25/07/2010
Referee takes win away from the Blades
Chengdu slipped to second on the table after a strong performance which ended in a 1-1 with 4th placed Hubei. Chengdu started strongly and after missing two or three early chances, the break through came after only 20mins through a Harrison cross which was met by striker Johnson who beat the Hubei goalkeeper to head home into an empty net. Hubei were then awarded a penalty in what would have to be one of the softest penalties given in a long time. With the Hubei striker running with the ball into the box, his touch of the ball skipped away from him leaving him no chance to reach the ball. The Hubei striker ran into two defenders from Chengdu and fell to the ground and in what should have been a very normal goalkick for the Blades, the referee pointed to the spot leaving the Chengdu players in disbelief. Hubei scored the penalty. Defender Lu Yui hit the crossbar with a header off a Blades corner and the Blades defender also missed a great chance with 5 minutes to go in the first half after a Harrison free kick was fumbled by the Hubei keeper. The Blades defender was 2m out from goal and with only the keeper to beat his shot was sprayed wide in what should have been 1-2 for the Blades. The 2nd half failed to open up and with the Referee making mindblowing decisions against both teams, the Blades settled for the draw in what is a vital point after a tough 8 days. The Blades Won 2 and Drew 1 in their last 3 games leaving them in a nice position as they push for promotion with 12 games remaining. Santalab was replaced in the last couple minutes of the game. Chengdu now travel away to Nanjing next Saturday which will make it 3 away games in this last 4 matches.
21/07/2010
Chengdu Remain Top of Chinese League One
Chengdu Blades made sure that top spot would be theirs after round 11 with a convincing 3-0 win over Guangdong. The Blades got off to the perfect start with a nice pass from midfielder Harrison who found striker Johnson, with only the keeper to beat he slotted the ball into the back of the net to put the Blades 1-0 up after only 3 minutes. The score was 2-0 just before halftime after a nice cross from Johnson found an unmarked Gao Xiang would headed home from close range. The 2nd half was all the Blades as they dominated possesion in a fairly one sided match. The 3rd goal came after a deflected shot from Harrison which lobbed the Guangdong goalkeeper leaving him with no chance. Chengdu now travel to Hubei Luyin in what will be their 3rd game in 8 days. Brendon Santalab did not play after failing a late fitness test but is set to be ready for Sundays game against Hubei.
17/07/2010
Chengdu Blades top of league
Chengdu Blades travelled to Yanbian for their first game after the 45 day mid season break. Chengdu scored another important win under difficult conditions which now lifts them to the top of the competition. Chengdu scored midway through the first half after a well taken free kick from left full back Wan Tong which found Brendon Santalab who controlled neatly and forced the keeper into a great save with his left foot shot. The Yanbian keeper could only guide the ball in the path of Chengdu striker Johnson who scored easily to put Chengdu up 0-1. Minutes before halftime, Chengdu recieved a free kick just outside the box and a superb strike from left full back Wan Tong assured Chengdu go in at halftime at 0-2. The second half was an open game with Chengdu squandering two or three good oppurtunities but the score remained 0-2 to Chengdu at full time in an important win for the Blades.
