DPMM FC Head Coach Jamie McAllister has called on his charges to build on their current displays following a 3-0 victory against Albirex Niigata (S) in the Singapore Premier League (SPL) at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas recently.
The result extended their unbeaten streak in the league to four games and helped move them within a point of sixth-placed Hougang United as they bid for a strong finish in the second half of the season.
The Gegar Gegar men also kept consecutive clean sheets to continue the feel-good factor at the club, cemented a spot in the semi-finals of the Singapore Cup for a second year running.
After a disastrous start to the year with a series of results denting their top-five aspirations, the Brunei-based outfit has another shot at silverware with a cup final a hurdle away.
Jamie McAllister, in a post-match interview, said, “I think we’re just building on the last two results; two clean sheets in the last two games.”
He further added, “We look very good defensively and in possession we need to control a little bit more.”
“I think the game could have been 4-4 if I’m being honest. We made a lot of good chances and we defended very well.”
“Kiko (Naumovski) made a couple of good saves and they (Albirex) probably missed one or two chances so we had a bit of luck.”
“But, we are clinical with the three goals and we defended very well. We are delighted with the three points.”
Meanwhile, two-goal hero Davis Ikaunieks highlighted the long wait of playing in front of the home fans especially having played all their matches abroad during the Ramadhan period.
DPMM FC have not featured at home in the league since February 7 during the 3-2 defeat to Balestier Khalsa.
Davis, who continued his prolific form in the league, scoring four in his last six league outings, said, “We have not played for a long time at home. I think (we have been away) for two months or maybe more.”
He continued, “Everyone wanted to win at our home stadium to give the supporters nice emotions.”
“I’m happy of course but the most important thing now is to go for every championship game and make a maximum.”
He admitted that the team are setting their sights on the Singapore Cup semi-final against Lion City Sailors as they look to reach the final for the first time since 2018. – Fadhil Yunus
