| Fadhil Yunus |
DPMM FC’s hopes of finishing as runners-up of the Singapore Premier League evaporated after a goalless draw with Balestier Khalsa FC at the Toa Payoh Stadium in Singapore yesterday.
Shahril Ishak rescued a point for Home United five minutes after conceding through a Khairil Amri’s penalty for Tampines Rovers to seal second place and with it entry to the preliminary round of the AFC Champions League.
The Stags currently hold on to third spot but DPMM FC still have a chance to pip them if they emerge victorious against Young Lions in their final home game on October 9.
Azwan Salleh sent a tricky cross into the middle which Balestier Khalsa goal-keeper Zaiful Nizam pushed away but only to the path of Adi Said whose tame header signalled an abrupt end to the danger.
On the other end, Vedran Mesec hit the side-netting with his favoured right foot as they marked their first noteworthy effort in the first half before finding space to release a fine effort which arrowed wide in his next opportunity.
Helmi Zambin did well to manufacture a cross from the by-line for Volodymyr Priyomov but the 17-goal striker scuffed his shot and allowed Zaiful to clear the ball to safety.
Azwan Salleh then had a crack from distance which hit the side-netting as the Gegar-Gegar men looked to breach the opposition goal late in the first half.
The Tigers received a colossal blow after Keegan Linderboom was forced off the pitch through injury with Noor Akid Nordin taking his place just before half-time.
Azwan Salleh then tried his luck from a more central position compared to his earlier attempt in the opening minutes of the second half but his shot was well gathered by Zaiful.
Adi Said, who enjoyed a vast collection of assists this season, floated a ball into the middle but Volodymyr could not apply the touch as Zaiful was alive to the threat.
The visitors also have worrying signs of injury as DPMM FC forward Abdul Azizi Rahman left the field on a stretcher and he was replaced by Shafie Effendy.
With little highlight of note, Abdul Hariz Herman nearly pulled off a spectacular strike with his shot from range.
Volodymyr’s curling free-kick skidded off the near post as the striker looked to close the gap on leading scorer Shuhei Hoshino.
Brian McLean sets up Najib Tarif but he was closed down by three Balestier players as the visitors looked for a late winner.