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.
The statement read: "All clubs unanimously agreed it is inappropriate for European football bodies to create plans that would alter the structures, calendar and competitiveness of the domestic game and will work together to protect the Premier League." The extra matches - from six to 14 - would require a radical shake-up of the club calendar.
More European clubs oppose plan to overhaul Champions League
Jack in the Green, also known as Jack o' the Green, is an English folk custom associated with the celebration of May Day.It involves a pyramidal or conical wicker or wooden framework that is decorated with foliage being worn by a person as part of a procession, often accompanied by musicians.
Rub - definition of rub by The Free Dictionary
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
The official Liverpool FC website. The only place to visit for all your LFC news, videos, history and match information. Full stats on LFC players, club products, official partners and lots more.
Chelsea held 2-2 by Burnley, denting Champions League hopes Chelsea suffered a setback in their push for a Champions League spot when they were held to a 2-2 draw at home to Burnley in the Premier League on Monday and tempers flared at the end of the match when Chelsea coach Maurizio Sarri was sent to the stands.
Chelsea held by Burnley, denting Champions League hopes
Man City appeal possible Champions League ban getty, Michael Regan Manchester City have launched a legal bid to stop UEFA banning them from the 2020-2021 Champions League, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) said on Monday.
Man City appeal against possible Champions League ban
Wolves beat Bournemouth in their best top-flight run for 38 years 2 BOURNEMOUTH 0 . Soccer Football - Premier League - Wolverhampton Wanderers v AFC Bournemouth - Molineux Stadium
Wolves beat Bournemouth in their best top-flight run for 38
Singapore's group-stage exit at the SEA Games is just one of the signs that the nation's football scene is in poor shape, writes Kenneth Tan. just one sign that Singapore football is
Eight Singapore Premier League clubs to share stadiums, views
Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino has said the club will trigger an extension clause in Toby Alderweireld's contract.. The Belgium defender will now be contracted to Spurs until the summer of
Tottenham to trigger Alderweireld one-year contract extension
Leicester welcome Rodgers with win, Newcastle end Burnley run. New Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers watched on from the stands as the Foxes beat Brighton 2-1, while Newcastle pulled further clear
Leicester welcome Rodgers with a win, Newcastle end Burnley
Football. Home football; Juve foiled by Gervinho brace after leading 3-1. Daniele Rugani put Juventus 2-0 ahead in the 62nd minute after a series of ricochets, Antonino Barilla headed one
Football: Juve foiled by Gervinho brace after leading 3-1
0 comments:
Post a Comment