By: Rano
www.ranoadidas.com
Match Report for DPMM FC vs Woodlands Wellington
DPMM FC's third match has proven that they are the comeback kings of the Great Eastern-YEO'S S.League after the home side registered another priceless three points late in the game against Woodlands Wellington.
Import player Ivan Jerkovic scored the winner for the hosts in the 86th minute, courtesy of a penalty kick. The 2-1 victory makes for sweet revenge for their loss in the Singapore Cup in their last encounter.
It was another nerve wrecking moment for DPMM FC players, the coach and their fans.
The match failed to live up to its expectations and DPMM FC seemed to have taken the pedal off the gas. Coming from a 2-1 victory over Super Reds in mid-week, pressure was on the home side to deliver another three points.
Despite the constant threats in the second half, the Bruneians rarely troubled Woodlands keeper Rezal Hassan apart from the two-penalty opportunities and a Shahrazen header that skidded off the post, all in the second half.
Precious Emuejeraye and Daniel Hammond were dominant in the back line for Woodlands and their combination had thwarted DPMM FC's momentum in attack in many occasions. However, both defenders gave away penalties where one proved to be the winning goal for DPMM FC.
Singapore centreback Precious tripped the less influential Oh Ddog Yi in the box in the 47th minute. However, Rosmin's spot kick was saved by Woodlands captain Rezal, much to the relief of the visitors.
However, late in the game, new signing Abdel Hamid Berguiga squeezed through the flat-footed Woodlands defence before being brought down clumsily by Englishman Hammond in the box. Jerkovic was the beneficiary of the penalty kick, making no mistake from 12 yards in the 86th minute.
The goal gave a much needed lift in what was a dull, colourless match as Vjeran Simunic's men protected their 2-1 lead till the final whistle.
Woodlands produced some attacking threats but they could not break down the solid defence of Yusof Salleh, Rene Komar and Sallehuddin Damit. Oddly enough the visitors scored a bizarre goal early in the game.
In what was a fortunate goal, Ismadi Mukhtar of Woodlands guided his freekick towards the box but his teammates failed to connect with the cross, and the ball took a bounce before crossing the line to give Woodlands Wellington a 1-0 lead with just four minutes gone.
Sairol Sahari, DPMM FC's fullback, scored a rare headed goal to cancel out Woodlands' opener in the eighth minute. Rosmin delivered a long corner kick and forced Rezal to drop the ball towards Rene Komar's path, and the Croat crossed in for Sairol to head in the equalising goal.
The result will probably change the mindset of other teams that the old DPMM FC are not the same as before, finishing third from bottom last season in the Malaysian Super League. As of now, DPMM FC are sitting comfortably in third place while Woodlands are the ones who are third from bottom, three games without a win.
Simunic was content with the three points. He noted, "I don't think it was a freekick (which led to the goal). The game was quite open and I'm surprised that we are in third position. Now we have to focus on our next game (Geylang United) and forget about this match and move forward."
DPMM FC now face an uphill task of seven matches out of nine away from Bruneian soil.
Woodlands meanwhile have not had the brightest of starts with two draws and one loss so far.