SAFFC STAYS TOP WITH WIN OVER GEYLANG

The win, which was SAFFC’s sixth win of the season out of their seven matches played thus far, was recorded in contrasting fashion with Geylang’s Jonathan Xu’s conceding an own goal just prior to the break before Aleksandar Duric added the second at the end of tie.

Incidentally, Duric’s goal on the night was his ninth of the season as he maintained his position as the current top marksman in the 12-team S-League.

But the night could have turned out differently for SAFFC where the excellent work of international keeper Hassan Sunny denied them three golden opportunities in spite of all the hardwork put in by Therdsak Chaiman.

“Although we won, it was a hard game. Geylang were tough opponents as we expected and I am sure they will come back from this defeat,” said SAFFC coach Richard Bok.

“They are a good and young team, but the talent and quality they have is there to see.”

In the other matches, Albirex Niigata FC scored a close 1-0 win over the Young Lions through Shin Hosogai’s first-half header to remain in the second half of the table while Tampines Rovers thrashed Korean Super Reds 5-1.

Tampines, who had only recently beat Malaysian FA Cup winner Pahang 4-1 in an AFC Cup clash, were clearly the better side with goals from Sutee Suksomkit (in the 2 minute), Noh Alam Shah (57 and 70) and Mirko Grabovac (71 and 86).

S-LEAGUE STANDING: 1. SAF 19pts; 2. Tampines Rovers 15; 3. Home United 13; 4. Geylang United 9; 5. Young Lions 8

COURTESY OF FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION OF SINGAPORE