Tigers secure first win of season

Ong Jiing Yih
info@sleague.com  

Syaqir Sulaiman’s first-ever S.League goal ensured Balestier Khalsa recorded their first victory of the campaign, at the sixth time of asking, with a 2-1 win over Geylang United.

Nasaruddin Jalil’s young side had to do it the hard way though, recovering from Rastislav Belicak’s brilliant opener with goals from Ithamar Rangel and Syaqir.

Having dug deep and showing immense character, the Tigers fully deserved the three points that pulled them off the bottom while Geylang were left to rue not capitalising on the first goal.

Both sides came into this match with a point to prove following disappointing results in recent matches.

Geylang’s coaching triumvirate of Lim Tong Hai, Mike Wong and Seak Poh Leong made extensive changes for the away side, dropping Baihakki Khaizan, Rickey Harris and Yasir Hanapi.

In came Farhan Farook, Syed Thaha and G. Lenan, as well as Walid Lounis who was available again after suspension.

The hosts also made several changes of their own – in a bid to provide his side a more attacking approach, Nasaruddin pencilled Mushthafa Kamal and Ithamar Rangel in the starting eleven, with Ednardo Souza Moura on the bench.

But their American defender Seth Galloway almost made a nervy start, slicing a cross by Miroslav Latiak out of play. From the resultant corner, Belicak ballooned the ball high and wide.

Thankfully, Balestier managed to get a grip as Geylang aided their cause by affording their former trainee Mushthafa space and time down their right.

With Geylang keeper Yazid Yasin exposed by inadequate cover and protection, Mushthafa tried a long range effort that sailed just over.

K. Vikraman was next to try and prise open the Eagles defence, slipping past Lenan and then pulling the ball across the six-yard box, but found no one to finish off his delivery.

It took Geylang a full 21 minutes to fire their first salvo after Farhan sent in a rasping drive, but not before Balestier forward Bryan Soane had flashed his effort just wide.

Belicak it was who would become the man of the hour with 23 minutes gone.

Syed Thaha spotted a gap and found Farhan, who then squared across to the unmarked Belicak. The Slovak midfielder duly obliged and let fly with a spectacular strike from 25 yards out.

Having put their noses in front, Geylang began to seize the initiative and came close with further efforts from Ashrin Shariff and Thaha.

They were still looking nervy at the back through and keeper Yazid had little choice but to cut short Vikraman’s surging run by bringing him down, earning a booking.

Anantha Rajan played in a short freekick to Rangel, who squeezed in his shot inches wide of goal.

The Tigers spirit was pretty much evident even as they headed into the break a goal down, as Mushthafa made up for losing possession by tracking back and blocking Ashrin’s cross at the touchline.

The home side’s keeper Hafez Mawasi then had to tip away a dangerously curling attempt from Noor Ali from the edge of the box four minutes after the restart.

Another vital save from Ashrin’s close range header followed moments later.

The pattern continued when he had to deny Noor Ali from point blank range, before pulling off a finger-tip save from Ashrin’s effort.

Having weathered the onslaught, the Tigers countered with a sucker punch of an equaliser in the 64th minute.

Rangel got into a tangle with Geylang substitute Jonathan Xu and went down. Anantha bent in the resultant freekick for the soaring Galloway, who then helped it back across goal where the Balestier No.18 managed to bundle the loose ball over the line for the equaliser.

Having restored parity, Mahmod Hashim then had Geylang on the rack after he eased past Thaha to cross. Soane typified the shift of the game in Balestier’s favour, coming close with his acrobatic volley.

Crucially, whenever Geylang lost possession, that only served to increase Balestier’s confidence.

It was only a matter of time before the hosts took the lead in commanding fashion, with Mushthafa sauntering upfield and finding Soane, who turned and fired in an effort which Yazid could only parry.

The rebound fell kindly for Syaqir, who was allowed the freedom of Toa Payoh to turn it past the keeper with 72 minutes gone.

With his side 2-1 to the good, Nasaruddin then made a couple of substitutions, bringing on Han Yiguang and Ednardo for his debut.

Geylang thought they had the ball in the net on 75 minutes, but referee Zaid Hussein ruled it for an infringement in the build-up.

Balestier nearly made it three 12 minutes from time, only for Yazid to make a fantastic stop after Vikraman connected beautifully with a cross from the left by Ednardo.

Post match, Tigers coach Nasaruddin saluted his lads after their efforts paid off in handsome fashion.

“Everyone at the club, the players, staff and fans are delighted and satisfied with the win. We made sure effort was put in to get the boys how to play and be motivated,” said Nasaruddin.

“Although Geylang caught Hafez offguard, the game was pretty close, even as we chased the game after going behind.

“They had to fight all the way, showing character throughout. Patience and hard work contributed to the win and it's therefore a moment to cherish.”

Meanwhile, Geylang team manager Lim was at a loss for words, while lamenting on a crucial decision that could have resuscitated Geylang.

“We take no excuses for losing, despite decisions (like the equaliser that never was) playing a part.

“Balestier showed more hunger and therefore deserved to win. For us, confidence plays a major role but unfortunately we didn't compete.”