SINGAPORE (23 March 2009) – In the week that Gombak United went to the top of the S-League, defending champions Singapore Armed Forces FC fell to a 3-2 loss at home to Woodlands Wellington.Inspired by former SAFFC stalwart Jamil Ali, the Rams came back from two goals down to beat SAFFC at the Choa Chu Kang Stadium for their first win of the season.
“It took a bit of luck for it (the first goal) to happen,” said Nenad Bacina, the head coach for Woodlands.
“But that goal gave us the courage and strength to fight on. Of course, I have to be very happy. It is our first win and we beat an excellent side - the S-League champions.”
SAFFC were already 2-0 in front at the half with goals from Park Tae Won in the 20th minute and John Wilkinson’s long range effort on 34th minute.
But Jamil pulled a goal back just four minutes into the second half when he capitalised on a defensive lapse before Iranian Mojtaba Tehranizadeh made good on a cross from Woodland’s skipper Azlan Alipah for the equaliser in the 70th minute.
Nine minutes later, SAFFC were to rue the day they let Jamil off their payroll at the end of last season when the latter struck the winner from close range.
With the win, Woodlands are now ninth in the 12-team S-League while SAFFC are placed second behind leaders Gombak United.
Gombak are leading the standings after picking up 13 points from five matches.
They have yet to drop a single game this season with their last match ending in a 1-0 victory over the Young Lions.
CURRENT S-LEAGUE 2009 STANDINGS
1. GOMBAK UNITED 13pts (+6)
2. SAFFC 12pts (+7)
3. DPMM FC 11pts (+3)
4. TAMPINES ROVERS 9pts (+4)
5. ALBIREX NIIGATA 6pts (-2)
6. HOME UNITED 5pts (=)
7. SUPER REDS 5pts (-1)
8. GEYLANG UNITED 5pts (-2)
9. WOODLANDS WELLINGTON 5pts (-3)
10. SENGKANG PUNGGOL 4pts (-3)
11. YOUNG LIONS 3pts (-2)
12. BALESTIER KHALSA 2pts (-7)
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