08 November 2015

DPMM FC have one hand on S-League title

Saturday, November 7, 2015

DPMM FC took a huge step towards their first ever Singapore League (S-League) title after downing defending champions Warriors FC 3-1 last night.
The victory at the Choa Chu Kang Stadium in Singapore knocks both Balestier Khalsa FC and Albirex Niigata (S) FC out of the title race - leaving Tampines Rovers FC the only side still within reach of the S-League trophy.
DPMM FC are now on 49 points with a game left while Balestier are on 44. Albirex are third with 42 points and a game in hand while Tampines have 41 points with two games in hand.
Tampines still have Home United FC, Albirex and Harimau Muda (Malaysia national Under-22 football team) left on the schedule, and any slip up will automatically see DPMM FC crowned champions before they face Balestier at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas on Nov 21.
According to the S-League’s Twitter feed, DPMM FC grabbed the lead in the eighth minute after a poor clearance by Warriors goalkeeper Daniel Ong fell for Paulo Sergio to slot home.
The Warriors had a chance to open the scoring in the 18th minute but Hafiz Rahim headed over Miroslav Pejic’s corner.
DPMM FC doubled their lead four minutes later after the Warriors gave the ball away deep in their own half, and Sergio threaded the ball for strike partner Rafael Ramazotti to score his league-leading 20th goal of the competition.
Pejic fired a shot from just outside the box in the 31st minute and it was deflected inches wide off Sairol Hj Sahari.
DPMM FC should have added to the scoreline in the 41st minute after Ong denied Azwan Ali Rahman and the rebound rolled towards an unmarked Maududi Hilmi Kasmi - who blasted over.
The Warriors were given another let off two minutes after the interval when Sergio sent in a low cross but Azwan slammed his effort against the post.
Another chance went begging for DPMM FC in the 50th minute after a mix-up between veteran defender Daniel Bennett and Ong led to the ball being given away to Sergio.
The Portuguese squared it for Joe Gamble, though the Irishman was unable to beat Ong.
It was 3-0 seven minutes later with Boris Raspudic heading home Azwan’s corner.
A poor throw by Syaqir Sulaiman gifted DPMM FC the ball in the 58th minute, but Sergio couldn’t make them pay the price by firing over.
The Warriors threatened in the 73rd minute but Syaqir headed over from close range.
At the other end, Sergio got the ball to Maududi four minutes later but he fired straight at Ong.
Sergio picked out Ramazotti (pic) at the far post in the 79th minute, but the Brazilian headed just wide.
The Warriors were given a glimmer of hope the next minute after Brian McLean diverted a Thomas Beattie cross into his own net, but it was a mere consolation.
Over at the Jalan Besar Stadium, Young Lions (Singapore national Under-23 football team) came back from two goals down to draw 2-2 against Geylang International FC.
In the night’s other match, Harimau Muda recovered from an opening minute deficit to beat Hougang United FC 2-1 at the Hougang Stadium.

The Brunei Times

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