BANGKOK UNIVERSITY NOT GIVING UP ON RHB CUP

The two sides will play in the second leg, semi-final tomorrow with Bangkok University hopeful that the return of two of their stalwarts will make the difference as they looked to overcome the deficit.

Patiparn Phetphun and Suriya Domtaisong had to give the RHB game a miss due to their commitment with the Thai national team in a World Cup qualifying match.

“We are confident that with Patiparn and Suriya returning for Thursday’ game, we can make the comeback from two goals down,” said Bangkok University’s team manager Akom Smutkochorn.

In the match that was played at the Tampines Stadium, Mirko Grabovac gave Tampines the lead with a header in the 58th minute before Sutee Suksomkit added the second of the evening ten minutes later.

But the return tie tomorrow could prove to be anyone’s game as Tampines Rovers will be without several players – Santi Chayaphuak, Sutee as well as Rafi Ali – due to suspensions.

In the meantime, Woodlands Wellington will have a mountain to climb for their return tie of the semi-finals of the RHB Singapore Cup in two days where they have to overcome a 2-1 deficit to Singapore Armed Forces FC.

SAFFC, who are the defending champions and the current S-League leaders, will have a huge psychological advantage since they will be playing at home.

“Admittedly, we were lethargic after the first goal, as Woodlands looked better suited to the heavy pitch,” said SAFFC head coach Richard Bok.

“Nonetheless, a win away from home is crucial and we shall regroup in time for the second leg.”

Noor Ali gave SAFFC the lead in the sixth minute but was cancelled out by Park Tae Won eight minutes later.

But there was no denying the visitors the win on the night when John Wilkinson slammed home in the 39th minute for the well-deserved victory.

However, Woodlands are unfazed about having to face a confident SAFFC side in the second leg where they feel confident of pulling off an upset.

“With our key players back in time for Friday, we shall go into the match with a positive frame of mind. The tie is still alive” added Woodlands coach Jorg Steinebrunner.

“I felt we matched them throughout the game where we came back well after conceding the first goal and played some decent football.”