DPMM FC secured seventh place during the final day of the Singapore Premier League season following a 1-1 draw to Tanjong Pagar United FC at the Jurong East Stadium in Singapore on Friday.
Tanjong Pagar showed promise in the early proceedings after midfielder Naqiuddin Eunos skipped past a puzzled DPMM defence before his attempt crashed against the bar.
The hosts were reduced to 10 men in the 10th minute after goalkeeper Kenji Rusydi was shown a straight red card.
DPMM FC young forward Hakeme Yazid bin Said produced a fine header on the stroke of halftime to gift his side the lead for his 12th goal of the season.
The Cheetahs reignited their hopes of leapfrogging DPMM FC in the final positions of the table after substitute Marin Mudrazija slotted the ball home after connecting from Naqiuddin’s pass.
Tampines midfielder Mirko Sugic’s quick-thinking to deliver a quick free-kick found a teammate whose shot needed intervention from DPMM FC goalkeeper Kristijan Naumovski.
The Gegar Gegar men enjoyed a string of passes before Azwan Ali Rahman skied his effort wide.
DPMM FC midfielder Farshad Noor then saw his attempt saved by Tampines reserve goalkeeper Fashah Iskandar.
With the goal at his sights after outpacing the DPMM FC defence, Mudrazija placed his effort off the target four minutes from time.
The visitors had an opportunity to put the game to bed but the final ball to substitute Razimie Ramlli had Fashah needing to move his line.
However, it did not matter as DPMM FC held on both sides concluded a rather trying league campaign.
DPMM FC Head Coach Adrian Pennock said, “I cannot complain at all. We’ve been travelling every single game away from home. It’s been a real great team effort.” – Fadhil Yunus
