Solid steps take FRCSS to the top of the N-League Cup

10/01/2020

The 4th N-League Cup was held on 15 December 2019 in Sheung Shui North District Park. 12 secondary school teams and three primary school teams played a total of 30 games. Held in the middle of the N-League season, the tournament provides more chances for the players to make friends and play in the games; and it also attracts more girls to become interested in football.

Unexpectedly, Fanling Rhenish Church Secondary School (FRCSS) won the Cup in the secondary school division, while Ta Kwu Ling Ling Ying Public School won the primary school division. Teachers and coaches from both schools hope that the wins will increase players’ self-confidence and encourage them to reach new heights in 2020.

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  The 4th N-League Cup was held in Sheung Shui North District Park on 15 December 2019.

“Giant Killers” win with a great defensive line

This season’s N-League Cup was a gathering of the strongest teams, with one of last season’s top three schools – SKH Chan Young Secondary School, Elegantia College and St. Francis of Assisi’s College – expected to win. Meanwhile, down at the bottom of the rankings and not expected to do much was FRCSS. Their coach Ng Chi-on (Uncle On) said before the competition began that he simply hoped the players could relax and wholeheartedly enjoy the game. Who could have guessed, then, that the FRCSS underdogs would win their first match 1:0 against last year’s cup winners Fung Kai No.1 Secondary School after a goal by Song Pui-yee, and then seal their semi-final berth with a draw against HKRSS Tai Po Secondary School!

In the semi-final, FRCSS played SKH Chan Young Secondary School, last year’s N-League champions. FRCSS played well throughout the game with a man-marking defense tactic, and ultimately won the right to advance to the finals after a sudden-death golden goal by Song Pui-yee. Meanwhile, in the other semi-final game, St. Francis of Assisi’s College, who in the group stage had won all of their games by scoring 7 goals and giving up none, knocked out semi-finalist opponent Elegantia College 1:0.

An unbelievable final

In the final, FRCSS had nothing to prove. On the St. Francis of Assisi’s College side, Hong Kong youth team representative Wong Tze-ying did her best to help her school lift their 3rd Cup championship title. Being the stronger side, St. Francis dominated the game with several long shots and short passes. However, the strong defense of FRCSS was so effective that the St. Francis players began to lose patience. Seizing the chance to counterattack, FRCSS made a long shot that drove a St. Francis defender to make an own goal. However, never ones to give up, the strong St. Francis team rallied with Wong Tze-ying scoring a goal 2 minutes later. At the end of regulation time, the game was tied 1-1 and the teams prepared for a penalty shootout. Song Pui-yee from FRCSS scored first to take a 1:0 lead. The burden fell on Wong Tze-ying, but her shot missed the mark, giving the FRCSS underdogs the 4th N-League Cup Championship.

Uncle On witnesses the team’s growth

After the game, Uncle On, ran onto the pitch and celebrated with the players. “This is an unexpected result,” he said with a big smile on his face. “To play in the cup final is already a surprise, so to win the championship is simply icing on the cake. Our defense strategy was successful and gave us the chance to win by a golden goal. Honestly, our team’s technical level is not on par with the others, but 4-a-side is an easier format to handle. Over the past few years, I have witnessed the team grow and know that they have strong solidarity. They played very well today, especially our defensive line.” Song Pui-yee, the team’s 3-goal scorer, added: “Before the tournament began, I didn’t think that I could score today. I just attempted to shoot as many as I could. Even now, it all feels so surreal.”

Helping her alma mater

In addition to exciting football matches, this season’s N-League Cup continued to offer the public carnival-like elements, including a football skills challenge area next to the pitch; whilst players and coaches had their faces painted with inspiring slogans. One guest of honour and prize presenter was a familiar face – Lee Wing-yan, the top scorer of the 1st N-League; St. Francis Assisi’s College alumna, and current Hong Kong Women’s National Football Team player. She not only presented the trophies to the winners, but performed a freestyle football show for the audience. Wing-yan also acted as team manager for her old school team; however, it seemed she enjoyed being a coach more: “Being a coach and helping the team felt really great! I had a clearer perspective outside the pitch and could react faster to correct mistakes. Although we didn’t win, we understand our shortcomings; and that is a necessary step towards progress.”

Blessed by the God of Luck, Ling Ying is declared the champion

In addition to the unexpected results in the secondary school division, the primary school division had its own share of drama as two teams struggled to stand out. After three rounds of competition, Ta Kwu Ling Ling Ying Public School and Yuk Yin School were tied at the top with one goal each and none conceded. According to the rules, the winner then had to be decided in a most brutal way – by a lucky draw. In the end, the God of Luck stood on the side of Ling Ying Public School and they became this season’s primary school champions.

Final Result of HKJC N-League Cup 2019-20
Secondary School Tournament
Cup

Bowl

Plate

Primary School Tournament