Such compliments from an opponent (Lim Tong Hai) really warms your heart. HUFC has played every team in the league and current top the table at 28 points. We are on the roll man. But yesterday's match came with a price as Subra was taken off half way through the first half. But that seemed to stir up the fire and spirit of the team as they romped through the opponents thereafter and bombarded the Eagle's nest time and time again. That's the kind of fighting spirit that wins fans - HUFC we are with you all the way.
“Home United have so many good strikers and when they come at you it makes life very hard for my defenders,” said Tong Hai.
(from sleague.com)
Paul Green
info@sleague.com
Wednesday night’s game at Bedok Stadium was a nip-and-tuck affair until the 23rd minute when Home United captain S Subramani had to leave the pitch injured, from which point and having seen the Protectors team re-shaped with the introduction of 20-year-old Syaqir Sulaiman, Geylang United fell a goal behind.
The hosts never recovered, going on to lose 3-0 in a game that the current league leaders appeared to have under control pretty much from start to finish.
Before the deadlock was broken both Geylang and Home United had chances, the Eagles going close in the 18th minute when Abdelaziz Dnibi burst through the middle and looked set to score, only for Home United defender Diakite Fode Bangaly to produce a mighty tackle inside the area to deny the Moroccan any room.
Lionel Lewis in the Home United goal had been tested by a good effort from Syed Fadhil in the 12th minute but really to that point there had been nothing between the sides, with Shahril Ishak and Kengne Ludovick combining well only to be foiled by smart work from Geylang defender Jonathan Xu quite early on.
Only moments after Subramani had to leave the field Home United caught the Eagles napping, the home defence perhaps distracted by the substitution but certainly not ready for the run made by Kone Hamed from the left to dart through and fire into the roof of the net from 15 yards out, giving Hassan Sunny no chance. The injury and then the goal were the catalysts that changed the game and saw the visitors taking over completely.Three minutes after hitting the lead Home United almost scored again, Kone’s deep pass finding the feet of Qiu Li, who had been given more room than many would consider wise so close to goal, but Hassan - caught one on one - managed to steer the talented striker away from goal which allowed time for the defence to recover and clear their lines.
Ludovick too went close in the 35th minute after a fast counter attack but the 1-0 lead was all Home United could take into the break.Geylang showed plenty of grit and determination, albeit being restricted to shots from outside the box by a well-drilled Protectors defence.In the 52nd minute, a very tricky cross from the left by Syed Thaha looked a chance to dip under the bar until Lionel managed to tip the ball over.
Meanwhile Ludovick - after a string of defensive errors by Geylang - could only offer a tame shot that Hassan gathered easily in the 53rd minute.Home United fans did not have too much longer to wait for their second goal though.
In the 66th minute Shahril Ishak ran half the length of the field in a mazy run before being upended by Noh Rahman in the area and this led to Ludovick having the penalty-taking duties for a change.The conversion was a very accomplished one and Geylang were beginning to look a beaten side.
To their credit, Geylang maintained their discipline and fought on well.They won a free kick in the 70th minute, that Aziz placed to perfection, requiring Lewis to punch away and then seven minutes later captain Aide Iskandar’s looping header just cleared the bar.But a minute later Home United were three up. Shahril Ishak, again, found Qiu Li on the left of the area and the striker was able to angle a high shot past the 'keeper from 12 yards.
Right near the end with the Eagles pushing hard for a consolation goal, Aide again went close with his shot tipped over by Lewis and Syed Fadhil having his shot cleared off the line by a defender.Kim Grant, who had been contained for most of the match, contrived to drive a very well taken free kick against the right hand Home United post.
When asked about him taking off first half substitute Syaqir Sulaiman in the second half, Home coach Vincent Subramaniam explained that he was as aware as anyone that he may not have the depth necessary should injuries pile up and wanted to see how the original substitute would perform.“He (Syaqir) did well and will be on the bench again probably for the next game against the Korean Super Reds on Sunday. “But I didn’t want to give him more than half an hour when it was obvious that it was a tall order for him to take over. “It was hard for him to take being replaced, but he understands the reasons and will get his chance again.”
Subramaniam also commented that Subramani’s injury was a concern, but it was better to take him off immediately with important games coming up later.Geylang coach Lim Tong Hai was full of praise for the effort of his players who fought to the end. “I really cannot fault them as they were up against such a good side tonight and they can only learn from the experience.”
And so Home United has further consolidated its place at the top of the table after playing every team in the S.League once.
Geylang have struggled to score for most of the season and their defence has often been stretched, this match being no exception. One feels that until they have the confidence to go forward more, they will continue to face this problem.
“Home United have so many good strikers and when they come at you it makes life very hard for my defenders,” said Tong Hai. The most pleasing thing for the young coach was that his team kept going and created chances towards the end. His team faces Gombak next and can expect another tough game.
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