DPMM FC produced their best performance of the Singapore Premier League season after defeating title hopefuls Lion City Sailors 3-1 at the Bishan Stadium in Singapore last night.
The result dented the Sailors’ title hopes as they missed an opportunity to take top spot off league leaders Albirex Niigata (S) and instead stayed two points adrift having played a game more.
It was also a double blow as Lion City also dropped down to third after Tampines Rovers beat Tanjong Pagar in the other match.
The Gegar Gegar men made a dream start after Azwan Ali Rahman opened the scoring in the ninth minute before Hakeme Yazid Said doubled the lead in the 34th minute.
However, Lion City Sailors kept their title hopes alive as Adam Swandi pulled one back in the 52nd minute with a glancing header into the far post.
Adrian Pennock’s charges extended their lead even further as Angel Martinez fired his shot from close range in the 65th minute.
DPMM FC substitute Abdul Azizi Ali Rahman had a one-on-one situation with the Lion City Sailors goalkeeper Zharfan Rohaizad but the latter denied him and saved his team’s blushes.
As the importance of a second goal grew even further, Lion City forward Shawal Anuar looked to find an opening for a shot in the opposition box but the DPMM FC defence did the job to force a corner.
The Sailors had another attack but it was a difficult chance for Shawal Anuar to put a clean header and trouble the DPMM FC goalkeeper Kristijan Naumovski after tidy work from Zulqarnaen Suzliman.
The hosts had a free-kick in the end but Maxime Lestienne curled his shot wide which turned out to be the final action of the game. – Fadhil Yunus
