TIGERS ASSERT TITLE CREDENTIALS AFTER BEATING DPMM

TIGERS 

Written By: Kenneth Ho

Balestier Khalsa underlined their status as genuine title challengers for the Great Eastern Yeo's S.League following a 2-1 win over league leaders Brunei DPMM.

The win reduced the gap between Balestier and DPMM to three points, as the Tigers climbed to third spot, level with Warriors FC on 29 points but ahead on a superior goal difference.

Balestier could have easily enjoyed a comfortable lead by the end of the first half, but they failed to put away the chances that came their way.

Zulkiffli Hassim blasted over from close range in the first minute, while Miroslav Kristic screwed his shot wide from six yards out after breaking free of the backline in the seventh minute.

The hosts did open the scoring in the 13th minute, with Robert Pericic on hand to tuck away a rebound after Wardun Yussof had parried Yusiskandar Yusop's shot.

However, they continued to be wasteful in front of goal, with Ignatius Ang blazing over from just inside the box in the 18th minute.

 

Kristic was also guilty of missing a gilt-edged opportunity as he hit the woodwork after Ang had found him with a sweet cut-back just before half-time.

On the other hand, DPMM were struggling to test Zaiful Nizam apart from a Rafael Ramazotti effort in the 28th minute, which the custodian did well to push away.

Shahrazen Said had a glorious opportunity to level matters in the 57th minute, but he sent his effort wide after having only Zaiful to beat.

This allowed Balestier to double their advantage in the 59th minute, with Kristic beating three defenders to get away a shot which went in via the spot.

DPMM's misery were then further compounded in the 79th minute, with Joe Gamble receiving his marching orders following an illegal tackle.

Enjoying the numerical superiority, Balestier were able to pour forward in numbers but Kristic and Ang spurned the chances that came their way during the final moments of the game.

Their misses proved inconsequential even though Paulo Sergio scored right at the death, as the referee soon blew for the final whistle.

Balestier Khalsa: Zaiful Nizam (GK) (C), Yusiskandar Yusop, Hanafi Salleh, Emir Lotinac, Igor Cerina, Zulkiffli Hassim (Hazzuwan Halim 60'), Ridwan Jamil (Poh Yifeng 76'), Robert Pericic, Tarik Cmajcanin, Ignatius Ang, Miroslav Kristic

Brunei DPMM: Wardun Yussof (GK), Sairol Sahari (Maududi Hilmi 68'), Brian McLean, Paulo Sergio, Hendra Azam (Azwan Saleh 46'),  Joseph Gamble, Rosmin Kamis (C), Boris Raspudic, Aminuddin Zakwan, Rafael Ramazotti, Shahrazen Said