2008 NTUC
INCOME – YEO’S S.LEAGUE
TAMPINES ROVERS (3) VS SAFFC (1) – 27 SEP 08
Warriors title hopes derailed by Stags
On Saturday, 27 Sep 08, the Warriors saw
their title hopes took a severe dent when they were beaten
1-3 by the Stags of Tampines Rovers FC at the Tampines Stadium.
The defeat set the Warriors 2 points adrift from leaders,
Super Reds FC with 6 matches remaining.
The Warriors drifted into the match just
3 days after a disappointing AFC Cup exit in Oman and the
effects of the long flight and insufficient rest and recovery
not ideal preparation for this match. The Stags, on the other
hand, had nothing to play for except to regain lost pride
after having been bundled out to the Singapore semi finals
by the Warriors.
The match started promisingly for the hosts
as they took charge of the game. The Warriors, on the other
hand, looked lethargic and found difficulty in playing their
normal fluent passing game. Things took a turn for the worse
when John Wilkinson had to be substituted in the 38th minute
with an injured calf.
The first half ended goalless with both sides
not making any headway at goal with play confined mostly to
midfield although the Stags had looked more threatening.
The tempo in the 2nd half picked up and,
in the 61st minute, the Warriors found themselves a goal down.
That goal was a wake up call and the Warriors began to find
their rhythm.
Constant pressure on the Stags paid off in
the 72nd minute. An excellent one-two between Duric and Latiff
put the latter through into the box. Under pressure, Latiff’s
first shot was blocked by the goalkeeper but, fortunately,
the ball came straight back and Latiff made no mistake with
his 2nd attempt.
That equalizing goal sparked off a lively
exchange as both sides upped the tempo in search of the winner.
5 minutes later, a header from a corner was adjudged by the
Assistant Referee to have crossed the line and the Referee
did not hesitate to award a goal to the Stags. The Warriors
protested vehemently but to no avail. It was a controversial
decision to say the least as Daniel Bennett looked to have
legitimately cleared the ball to safety.
As the minutes ticked away, in one quick
counter attack, the Warriors were again caught at the back
and conceded a 3rd goal just before the final whistle.
It was a below-par performance by the Warriors
and, with just 6 matches left, the defending Champions cannot
afford to slip anymore.
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