By: Rano
www.ranoadidas.com
Match Report on DPMM FC vs Sengkang Punggol FC
Shahrazen's superb volley in the 60th minute lifts DPMM FC to the summit of the Yeo's Great Eastern S.League after he scored the only goal in a tight contest. Getting a result at Hassanal Bolkiah Stadium has been a major obstacle for any visiting team and last night was no different. Sengkang Punggol had to face the music though it wasn't smooth sailing for DPMM FC. They struggled to break the formidable defence marshalled by Hiroyuki Yamamoto and Jerry Bartholomeusz and restricted the home team to long range shots on some occasions.
It was the visitors who controlled the tempo of the game, early in the game and it all seemed familiar whenever DPMM FC play at their home ground by allowing their opposition more possession. Pg Sallehuddin Damit, DPMM FC's captain, was outstanding at the back, reading every attack and foiled every attack by Sengkang. His partnership with Rene Kumar has blossomed as DPMM FC have only conceded an impressive 3 goals in 6 games.
Sengkang's main striker Indra Sahdan Daud was lively in the first half, creating half chances at most. However, the Singapore national player was ineffective after the break and the frustration got the better of him as he was booked for aggression in the 69th minute before being substituted.
To add to Sengkang's misery, their import defender Jerry Bartholomeusz received his marching orders after two bookable offence, late in the game. Hanging on a one-goal deficit, the visitors gave the home supporters some nervy moments but it was not to be their day. The compact defence of DPMM FC was in full force though Yussof Salleh almost gifted an equalising opportunity after misreading a long pass to Razali Johari down the flanks, To Salleh's relief, Razali's follow-up pass was judged to be offside. Apart from the minor error, DPMM FC's defence stood firm as they hold on to their 1-0 victory.
DPMM FC could have increase their lead by a bigger margin if not for their poor finishing. Subhi Abdilah had a glorious chance as he was left unmarked in the box but he rushed his volley which was no where near the target in the 40th minute. Abdelhamid Berguiga, who substituted Rosmin Kamis at half time, had two scoring chances and he almost made Fahmy Rahman (in goal) paid for rushing out of his goal line. The Algerian forward chipped outside the box from a tight angle but his curling left footer landed on the roof of the net and spared the blushes of Sengkang's goalkeeper.
Hardi Bujang, another effective substitute for DPMM FC, could have put the game beyond doubt but his 25 yard attempt just sailed past the post, late in the game. He also failed to capitalise a close range effort from a corner but his effort was blocked by Fahmy Rahman, the busier of the two goalkeepers.
Shahrazen, who was tightly marked, made full advantage after Sengkang defenders failed to clear the corner kick taken by Ivan Jerkovic. Instead the ball fell perfectly to Shahrazen's path and with an instinct of a striker, he volleyed a dipping shot that caught Fahmy by surprise in the 60th minute. The goal earned DPMM FC another three precious points as DPMM FC maintained their 100% win record at home.
On a mediocre note, it was hardly a classic encounter as many would have expected a bigger score line, considering that it was at DPMM FC's home turf. However, the positive outcome as DPMM FC's coach Simunic would say is the way they have finished the game with three important points. The Croat was happy to see the increasing number of spectators at the stadium.
"I love what I see and I'm very proud to see many people and the fans come to watch football. I hope the next game (at home), we can have 15,000 people watching DPMM FC. I thank the supporters for coming."
Holding a 1-0 advantage didn't seem to settle DPMM FC's nerves especially the coach. He joked, "I love 1-0 games instead of 2-0 games. It makes the game more exciting and keeps the adrenalin pumping. I rather win 1-0 than winning 2-0. I think Sengkan Punggol is the toughest team we played at home this season and they put up a good fight till the end."
DPMM FC have the luxury of enjoying the top of the league in the next 48 hours before SAF FC and Gombak play their respective matches. But let's not take away anything from DPMM FC as they deserve to be on the top with 4 wins and 2 draws so far. Sengkang Punggol can be demoted to the foot of the table should Young Lions win their match against Home United tonight.