On Friday, 1 Aug 08, the Warriors suffered only their 2nd defeat of the season when they were narrowly lost 1-2 to arch rivals Home United FC at the Jalan Besar Stadium. Despite the loss, the Warriors stayed on top of the league standings , 3 points ahead from their closest rivals, Home United and the Super Reds.

With a 6-point lead at the start of the match, the Warriors signaled their intentions early and took the game to the opponents with their swift attacking play. However, the Protectors’ defence stood well against the onslaught and threatened with their fast counter attacks. Against the run of play in the 15th minute, a long ball from inside their half caught the Warrior’s defence flat-footed. The onrushing Shahril Jantan was beaten and the Protectors led 1-0.

That sparked off a series of incessant raid by the Warriors led by the effervescent Therdsak Chaiman. Duric, Norikazu and Therdsak all had chances to get the equalizer but could not get the ball past the Protectors’ custodian who was in outstanding form. The best chance fell to Norikazu but his tremendous shot was well saved by the goalkeeper.

The 2nd half continued from where it left off at the end of the first period. Led by Therdsak, the Warriors forwards were presented with chances but could not score. In a 10-minute spell, Therdsak had 3 clear chances but each time the Protectors’ goalkeeper came off best. Inspite of the domination, the Warriors were knocked a 2nd time in the 68th minute. Again, it came from a counterattack that had the Warriors’ defence stumped. 0-2 down with 20 minutes left, the Warriors were left wondering what hit them.

But, credit to the Warriors, they never gave up and kept pushing forward for that elusive goal. Ahmad Latiff, playing only his 3rd game for the Warriors, was brought down just outside the box. Therdsak Chaiman brilliantly curled in the free kick and brought the game to life.

The Warriors pressed hard for the equalizer with Therdsak involved in every attacking move. But, the Protectors’ defence stood firm and held on to a hard-earned 2-1 win and all the points. It was a disappointment for the Warriors but they could hold their heads high as the team gave a tremendous performance and were unfortunate not to get anything from the match.