SINGAPORE PREMIER LEAGUE
Tampines Rovers 0
Albirex Niigata 0
It was tactical cat and mouse in the Singapore Premier League (SPL) yesterday as leaders Tampines Rovers laid siege but had to settle for a 0-0 draw against Albirex Niigata.
Fireworks were expected from this fixture as the Stags, with 11 goals from three games, faced last season's undefeated champions but, in the end, the White Swans' defence held firm before 2,745 fans at Our Tampines Hub.
A disappointed Stags coach Gavin Lee said: "It's two points dropped. We could argue that they (Albirex) had chances), but we should have taken our chances.
"But we will get better with more training and, knowing these boys, they will rebound quickly."
White Swans coach Keiji Shigetomi found some satisfaction in his team's defensive strength, saying: "They (Tampines) can have the ball, but not in our vital areas. We have played them in a pre-season friendly (losing 4-0) and we understand their attacking threats. Our plan was to block all their avenues of attack."
The result keeps Tampines top of the nine-team SPL standings on 10 points from four games, three ahead of Brunei DPMM, who have a game in hand. Albirex are sixth with two points from three games.
The two clubs are known for their attacking football, but it was Albirex, yet to score this season, who had to dig in to repel waves of attacks from the Stags.
Lee applied pressure through his wingers - Jordan Webb and Ryutaro Megumi - and Webb came close in the 19th minute, nicking the ball off defender Shuhei Sasahara but curling wide from an acute angle. In the 35th minute, Megumi volleyed wide from close range and, in stoppage time, striker Khairul Amri missed a good chance which could have won it for the home team.
"Everyone could see that Albirex came with a clear game plan. We predicted that but, unfortunately, we could not get into a rhythm in the first half," Lee said.
"We gave Albirex a few more problems in the second half. It wasn't easy as they were looking to hit us on the break. In the end, it was an even game."
Despite ending Tampines' three-game winning streak, Albirex finished the game with some regrets.
Shigetomi said: "I'm more frustrated with no goals being scored. We have taken a clean sheet against Tampines, but we still need to work hard on our attacking play.
"The players have to work more on their finishing, be more ruthless, more decisive and improve their accuracy."
Meanwhile, the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) announced yesterday sanctions against two National Football League players for cheating during the mandatory 2.4km fitness test.
Shahir Hamzah and Masnashzreen Masturi from Yishun Sentek Mariners allowed "unknown persons" to impersonate them and take the test on their behalf.
Photographic and video evidence were collected to prove their guilt and both players were banned from being registered in any FAS organised or sanctioned competitions until the end of the 2021 season.
Soccer Football - Premier League - Huddersfield Town v Arsenal - John Smith's Stadium, Huddersfield, Britain - February 9, 2019 Arsenal's Alexandre Lacazette celebrates after the match Action Images via Reuters/Craig Brough EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with Iwobi, Lacazette lead Arsenal to win at Huddersfield
Iwobi, Lacazette lead Arsenal to win at Huddersfield
Furious Maurizio Sarri says Chelsea players lack motivation Description: Chelsea remain in fourth place but are only three points above Arsenal and Manchester United after goals by Alexandre Lacazette and Laurent Koscielny condemned his side to defeat.
Atletico extend lead over Real with narrow win over Eibar La Liga / 20 April 2019, 7:09pm / Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone gestures during their La Liga clash against Eibar on Saturday.
Atletico extend lead over Real with narrow win over Eibar
Liverpool FC live transfer news, team news, fixtures, gossip and more. Get all of the latest Reds breaking transfer news, fixtures, LFC squad news and more every day from the Liverpool ECHO
Liverpool FC - Homepage
Here are 10 tips for creating a youth ministry from scratch with Sticky Faith principles in mind: Gather a team and listen closely. In the Launch Kit we suggest that leaders start implementing Sticky Faith by assembling a team (any group with a stake in young people should be represented) and beginning a listening campaign.
3 Common Traits of Youth Who Don't Leave the Church
Fa
Hard to believe, but Pop was once unwanted by Spurs fans
Guardiola Stays Cool Despite Shock Man City Defeat League football match between Manchester City and Crystal Palace at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, northwest England, on December 22, 2018
Pep Guardiola Stays Cool Despite Shock Man City Defeat
Salah retains African award to seal great day for Egypt Your Name * Recipient Email * 0. DAKAR: Liverpool and Egypt's Mohamed Salah (C) poses with Confederation of African Football president
Salah retains African award to seal great day for Egypt
Entornointeligente.com / London , United Kingdom (AFP) — Liverpool powered back to the top of the Premier League as Xherdan Shaqiri inspired a 3-1 win over bitter rivals Manchester United, while
Liverpool back on top as Shaqiri sinks United, Arsenal's
LONDON: Manchester City's Raheem Sterling struck twice to beat Crystal Palace 3-1 at Selhurst Park in the Premier League on Sunday (Apr 14). The English champions had earlier moved a point ahead
Crystal Palace shock defending champions Manchester City in
Sterling honoured with award for fighting racism. Manchester City's England forward Raheem Sterling has been awarded The Integrity and Impact Award at this year's BT Sport Industry Awards
England's Sterling honoured with award for fighting racism
Doing pre-season as a rugby player in my youth we had to train outdoor during hailstorms and weren't allowed to run for cover, we formed a huddle instead and waited it out. Experiences like that build solidarity, camaraderie and fitness. That's why Emery's brother said "none of the players protested".
Mauricio Pochettino labels two-game touchline ban 'completely unfair' - Mauricio Pochettino isn't happy in the slightest Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino has hit out at the FA by labelling their decision to hand him a t - March 7th, 2019
"My Touchline Ban Completely Unfair" - Tottenham Boss
0 comments:
Post a Comment