21 April 2013

Balestier Khalsa gift DPMM FC win


Saturday, April 20, 2013
DPMM FC snatched all three points after holding on to defeat Balestier Khalsa FC 1-0 in their Singapore League (S-League) match last night.

An own goal by Balestier Khalsa captain Tengku Mushadad in the 35th minute was the difference in the encounter at the Jalan Besar Stadium in Singapore.

Balestier Khalsa keeper Zaiful Nizam had failed to clear a corner kick which conveniently landed for DPMM FC Portuguese striker Joao Moreira to pounce.

The latter's effort was blocked by Syed Thaha at the near post but the clearance ricocheted off Tengku to find its way to the back of the net.

DPMM FC head coach, Vjeran Simunic, was delighted to claim a total of four points in the span of four days.

"I'm very proud of my boys because Balestier are a very good team. We respect each other and they are a very disciplined team," said Simunic.

"I think we deserved the win after fighting for the whole 90 minutes. It was a tough game and whoever scored first would have the advantage and momentum," he added.

"Every 1-0 victory is sweet and tough. At the same time I think luck and fortune followed us," continued the Croatian.

Brunei's only professional football team were the better side in the opening half but things turned around after the interval with the introduction of the duo of Zulkiffli Hassim and Patrick Paranjody into the Balestier Khalsa lineup.

DPMM FC seemed tired and were put under pressure with Baslestier Khalsa pushing forward in search for an equaliser.

Their first good chance came after a quick freekick in the 57th minute put Zulkiffli through but DPMM FC keeper Wardun Yussof stood his ground to deny him near the post.

DPMM FC responded three minutes later with Sairol Hj Sahari delivering a cross from the left but Moreira was just inches away from connecting to double the visitors lead.

They had another chance in the 65th minute with captain Rosmin Hj Mohd Kamis on target with a freekick at the edge of the box.

Moreira didn't have enough power on his shot after going one-on-one with Zaiful another three minutes later.

The ball was mostly in the DPMM FC half and Qiu Li finally found the back of the net for Balestier Khalsa in the 78th minute but was ruled offside.

Korean Bong Jung-hee had a chance two minutes later but could only skyrocket his shot.

Moreira was a bit adventurous five minutes from time, firing one from midfield after catching Zaiful off his line. However, his effort ended up in the stands.

The intensity of the match heightened towards the end with four minutes added time but DPMM FC were calm and collected as they cleared away the danger that saw them hold on for the triumph.

DPMM FC leapfrogged their opponents and are now up to fourth spot in the 12-team table with 15 points.

Balestier Khalsa are in sixth with 13 points while Woodlands Wellington are fifth with a better goal difference.

In the other match, Tampines Rovers remain unbeaten after beating Albirex Niigata 2-1 at the Jurong East Stadium.

Sead Hadzibulic opened the scoring for Tampines in the 39th minute before Bruno Castanheira equalised for Albirex four minutes later.

Khairul Amri's goal in the 58th minute secured all three points for the Stags.

Tampines extend their lead at the top of the table with 22 points despite a game in hand.

Tanjong Pagar United FC are second with 18 while Albirex are third with 17 points.

The Brunei Times

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