| Fadhil Yunus |
SHAFIE Effendy came off the bench to rescue a point for DPMM FC during a 1-1 draw against Young Lions in the Singapore Premier League at the Jalan Besar Stadium in Singapore last night.
Ikhsan Fandi Ahmad’s 66th minute screamer looked to have threatened DPMM FC proud unbeaten record against the Young Lions since returning to Singapore top flight.
The ‘Gegar Gegar’ men showed real intent in the opening stages of the match typified by their excellent work with the ball which required Adam Hakeem to make an intervention with Volodymyr Priyomov lurking in as the visitors won a corner.
From the ensuing corner, there were enough big players to cause problems but it was a rather innocuous header from Adi Said as the hosts cleared their lines.
Shahrazen Said managed to get a shot but didn’t get enough power to trouble opposition goalkeeper Zharfan Rohaizad.
Azwan Salleh then struck his shot which was diverted for a corner after his effort was blocked by Hakeem.
Ikhsan Fandi spotted the run of Rusyaidi Salime and the latter sent a teasing ball into the box which was met by a teammate, but it ended up safely in the arms of DPMM FC goalkeeper Haimie Anak Nyaring.
DPMM FC defender Brian McLean had a decent attempt after heading the ball over the bar from a corner.
Adi Said then flicked a ball from a corner as McLean directed the ball towards the goal only to be cleared away by an alert Young Lions defender.
Adi Said brilliantly skipped his marker before picking up Volodymr Priyomov and the Ukrainian laid the ball back to Azwan Ali Rahman who sent a low ferocious strike which Rohaizad parried away to safety.
Young Lions pair Ikhsan and Naufal Azman enjoyed a combination move and it seemed that the latter had his sight on goal after a clever turn but could not find his shooting boots as the ball rolled straight at Haimie.
With little of note, Adi closed out the first half with an effort which sailed wide as Azwan Ali’s snapshot remained his side best opportunity of breaking the deadlock.
In a game which had seen minimal chances, Adi Said then flicked his header over shortly after the visitors won a free-kick as a defender was adjudged to have fouled Helmi Zambin.
However, the visitors were stunned after Ikhsan rifled home a delightful volley past Haimie to give his side the lead against the run of play.
With Priyomov still searching for a decent chance to add onto his tally, he flashed a ball just wide as DPMM FC looked for an instant reply.
The in-form Ikhsan, who broke his 20-game goal-scoring duck in his last outing, nearly added the second goal of the game but his shot fizzled wide.
Priyomov teed off his teammate who chose to go for placing but Rohaizad did well to parry the ball for a corner.
Nevertheless, DPMM FC battled back after Shafie produced a sublime finish four minutes from time to ensure that the visitors leave with a point.
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