Debutant Butler serves up Geylang winner

Cheryl Lim
info@sleague.com

Prime League forward Lloyd Butler’s early strike gave Geylang United their second win of the season as they emerged 1-0 victorious over Super Reds.

The British made his Great Eastern-YEO'S S.League debut loud and clear when he headed in the winning goal just five minutes into the game, after his captain Noor Ali’s cross from the right found Miroslav Latiak on the other side, and the latter chipped beautifully to Butler, who made no mistake in sending the connection into goal.

The win propelled Geylang four places forward to seventh in the league table, a spot above Super Reds.

Newly appointed Eagles first team coach Mike Wong was pleased with the 20-year-old’s contribution.

“Lloyd was previously not in Singapore, but he is available for selection now. He gives strength up front and he can combine with the team.

“The early goal calmed down the players’ nerves and helped to keep the game tight.

“I am very happy with the result. It was very tough mentally for the players as a lot of running was involved and they had to soak the pressure, which needed them to be very focused. They had done a good job.”

Wong also gave a glimpse on whether fans would be able to see more of Butler in future for the senior team.

“He may be able to come in, but it will also depend on who our opposition is, who the opposite defenders are and how the game goes on.”

The remaining 85 minutes of the game was lukewarm in comparison to the thundering start, with both teams restricted to occasional fruitless forays.

Super Reds had a chance to pull back just three minutes after conceding, but skipper Yu Hyun Koo’s free kick flew over the bar.

Lee Du Ri headed Choi Dong Soo’s cross off target at the half-hour mark as Super Reds searched for an equalizer, while moments later Ashrin Shariff was guilty of not furthering Geylang’s lead when he was rooted to the ground in front of goal after Noor’s pass came.

The most glorious opportunity to Super Reds came at the 38th minute, but Haruki Seto denied Lee’s attempted tap-in on the line. The rebound fell to Choi; however the Koreans were disappointed again when Walid Lounis sent the ball out for a corner.

Back Dae Hyuen’s ambitious overhead kick off Yu’s square went over the bar, concluding the first half with Super Reds being the more adventurous of both sides, in spite of them limited to occasional bursts up front which were easily nullified by the Geylang defence.

Butler almost started the second period in the same way as the first; alas this time round he went off target despite a good sprint.

Noor charged down the left flank and whipped in a cross for Ashrin on 75th minute, who could only manage a feeble kick, however keeper Jeon Bong Seong failed to get even a touch on the goal-bound ball, as an offside Butler tapped towards the back of the net.

The closing moments were nervy for the Eagles, but they had their man between the posts Yazid Yasin to thank for as he parried away Yu’s free kick, which was awarded after substitute Syed Thaha’s sliding tackle saw Park Kang Jin falling in a dangerous position outside the box.

Kim Yoon Sik almost salvaged a point for the Bears in the last minute, spinning around Seto but he finished by finding the side netting.

“We could not score when we need to,” Super Reds head coach Jeon Kyeong Joon had to resign to fate.

“No matter how good our game plan was, the score is the most important.

“Geylang had one chance and they scored, but we did not convert ours when they came.

“We have done enough shooting practices in trainings, but they were not enough to give us the result we want.”