WWFC 2: 3 HUFC - Protectors grit & character wins

With 2 goals down, the Protectors came back to score full points. It was true grit and the character of the team that gave them the much deserved victory. Diakite was the real workhorse both at the heart of defence and in the thick of action up front scoring 2 goals to draw the Protectors level. Lead scorer Kengne Ludovick sealed the match with the 3rd goal. At last the Woodlands hoodoo is exorcised.

Home United overcome the setback of going two goals down to dump Woodlands deeper into their misery, as they rode the storm to win 3-2. Minus four key players who went away with the National team, full credit had to be given to the squad who played exceptionally well.

As for Woodlands, although Jerry Bartholomeusz and Ismadi Mukthar played significant parts in the first two Woodlands goals, skipper aka ‘enfant terrible’ Ahmad Latiff Kamaruddin was sent off late in the game.

Woodlands went for the jugular right from the start and gave the Home defence some concern. Home too showed their intent to go on the offensive, as Goh Swee Swee found Kengne Ludovick in the clear. His cross was cleverly sidestepped by Qiu Li, but the onrushing Kone Hamed could only flash his effort wide.

Juma’at Jantan, playing in an advanced midfield role, had some good moments in the game. He nearly made the most of his presence in the penalty area having collected a loose ball, as he tracked back on one occasion to fend off Abdelhadi Laakkad, easily Woodland’s most dangerous player.

Although Home dominated the first half, the players could not capitalise much. Bah Mamadou, playing at right back against his former club, had a busy night, as he had to keep tabs of Kone. In first half stoppage time, the Rams took the lead grossly against the run of play, as Ridzuan spilt Laakkad’s freekick into the goal.

The players however, did not let their heads drop as they came out with the same amount of effort, commitment and desire after the break. Unfortunately, before Home could even restore parity, an uncharacteristic error by defensive stalwart and captain S. Subramani laid the ball onto the plate for former Home’s right midfielder Imran, who finished with aplomb.

Commitment was never in question as Rosman Sulaiman and Ahmad Latiff tussled along the touchline. After Latiff hauled down Rosman, his furious reaction spoke volumes, after the freekick went in favour of Home.

As Woodlands sat back in their own half, it gave the Protectors incentive to attack. Juma’at threaded the ball through for a lurking Diakite outside the box, and he duly obliged with a stunner, to put Home right back into the match at 2-1.

The same player made it all square on 73 minutes. Juma’at once again became the provider, as his high crosses was enough to cause panic in the box, the ball bounced twice, before Diakite lashed the ball into the net, with the entire Woodlands defence standing still.

Ram Shanker, who came on as a late substitute to provide some strength and guile upfront, certainly made his presence felt. A neat interchange of passes set him free down the left. He crossed from the near touchline and found Ludovick in the clear. Home’s top scorer waited for the ball to drop before poking the ball past Fadhil. That goal four minutes from time broke Woodlands’ hearts and knocked them out of their senses.

Although 3-2 in the lead, Home never relaxed as Kone tracked back well to deny Yusri Waris as he shaped to shoot. In stoppage time, referee John Chia sent off Ahmad Latiff, after he had appeared to stamp on Ridzuan’s face.

Other teams might have been respectful to Home, but Woodlands had seemingly did not show it. A minor scuffle broke out after the final whistle, as Jerry Bartholomeusz, presumably still seething at the result, had an argument with Kone thereafter.

Said Home assistant coach Surachai Jaturapatarapong: "One of their players was not happy at losing, and Mani got hurt, but not seriously. Still, Woodlands have to control their players better." ---- Today dated 8 Oct 2007

Controversy or not, Home should be very much motivated to carry on their title charge, as they go into their match against the Young Lions in a positive frame of mind.