Newcastle players seemed happy to just keep possession in their own half. Five minutes stoppage time was announce as Singapore tried their best to look for the equaliser.

They got their wish in the first minute of stoppage time when Rifqi Yazid made it 3-3. Game On!

Both teams started to take more risks pushing more forward but the deciding goal went to the Singapore team in the 94th minute. The ball was hoofed up deep into the Newcastle half for substitute Mohamed Faridzuan who flicked in the winning goal for Singapore just a minute from the final whistle.

Final Score: Newcastle United U15 3-4 Singapore U15.

Despite the defeat, Newcastle United U-15 coach, Lian Bramley said that he was pleased with his team and felt that his players had to adjust to the change in climate which caused them to lose out in the last fifteen minutes.

Singapore U-15 coach, Dejan Gluscevic, was happy with his charges as he spoke to the press after the match. He said:

“I am not surprised that the boys have put on a great match as that is what they are capable of and this team shows its potential for the future of Singapore football.”

Captain Adam Swandi was also quick to accept responsibility as the captain of the team when he added:

“We have played in many matches where we conceded goals first and then came back from it. I was disappointed when we conceded but as captain, I knew I had to continue playing my game and guide my team-mates to come back into the game.”

Singapore NFA U-15: Heirul Suhanes, Ehvin Sasidharan, Mahathir Azeman, Sadik Said (Raja Ahmad Zaki 69), R Aarvin, Amirul Azmi, Zulfadhmi Suzliman, Muhelmy Suhaimi (Rifqi Yazid 86), Irfan Iezran (Faridzuan Fuad 75), Adam Swandi ©,Azhar Ramli.

Newcastle U-15: Sam Bushy, Liam Gibson, Ben Drennan,Benjamin Askins, James Atkinson, Greg Olley (Daniel Barlasser 59), Jordan Storey, Alex Gilliead (Andrew Hall 84), Adam Armstrong, Dean Briggs©, Callum Roberts (Jack Elliot 64)

Ones to watch.

Adam Armstrong - A Strong Midfielder who enjoys playing short passes and moving into channels. He is being compared to Wayne Rooney although I'm not sure about the comparison, but he does have the fiery temper of Rooney and at times made some silly challenges out of anger.

Alex Gilliead - Very powerful and very strong. Similar to Andy Carroll. Has a powerful right foot and great pace. A possible contender for the first team and, maybe, a new number nine in years to come.

Note from Toonsy - Once again, thanks to Angel of Death for this comprehensive match report. A delayed showing of this match can be seen on Eurosport on Monday at 9am followed by live coverage of the Newcastle v Juventus game scheduled at 1:45pm.