DPMM FC missed the chance to go top of the S-League after stuttering to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Tampines Rovers FC at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium last night.

Hougang lead the table after a 1-0 win against Balestier Khalsa while DPMM FC freefall to 5th after starting the day in second.

The visitors pieced a string of passes together and moments later they took the lead through a powerful header by Billy Mehmet from a Christopher Van Huizen Cross.

DPMM FC tried to get an instant response with Paulo Sergio curling in a free kick but defender Brian McLean only had minimal contact to allow the Tampines defence to clear.

The hosts got fired up after the earlier setback and after executing brilliant close control on the edge of the area, Brazilian striker Rafael Ramazotti got the end of cross as his header brushed wide.

The Stags were equally determined as Jordan Webb cut the ball back to goal-scorer Mehmet but was closed down by the DPMM FC's defence.

The 'Gegar Gegar' men found themselves further behind with the assistance of a good delivery from Christopher Van Huizen to the far post which was nodded in by Jordan Webb.

Azwan Salleh bursts into the box but his outstretched attempt was parried away by the Tampines goalkeeper for a corner.

The next genuine opportunity fell to the hosts with Paulo Sergio firing his shot wide from a Ramazotti cutback.

The visitors nearly extended their lead thanks to the influence of the effectual Jordan Webb who initially designed a team move with an instinctive pass for the onrushing Fazrul Nawaz who cut the ball back into the centre of the box.

However, Van Huizen shot straight to Wardun Yussof as the chaotic defensive unit surrounding the goalkeeper heaved a sigh of relief.

An unmarked Azwan Ali spurned a good chance to at least test the keeper after the ball fell kindly to him in the far post but could only direct his shot wide.

Van Huizen delivered a good corner into the box but Webb's header sailed over the bar.

DPMM FC were handed a lifeline after Ramazotti rose high to nod home a stooping header from a well-taken Sergio set-piece.

The goal elicited a prompt response with the arrival of former Premier League star Jermaine Pennant in the hour mark which generated a wave of excitement among the local fans.

And the former Liverpool and Arsenal man nearly made an uphill task for the hosts after his free-kick hit straight into the welcoming arms of Wardun Yussof.

Pennant pulling a nutmeg to substitute Najib Tarif could possibly be led on as a dressing room banter among the DPMM FC teammates for the rest of the night only if they could conjure another goal.

A fine individual move by substitute Yasir Hanapi nearly ended with the ball creeping in underneath Wardun but the DPMM FC defence came to the rescue with the combative midfielder ready to collect the pieces.

Tampines were reduced to 10 men with Afiq Yunos given his marching orders for a second bookable offence after hauling down Sergio for a professional foul.

However, Singapore first choice goalkeeper Izwan Mahbud was in fine form after pulling off a pair of world class saves to preserve his side lead.

The hosts were close to draw level after Ramazotti hoisted a ball into the box and Azwan Ali was destined for the leveller only for Tampines shot-stopper Izwan to produce a sensational save.

Azwan found himself with the goalkeeper in his sights but the Singapore international pulled off a magnificent save forcing a corner.

With the hosts searching for an equaliser, Tampines's veteran Mustafic Fahrudin intervened with a timely clearance to prevent any threat as the visitors hung on for a precious three points.

Source:
@BRUDIRECT.COM

by BruDirect.com

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