| Fadhil Yunus |
DPMM FC missed the chance to narrow the gap on second place after a second straight 1-1 draw with Young Lions in the Singapore Premier League at the Jalan Besar Stadium in Singapore last night.
All three rivals who are in contention for second place were in action but Home United came out the happiest after a thumping 5-1 win against struggling Geylang International FC. Tampines Rovers, the team in pole position, dropped points in the race yet again after a 2-1 defeat to Warriors and are hanging on to second spot only via goal difference.
The hosts came close in breaking the deadlock in the third minute after Ikhsan Fandi struck after having skipped past DPMM FC defender Brian McLean outside the box.
Young Lions forward Hami Syahin was counting his lucky stars after his misplaced pass into no man’s land allowed Azwan Ali an opportunity to counter as he skipped past Irfan Fandi with a lofted ball. Aware of defenders closing an angle for a shot, he sets up Volodymyr Pryimov whose powerful drive was denied by goalkeeper Zharfan Rohaizad.
Shafie Efenddy found Adi Said but the forward skied his effort wide.
Syed Firdaus’s effort from a promising position sailed wide after Brian McLean’s header fell into his path having attempted to clear a decent delivery from Zulqarnaen Suzliman.
A sloppy play from Joshua Pereira allowed DPMM FC possession of the ball but Shafie’s shot trickled wide after being played through by Azwan Ali.
Shah Razen Said announced himself in the game in style moments after being introduced as a substitute with a stunning strike having nipped past Nazhiim Harman and Zulqarnaen.
However, Young Lions were not behind for too long as Young Lions pegged back into level terms four minutes later after Ikhsan converted a penalty, sending DPMM FC goalkeeper Haimie Anak Nyaring the wrong way.
Shah Razen saw the ball spinning into the back of the net with a fine header but the goal was disallowed after a DPMM FC player was found to be in obstruction of the goalkeeper.
Young Lions midfielder Haiqal Pashia curled a decent effort from outside the box which Haimie did well diving to his left to make the save but it was the industry of Zulqarnaen who was responsible for an opening.
The Young Lions midfielder drove from his own half and played a neat one-two with a team-mate before darting into the flanks and laying the ball to Haiqal.
Azwan Ali had a chance to score the winner right at the death but was denied by a crucial block by Young Lions substitute Prakash Raj.