DPMM FC returned to competitive action in the Singapore Premier League (SPL) with a 4-2 loss to Lion City Sailors at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas yesterday.
The home side enjoyed a dream start in the fourth minute with their first shot on target after skipper Azwan Ali Rahman struck his shot cleanly past the defence after being set up by Azwan Salleh.
The visitors restored parity as Shawal Anuar ghosted in between the defence with ease to nod home Lennart Thy’s cross in the 17th minute.
The roles were reversed with the Sailors’ second goal as Shawal returned the favour to provide an assist, with Thy applying the finish past DPMM FC goalkeeper Kristijan Naumovski in the 29th minute.
The Gegar Gegar men drew level in the 56th minute as Miguel Oliveira’s shot took a deflection off the visiting defence to take it pass goalkeeper Izwan Mahbud.
The referee called for an off-field review following a potential penalty involving new boy Damir Muminovic and Shawal Anuar.
However, after careful consideration, match referee Andrea Verolino determined that the incident was not deemed enough to warrant a penalty.
The Sailors continued their threat in attack and retook the lead with Thy – who is slowly forming a deadly duo with Shawal in attack – doubling his tally in the 64th minute.
The league leaders moved further ahead as Shawal emulated his teammate with a brace of his own after Christopher Van Huizen did well to skip past his marker.
DPMM FC new signing Hariz Danial Khallidden made his competitive debut after making an appearance from the substitutes’ bench in the 75th minute.
Miguel Oliveira nearly pulled one back for the hosts as his free-kick brushed the post before a defender cleared the ball for a corner.
Thy was clear on goal in the dying stages of the match but Kristijan did well to thwart the attacker to complete a hat-trick.
The result enabled the Sailors to go top of the table level on points but ahead of Tampines Rovers by virtue of goal difference, while DPMM FC have their work cut out if they were to hold aspirations of a top-five finish. – Fadhil Yunus
ABOVE & BELOW: Photos show the players in action. PHOTO: MUIZ MATDANI
