SINGAPORE (20 June 2011) – The Singapore Under-15 team opened their Lion City Cup campaign this week with a close 4-3 victory over their counterparts from Newcastle United at the Jalan Besar Stadium.
“I am not surprised that the boys have put on a great match as that is what they are capable of and this team shows its potential for the future of Singapore football,” said Dejan Gluscevic, the chief coach of Singapore.
“I would also like to thanked the supporters and the players’ families for their contributions and efforts.”
But it was the visiting side who carved out the lead early in the fourth minute through James Atkinson before the young side from Singapore scrambled back with the equaliser off a rebounder from winger Zulfadhmi Suzliman in the 13th minute.
Newcaslte then capitalized on a defensive error in the 31st minute of play for Adam Armstrong to slam home as they then extend to a 3-1 lead at the hour mark with their third goal of the game from Alex Gilliead.
With the English side tapering off towards the end of the game, Singapore scored three goals in a nine-minute blitz for the final scoreline – Azhar Ramli (86th minute), substitute Rifqi Yazid (90th) and Faridzuan Fuad (90th).
“I’m still pleased with the team but I think that the players will have to adjust to the change in climate which caused us to lose out in the last fifteen minutes,” said Lian Bramley, the chief coach of Newcastle.
