The little over 5,000 fans at the Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium were wondering how did Brunei DPMM blew away their undefeated home record dating back to Malaysia Cup days on Sunday 3 Aug to HUFC. From the start, it was clear that both the coaches got their tactical plan correct and it appeared that the match was heading for an entertaining and thrilling affair. As early as 2nd min, HUFC could have taken the lead through Syed Fadil when his fine effort from Sharil Ishak’s cross was brilliantly saved by DPMM’s keeper, Wardun Yusoff. In the next minute another shot by HUFC forward was cleared on the line by DPMM’s Hj Muhd Subbi.
On the other end, DPMM missed a glorious chance to take the lead when they hit the bar as early as the 4th min and later, HUFC keeper, Ridzuan made a tremendous save from DPMM’s forward, Abdul Hamid’s powerful shot. DPMM was increasingly threatening the HUFC goal with raids from both flanks and through centre field, but HUFC defenders stood their ground and repulsed the attacks. Swift counter attacks by HUFC were unsettling the DPMM’s backline as they pushed forward for the elusive first goal. Both teams failed to break the deadlock for the first 40 minutes. Isa Halim limped off injured and was replaced by Tengku Mushadad very early in the match.
The much anticipated early goal failed to surface for DPMM and slowly and steadily frustration was creeping into the DPPM players. Sivaji’s tactics of defending and counter attacking fast through the flanks were working well. Frustrated DPMM players were getting agitated and tackles were coming in hard and sometimes deliberate. It appeared that DPMM players were trying to intimidate HUFC players.
For nearly forty minutes, referee Kalimuthu handled the match well, but all hell broke loose when he showed the second yellow card followed by a red card to DPMM’s captain, Pg Sallehuddin for dissent. Several DPMM players became disturbed on the sending off of their captain, reacted adversely and confronted the referee. The match was held up for about 30 minutes as the referee decided to abandon the match for safety reasons.
The match only restarted after some negotiations between Brunei DPMM officials, Match Commissioner, Mr Edward Silas and referee Kalimuthu. Credit must be given to referee, Kalimuthu for standing firm on his decision and play restarted with two DPMM’s players red carded for unsporting behaviour. As the two players left the field, one of them was seen kicking a water bottle in frustration and anger. From the resulting free kick, Valery Hiek scored with powerful and unstoppable direct kick. HUFC took a one nil lead at half time.
With only 8 men on the field, DPMM reorganised and played a 4-2-1 format against 11 men HUFC after the break. With the superiority in numbers, HUFC took control of the match. Itmi Dickson and Sharil Ishak on the flanks were running at the defenders at will and sending in the crosses only to be wasted by the misfiring forwards. The introduction of Peres for Shahril Ishak on the 63rd minute proved a turning point as his experience showed clearly in the distribution of the ball and a direct approach to the opponent goal. The overworked DPMM’s defenders had no answers for the swift flowing attacks mounted by HUFC.
Finally, striker Kengme Ludowick delivered the goals and scored a hattrick in a space of five minutes, 69th, 72nd and 74th minutes for HUFC to take a commanding lead. With 15 minutes of play left, HUFC was cruising through the match with ease and the score line stood at 4 - 0.
Peres missed a golden opportunity to put HUFC further ahead when he lobbed the ball over the crossbar with only the keeper to beat. He made amendment for his miss on 78th with a fine volley, making it 5 -0. HUFC gave a needless penalty on 82minute, when Helmi Zambin was fouled in the penalty box. Croatian Ivan Jerkovic scored from the spot to make it 5-1. Striker Fadsuhasny made it 6 – 1 for HUFC in the 90th minute to round up a comfortable win for HUFC. If only HUFC strikers and midfielders were sharper in taking their chances, it would have been in double figures. A much awaited revenge match, as described by DPMM’s coach Vjern Simunic fizzled out into a tame affair and the match will remembered for all the wrong reasons for a long time.
Coach PN Sivaji was pleased with the result and said, “The Game started out very competitively with DPMM on the offensive and taking possession and creating numerous chances. Unfortunately, the red card incidents diluted this rhythm and playing against 11 was too much for the opponent. We took full advantage to score 6 goals. I am pleased with the attitude, control and restraint showed by the team under trying circumstances. I am pleased with 3 points and looking forward to the next match against Tampines Rovers on Thursday, 6 Aug.”
