Cliffhanger End To B-League

Bandar Seri Begawan - WIJAYA FC put the onus on DPMM FC when they eked out a narrow 1-0 win over Indera yesterday afternoon in their final match of the B-League 2003 campaign.

The victory essentially means that the winner of the B-League will not be decided until the last day when DPMM FC takes on ABDB tonight at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium.

Both WIJAYA and DPMM FC entered the final round tied on points but with the defending champions DPMM FC ahead on a much superior goal difference.

But With WIJAYA forging a victory yesterday afternoon courtesy of a lone goal from Abang Norsillmy Abang Hj Taha in the 13th minute, they now claim top spot for 24 hours at least.

It was a closely fought game with WIJAYA really failing to capitalise on their chances but still managing that all important win to keep their title hopes just barely alive. In fact, WIJAYA have Abang to thank for being in this position alone as his crucial goals throughout the season has allowed his side to keep pace with DPMM FC, something that many thought impossible up to now.

DPMM FC now enter their match tonight realising that any sort of win will ensure that they remain the only team to have ever held the B-League title in its short two-year existence.

Having won the title in its inaugural year last year, DPMM FC are in no mood to surrender it so meekly and their coach Azman Eussof has warned his team of any complacency.

"The situation is now in our hands and we have to make the most of any opportunities that come our way. Obviously, Ajayi (Oluseye) and Brian (Bothwell) are our two key figures and I expect them to lead our team again tomorrow. But my message to our players is simple: I have asked them to play as a team, play hard and make the most of the opportunities that we create in the game," said the DPMM FC coach.

Since the addition of Bothwell, DPMM FC has been simply unstoppable but after losing to ABDB in the FA Cup, Azman has warned his players not to take the soldiers too lightly.

"What I have seen of them, they are a team that can play if you give them space. We have to close them down and not give them the space to play. They are a good side but we will be ready to play."

Whatever the outcome, the B-League has earned its status as the national football league in Brunei with an exciting second year in existence. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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