| Fadhil Yunus |
DPMM FC team manager Ali Momin suggested that the complexion of the game might have been fairly different had they eradicated the number of errors during the 4-1 defeat to Geylang International FC in the Great Eastern-Hyundai S League at the Jalan Besar Stadium in Singapore on Friday night.
The defeat left them with a must-win encounter against Tampines Rovers FC in their next home league match to stay in contention of snatching seventh place from Balestier Khalsa FC.
The Eagles fully exploited an error-strewn performance from the ‘Gegar Gegar’ men as defenders Yura Indera Putera and Hazwan Hamzah as well as goalkeeper Mu’izzuddin Ismail were all found culpable in Geylang’s goals.
“We told the boys to keep possession and not to make silly mistakes at the back, but it didn’t work out for us. We made three mistakes which led to three goals. If we minimise that, it will be a different story,” said Ali Momin in a post-match interview.
Ali agreed that the side gradually improved in the second half and indicated that the comeback would have been very much in the cards had they found the second goal.
DPMM FC winger Azwan Ali Rahman pulled one back prompting the possibility of a similar repeat to the game against Balestier Khalsa where they clawed their way back from 2-0 down to a creditable draw.
“We did play better in the second half but was only able to score one. If the second goal had come, I’m sure we can fight back,” Ali said.
The head coach called for improvement next season after a disastrous year which saw them tallying their worst points total in their S League history.
“The problem with us is consistency. They did well in the last game against Warriors FC (3-2) but not in this game. We need our players to play with their hearts and hopefully we can improve next season,” the team manager said.
Meanwhile, Geylang International FC head coach Noor Ali said that had DPMM FC found the second goal the match could have gone either way.
Brazilian striker Rafael Ramazotti saw his header came off the crossbar in the 52nd minute before Azwan Ali gave his team renewed hope.
The head coach was formulating a game plan in view of DPMM FC’s playing style which worked to their advantage.
“My game plan was to press them high up early because they would usually pump the long ball to Ramazotti. The intensity was very high in the first 45 minutes,” he said.
“But in the second half, we put pressure on ourselves to keep the ball in our own half and that’s what DPMM FC wanted. We’re lucky, they hit the post and could have scored a second. That could have been a different ball game.”
Geylang forward Shawal Anuar killed off the tie with his side’s fourth goal which Noor considered a pivotal moment during the win.
“The fourth goal was very important for us and it’s good to see Shawal playing this way. He took his chances well and is playing with confidence.”
The Eagles, who currently sit in fourth place, are aiming for their best finish in the league since the 2003 season when they secured the runners-up spot behind Home United FC.
“The team have momentum now and hopefully we end the season well,” the former Singapore international said.
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