Saturday, October 25, 2014
DPMM FC are looking to return to winning ways when they host Balestier Khalsa FC in the Singapore League (S-League) today.
Brunei’s only professional team have not won a game since the end of August and now trail leaders Warriors FC by four points.
The latter are currently on 50 points after ending Tampines Rovers chances of retaining the title with a 2-1 victory on Thursday night at the Choa Chu Kang Stadium in Singapore.
Despite having two games in hand, DPMM FC will require a triumph today at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas to ensure they stick to the chase.
DPMM FC head coach Steve Kean is in a confident mood despite the rut and believes that they can deliver on all three points.
“We only can control our own game. We may have a couple of games in hand, but the focus is on three points (today) to put us in a good position,” Kean told the media on Thursday at the Jerudong Mini Stadium.
“Balestier are a dangerous and direct team. They can score from set plays and are a team on form.
“I’m always positive. It is easier for me as I can see the lads train everyday. What we got to do now is to not give ourselves mountains to climb,” he said.
“We can’t have moments where we concede sloppy goals. If the opponents score a wonderful goal then great but we have to make sure we don’t gift goals.
“If we can get that cleansheet mentality back then I’m sure it will be a positive result,” continued the Scotsman.
Asked if there was any added pressure now that they are no longer at the top of the table, Kean replied: “Sometimes it is easier to chase. We are in a place where someone else can feel the pressure. We have been up there for lots of weeks.
“But the games in hand are no good if we don’t get points. We have to make sure against Balestier, we get a good strong positive performance,” he added.
“They are in a good spell since the split where they made it to the top half in the last game. If we can perform like we normally do at home then we should be able to get a result,” continued the former Blackburn Rovers manager.
DPMM FC will welcome back topscorer Rodrigo Tosi after serving a one-game suspension.
Forward Shahrazen Said is doubtful for the matchup after sustaining a hamstring strain during their final ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Suzuki Cup qualifiers matchup against Cambodia in Laos on Monday.
DPMM FC and Balestier have faced off thrice so far this season with the former winning one encounter and the other two ending in draws.
The Brunei side defeated the Tigers 4-1 in their first meeting back on April 25.
They played out to a 2-2 draw in the group stage of the Singapore League Cup on July 11 and DPMM FC came back from a two-goal deficit to draw 3-3 in their meeting at the Toa Payoh Stadium in Singapore on August 21.
Admission for the final home game of the season is free and kickoff is at 8.15pm.
DPMM FC will then face off against contenders Albirex Niigata (S) FC on Tuesday before ending the S-League season against Tampines next Friday.
The Brunei Times
Brunei’s only professional team have not won a game since the end of August and now trail leaders Warriors FC by four points.
The latter are currently on 50 points after ending Tampines Rovers chances of retaining the title with a 2-1 victory on Thursday night at the Choa Chu Kang Stadium in Singapore.
Despite having two games in hand, DPMM FC will require a triumph today at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas to ensure they stick to the chase.
DPMM FC head coach Steve Kean is in a confident mood despite the rut and believes that they can deliver on all three points.
“We only can control our own game. We may have a couple of games in hand, but the focus is on three points (today) to put us in a good position,” Kean told the media on Thursday at the Jerudong Mini Stadium.
“Balestier are a dangerous and direct team. They can score from set plays and are a team on form.
“I’m always positive. It is easier for me as I can see the lads train everyday. What we got to do now is to not give ourselves mountains to climb,” he said.
“We can’t have moments where we concede sloppy goals. If the opponents score a wonderful goal then great but we have to make sure we don’t gift goals.
“If we can get that cleansheet mentality back then I’m sure it will be a positive result,” continued the Scotsman.
Asked if there was any added pressure now that they are no longer at the top of the table, Kean replied: “Sometimes it is easier to chase. We are in a place where someone else can feel the pressure. We have been up there for lots of weeks.
“But the games in hand are no good if we don’t get points. We have to make sure against Balestier, we get a good strong positive performance,” he added.
“They are in a good spell since the split where they made it to the top half in the last game. If we can perform like we normally do at home then we should be able to get a result,” continued the former Blackburn Rovers manager.
DPMM FC will welcome back topscorer Rodrigo Tosi after serving a one-game suspension.
Forward Shahrazen Said is doubtful for the matchup after sustaining a hamstring strain during their final ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Suzuki Cup qualifiers matchup against Cambodia in Laos on Monday.
DPMM FC and Balestier have faced off thrice so far this season with the former winning one encounter and the other two ending in draws.
The Brunei side defeated the Tigers 4-1 in their first meeting back on April 25.
They played out to a 2-2 draw in the group stage of the Singapore League Cup on July 11 and DPMM FC came back from a two-goal deficit to draw 3-3 in their meeting at the Toa Payoh Stadium in Singapore on August 21.
Admission for the final home game of the season is free and kickoff is at 8.15pm.
DPMM FC will then face off against contenders Albirex Niigata (S) FC on Tuesday before ending the S-League season against Tampines next Friday.
The Brunei Times
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