Indeed, he must be really pleased as he is the first coach in the S.League to do the double on DPMM. He accomplished the feat with win at Jalan Besar and an away win at Brunei. With the loss, DPMM’s talk of adding the league title to their recent cup victory appears more difficult and their key players facing lengthy ban after disciplinary hearing, may have dented their club’s hope of winning the league. For HUFC, it was good win and strengthened their possession in the mid table.
On the other end, DPMM missed a glorious chance to take the lead when they hit the bar as early as the 4th min and later, HUFC keeper, Ridzuan made a tremendous save from DPMM’s forward, Abdul Hamid’s powerful shot. DPMM was increasingly threatening the HUFC goal with raids from both flanks and through centre field, but HUFC defenders stood their ground and repulsed the attacks. Swift counter attacks by HUFC were unsettling the DPMM’s backline as they pushed forward for the elusive first goal. Both teams failed to break the deadlock for the first 40 minutes. Isa Halim limped off injured and was replaced by Tengku Mushadad very early in the match.
The much anticipated early goal failed to surface for DPMM and slowly and steadily frustration was creeping into the DPPM players. Sivaji’s tactics of defending and counter attacking fast through the flanks were working well. Frustrated DPMM players were getting agitated and tackles were coming in hard and sometimes deliberate. It appeared that DPMM players were trying to intimidate HUFC players.
For nearly forty minutes, referee Kalimuthu handled the match well, but all hell broke loose when he showed the second yellow card followed by a red card to DPMM’s captain, Pg Sallehuddin for dissent. Several DPMM players became disturbed on the sending off of their captain, reacted adversely and confronted the referee. The match was held up for about 30 minutes as the referee decided to abandon the match for safety reasons.
The match only restarted after some negotiations between Brunei DPMM officials, Match Commissioner, Mr Edward Silas and referee Kalimuthu. Credit must be given to referee, Kalimuthu for standing firm on his decision and play restarted with two DPMM’s players red carded for unsporting behaviour. As the two players left the field, one of them was seen kicking a water bottle in frustration and anger. From the resulting free kick, Valery Hiek scored with powerful and unstoppable direct kick. HUFC took a one nil lead at half time.
With only 8 men on the field, DPMM reorganised and played a 4-2-1 format against 11 men HUFC after the break. With the superiority in numbers, HUFC took control of the match. Itmi Dickson and Sharil Ishak on the flanks were running at the defenders at will and sending in the crosses only to be wasted by the misfiring forwards. The introduction of Peres for Shahril Ishak on the 63rd minute proved a turning point as his experience showed clearly in the distribution of the ball and a direct approach to the opponent goal. The overworked DPMM’s defenders had no answers for the swift flowing attacks mounted by HUFC.
Finally, striker Kengme Ludowick delivered the goals and scored a hattrick in a space of five minutes, 69th, 72nd and 74th minutes for HUFC to take a commanding lead. With 15 minutes of play left, HUFC was cruising through the match with ease and the score line stood at 4 - 0.
Peres missed a golden opportunity to put HUFC further ahead when he lobbed the ball over the crossbar with only the keeper to beat. He made amendment for his miss on 78th with a fine volley, making it 5 -0. HUFC gave a needless penalty on 82minute, when Helmi Zambin was fouled in the penalty box. Croatian Ivan Jerkovic scored from the spot to make it 5-1. Striker Fadsuhasny made it 6 – 1 for HUFC in the 90th minute to round up a comfortable win for HUFC. If only HUFC strikers and midfielders were sharper in taking their chances, it would have been in double figures. A much awaited revenge match, as described by DPMM’s coach Vjern Simunic fizzled out into a tame affair and the match will remembered for all the wrong reasons for a long time.
Coach PN Sivaji was pleased with the result and said, “The Game started out very competitively with DPMM on the offensive and taking possession and creating numerous chances. Unfortunately, the red card incidents diluted this rhythm and playing against 11 was too much for the opponent. We took full advantage to score 6 goals. I am pleased with the attitude, control and restraint showed by the team under trying circumstances. I am pleased with 3 points and looking forward to the next match against Tampines Rovers on Thursday, 6 Aug.”
Indeed, he must be really pleased as he is the first coach in the S.League to do the double on DPMM. He accomplished the feat with win at Jalan Besar and an away win at Brunei. With the loss, DPMM’s talk of adding the league title to their recent cup victory appears more difficult and their key players facing lengthy ban after disciplinary hearing, may have dented their club’s hope of winning the league. For HUFC, it was good win and strengthened their possession in the mid table.
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