SINGAPORE (15 Nov 2017) – Tampines Rovers cemented their status as the best local side in the Great Eastern-Hyundai S.League after thrashing Brunei DPMM 5-0 in Bandar Seri Begawan on Friday night.
DPMM would have still been in contention of snatching seventh place from Balestier Khalsa – who completed their season on Thursday – had they walked away with all three points but they could not make a late bid in restoring some pride.
In contrast, the in-form Tampines, who notched their fourth successive league win, have equalled their finish from 2016.
As in so many home matches this season, DPMM enjoyed a positive start in the opening 10 minutes after Rafael Ramazotti nodded wide a cross from Adi Said.
The visitors got a good opportunity after Japanese midfielder Ryutaro Megumi curled a low shot inches wide.
The Stags would duly put their noses in front from the run of play in the 21st minute after Shahdan Sulaiman volleyed home a cross from Megumi.
Tampines veteran Khairul Amri managed to find space after being marked closely by two DPMM defenders but contrived to shoot wide.
The Stags doubled their lead in the 35th minute after DPMM defender Hazwan Hamzah put the ball into his own net after getting a touch on Hafiz Sujad’s attempt which appeared to be off target.
Moments later, Azwan Ali was denied by the outstretched legs of Madhu Mohana after reacting to a poor back header from Shannon Stephen.
The visitors extended their lead after Amri latched onto a neat cross from Megumi.
DPMM made a double change with Awangku Mu’izzuddin replacing Wardun who picked up an injury while Haizul Rani was withdrawn for Shahrazen Said in an offensive move.
Azwan Ali lashed an attempt wide from the edge of the box while on the other end Amri hit a shot straight at Mu’izzuddin.
Madhu kept his header down from a Shahdan corner but it was not enough to trouble Mu’izzuddin.
Megumi, who proved a constant menace all night, arrowed his shot just wide before continuing his threat by skipping past a marker though his shot was blocked by Hazwan which went out for a corner.
Shannon stormed into the by-line before sending a low cross into the far post for Amri to steer home for his second goal of the game and the team’s fourth.
Ivan Dzoni then side-footed the ball home to complete the scoring in the 79th minute after a teammate sent a pinpoint cross into the area.
DPMM’s best chance of scoring in the second half came through Shahrazen who fired a powerful drive straight at Tampines goalkeeper Izwan Mahbud, who had little to do all night.
Tampines’s win meant that nearest rivals Home United would not be able to catch them as they are now seven points ahead of the Protectors who play Geylang International on Saturday. – www.sleague.com
