Warriors crowned S.League Champions for the 7th time

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Monday, 17 November 2008

On Monday, 17 Nov 08, the Warriors played out a thrilling 3-3 against the Bulls of Gombak United FC at the Jurong West Stadium. The match, however, had no bearing on the Championship as the Warriors have already sealed the title in the previous match when they beat Home United 1-0 at the jalan Besar Stadium.

With the Singapore Cup final looming on Friday, 21 Nov 08, it was no surprise that Richard Bok decided to rest the key players and gave the reserves a run instead. On the bench were Aleksandar Duric, Therdsak Chaiman, Daniel Bennett, Shahril Jantan, John Wilkinson and Mustaqim Manzur.

The second-string Warriors started cautiously against the rampaging Bulls and were duly punished in the 8th minute. Slack defending contributed to the opening goal from a corner kick on the left. The goal jolted the Warriors but lack of match practice and experience showed as they struggled with their passes and creativity. The only bright spark was Masahiro Fukasawa who impressive with his energetic display in central midfield.

Click on a photo to see the close-ups

In the 2nd half, the Warriors improved with better passing and movement when Mustaqim Manzur replaced Ahmad Latiff. But, the Warriors fell further behind when they conceded another goal from a defensive lapse.

That goal was a wake up call for the Warriors. Jamil Ali pulled one back in the 64th minute when he pounced on a loose ball from an excellent piece of wing play by Mustaqim. The equalizer came 7 minutes later when substitute John Wilkinson latched on to a cross from Jamil and drove the ball in from just inside the box. The Warriors were clearly the fitter side and began dominating possession.

Mustaqim Manzur, who had been outstanding in the 2nd half, put the Warriors ahead in the 86th minute when he caught the Bulls’ defence square and slid the ball home. But, the jubilation was short-lived when Hafiz Osman carelessly gave away a penalty with his mistimed challenge. The Bulls made it 3-3 just before the final whistle.

The Warriors were officially crowned the NTUC Income – Yeo’s S.League Champions in a glittering ceremony held immediately after the game.

 

League Table

TeamsPldPts
Etoile 28 58
Tampines
 28 57
Home
 28 56
SAFFC
 27 40
Geylang
 28 40
Gombak
 27 39
Y Lions
 27 36
Balestier
 27 32
Beijing 27 31
Albirex 27 24
Sengkang 28 24
Woodlands
 28 18

FULL TABLE »

Next Match

S-LEAGUE
Round 28

SAFFC

V


YOUNG LIONS

Date:
17 Sept 2010 (Fri)
Time:

7.30pm
Venue:

Choa Chu Kang Stadium

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