DPMM FC’s hopes of continuing a good run in the Singapore Premier League fell short following a 3-2 loss against Balestier Khalsa FC at the Jalan Besar Stadium in Singapore last night.
The Gegar Gegar men had played a role of upsetting the odds in the title race following a 1-1 draw to title-chasing Albirex Niigata (S) and a 3-1 win against Lion City Sailors but were beaten by a bogey team this season.
It marked their third loss of the season against Peter De Roo side as Ryoya Taniguchi played the role of villain with another two goals to his collection at the expense of the Brunei side.
The visitors were showing a lot of speed right from the straight and we’re duly rewarded following the contributions of attacking Japanese trio Shuhei Hoshino, Ryoya Taniguchi and Masahiro Sugita.
Balestier Khalsa forward Hoshino reprised his role as a true poacher of the ball as he slammed the ball into the roof of the net inside two minutes of the tie.
But, DPMM FC drew level as Azwan bin Ali Rahman managed to squeeze in his shot from a tight angle past Balestier goalkeeper Hairul Syihan.
The Brunei-based outfit took the lead in the 16th minute as promising young talent Hakeme Yazid Said scored directly from a free-kick to reach double digits of the season. The visiting captain Darren Teh initiated a neat exchange with a teammate to carve an opening but DPMM FC goalkeeper Haimie anak Nyaring did well to close the angle and forced the attacker wide.
Balestier were awarded a penalty after Hanif Farhan Azman was adjudged to fouling Taniguchi in the box.
The match was all square as the Japanese converted from the spot for an impressive 19th goal of the season.
DPMM FC were reduced to 10 men after Yura Indera Putera was sent off for the second time of the season.
Balestier’s Darren Goh had a one-on-one opportunity after being put through by Hoshino but Haimie made a good save. The Tigers pressed in search of a third goal as Taniguchi attempted a curled shot into the top corner but Haimie denied it.
The visitors were awarded a second penalty of the game after DPMM FC defender Angel Martinez sent a Balestier player crashing into the turf.
Taniguchi missed his initial spot-kick but made no mistake from the rebound to help his side into the lead two minutes from time for his 20th goal of the season.
The Japanese ace, who had already bagged a hat-trick against the Gegar Gegar men earlier this season, had a chance to wrap up the match with mother treble but his free-kick flew wide.
Balestier substitute Syukri Noorhaiza could have sealed the deal after finding himself with a good opportunity but dragged his shot horribly wide.
But that miss did not matter in the end as Balestier Khalsa sealed all three points to extend a four-game winning run. – Fadhil Yunus
