| Fadhil Yunus |
DPMM FC secured back-to-back wins for the first time in the S League after recording a 3-1 victory over Balestier Khalsa FC at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium last night.
The win moved them to third in the table on goal difference two points off the pace of new league leaders Hougang United FC.
DPMM FC’s local star Azwan Ali Rahman got pulses racing for the hosts with a ferocious pass in the box prompting a Balestier’s defender to hack the ball away for a corner.
Rafael Ramazotti managed a short pass for captain Rosmin Kamis but the Balestier defence was on hand to nullify the threat.
The visitors had a glance of the target but snatched the shot wide as the Gegar Gegar men was left off the hook in the 14th minute.
But the hosts missed a gilt-edged chance after an unmarked Azwan Ali sliced his shot wide from little than six yards moments after Ramazotti’s shot brushed against the post.
Azwan Ali missed a host of chances in the first half an hour as the hosts seized advantage of Balestier’s poor form highlighted by their midweek defeat to Kaya FC in the AFC Cup.
The winger’s darting run into the box allowed him a glimpse off the target before unleashing a low effort which was desperately parried away by Balestier’s goalkeeper Zaiful Nizam.
Azwan Ali could not direct his shot towards goal after getting the end of a good cross as the visitors heaved a sigh of relief.
His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah ibni His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Deputy Sultan, and His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik witnessing the match. – PHOTOS: DEAN KASSIM
Her Royal Highness Paduka Seri Pengiran Anak Isteri Pengiran Anak Sarah binti Pengiran Haji Salleh Ab Rahaman with Yang Teramat Mulia Pengiran Muda ‘Abdul Muntaqim ibni Duli Yang Teramat Mulia Paduka Seri Pengiran Muda Mahkota Pengiran Muda Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah
Ramazotti from DPMM FC scores the second goal during the match. – DEAN KASSIM
Paulo Sergio appeared to have his view for goal obstructed before his curled attempt took a deflection off a Balestier defender which bounced off Azwan Ali but the winger could not meet the target.
But moments later, a ball hoisted into the centre of the box was chested down neatly by Ramazotti who coolly slotted the ball home past the hapless Zaiful as DPMM FC took a deserved lead.
The home side doubled the lead as Azwan Ali made amends from his missed opportunities to strike a firm shot into the bottom corner.
Azwan Salleh’s shot took a deflection off a defender and fortunately for Zaiful it missed the target after being left rooted to the spot.
DPMM FC made the first change of the game withdrawing Sairol Sahari for the fresh legs of Najip Tarif at the start of the second half.
The hosts nearly extended their lead after Maududi Hilmi Kasmi’s header hit the upright from a fine Sergio cross.
Balestier midfielder Emir Lotinac received a booking after a crunching tackle to substitute Najip Tarif.
Portuguese maestro Paulo Sergio saw his free-kick which he won after a Balestier’s player made sufficient contact to send him tumbling into the ground, sailed over the bar.
Balestier could be considered unlucky when they grazed the bar with DPMM FC’s goalkeeper Wardun Yussof beaten.
Azwan Salleh embarrassed Lotinac with a cheeky nutmeg and after darting clear Fazli Ayob tackled from behind earning him a yellow card for his troubles.
Shortly after Zaiful produced a fine save from Maududi, Balestier broke and a good passage of play allowed Fazli to knock an inviting ball into the far post which Hazzuwan Halim converted from close range.
Azwan Ali endured a mixed performance and was taken off as Shahrazen Said entered the fray who joined the likes of Ramazotti and Maududi to be denied by the post.
Balestier threatened to go level as Fadli Kamis drove a rasping effort which Wardun did well to push the ball away for a corner.
Sergio demonstrated incredible ability with his ball control before measuring a weighed cross for Ramazotti whose towering header was magnificently saved by Zaiful.
However, it proved a masterstroke for head coach Steve Kean after Shahrazen Said found the composure to fire the shot home for his side’s third of the game.
Balestier substitute Syafiq Zainal hit the side-netting as the Tigers looked to reduce the deficit.
Hendra Azam made way for the excellent Maududi Hilmi Kasmi for DPMM FC’s final substitution of the match in the 84th minute.
The substitute had the vision to prod the ball into the box but Ramazotti dragged his shot over the bar.
However, the victory was marred by a controversial sending-off to Portuguese star Paulo Sergio in injury time.
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