| Fadhil Yunus |
DPMM FC forward Razimie Ramlli marked his debut in the AIA Singapore Premier League in style after having a hand in two of his team’s goals during a 3-0 victory against Geylang International FC at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas last night.
The second half substitute, who swapped domestic football action with Singapore, won his side a penalty before opening his account to complete the scoring in the final minute of normal time.
DPMM FC foreign import Blake Ricciuto helped his side take the lead with an accurate header for his first goal of the club on his home debut.
The Gegar Gegar men also secured their second successive victory and clean sheet this season.
The hosts had an anxious moment as DPMM FC captain Wardun Yussof’s attempted clearance fell to Geylang’s attacker Syahiran Miswan who attempted to lob the ball into the net. However, a DPMM FC defender came to the rescue with a defensive header.
Abdul Azizi Rahman prevented the ball from going out of the byline before finding Shah Razen Said who was his best option to make a pass.
Shah Razen delivered a cross into the box and Blake perfectly placed his header beyond the reach of Geylang goalkeeper Zainol Gulam.
At the back, Fakharrazi Hassan’s defensive intervention was crucial in limiting Ifwat Ismail’s aerial threat and most importantly denying a route back into the game for the Eagles.
Geylang’s Barry Maguire took a long shot from distance but the direction of the ball was too central for Wardun who made a routine stop.
The Gegar Gegar men broke in a counter after Abdul Azizi Rahman threaded a pass for Andrei Varankou whose return pass appeared to be just behind the local striker and went out of play.
DPMM FC midfielder Hendra Azam sent a teasing cross into the box as Andrei rose for a header but the ball brushed against the post.
From the ensuing corner, Charlie Clough forced a smart save from Zainol as Andrei steered home the rebound. But the goal was ruled out for offside and there were no complaints from the home side.
The visitors came out after the interval the more dangerous-looking side as Barry Maguire slipped a pass to Syahiran, whose shot was well saved by Wardun.
Geylang encountered a problem when Zainol required medical attention for a second time in as many minutes with all the substitutes already used.
DPMM FC Head Coach Adrian Pennock pulled off a tactical masterstroke after his decision to replace Yura Indera Putera with an attacking-minded Razimie paid dividends. Razimie caused problems to the Geylang defence with his attacking intent and energy.
The substitute, whose most competitive league appearance was in the Brunei top flight, won a penalty and Andrei duly scored for his second goal in two matches.
The former MS ABDB man was not done yet, as he headed home a cross from close range at the death.