Singapore Football Club saved their worst performance of the season, for the visit of reigning Cosmo League Champions, TGA Rangers.
The home side took the lead through a Liam Shotton hotshot, after the Stoke striker had slalomed past two defenders. 1-0 SFC.
Not to be outdone, Nathan Bryer then stepped up and smashed an equalizer into the SFC net, just five minutes later. The Rangers’s midfield dynamo being given plenty of time on the edge of the box, to settle and pick his spot. 1-1.
The game continued to be played at quite a pace, with SFC’s DJ Dashnyam looking dangerous whenever he got on the ball.
Finally, in the 22nd minute Shotton again found space down the left flank. This time beating three defenders before a fourth lunged in, giving the referee no choice but to point to the spot.
Tim Walter promptly stepped up and dispatched the spot kick to give SFC a narrow lead at the break.
Half time: 2-1.
The second half started well for SFC following some small tactical changes.
SFC’s third goal was started and finished by French Maestro, DJ Dashnyam.
DJ started by winning the ball back on half way line, before laying the ball out wide to Shotton.
The big No.14 then hit the ball wide to Rob Benson, who promptly fed Andrew Hutcheon upfront. The obdurate Scotsman then proved that old dogs can learn new tricks, as he flicked the ball over his defender with his left foot. The onrushing Dashnyam then completed the move, by finishing deftly across the keeper.
53minutes played, 3-1 SFC.
At this stage, the game should have been over.
However, Rangers had other plans. Showing the hallmark of Champions, TGA fought their way back in to the game, making it 3-2.
There was still a long way to go at this stage, but SFC confounded the situation by being uncharacteristically sloppy in possession.
A third goal for Rangers, to bring the sides level was scored, with ten minutes remaining. 3-3.
Finally, in the last few minutes Pat fox reacted, first after a good save by Smollet, to make it 3-4.
A bad day at the office, and one to forget.
Next up the Royal Bangkok Sports Club Soccer Sevens tournament in Thailand.