Tanjong Pagar United 0-0 Albirex Niigata

16 July 2013
Queenstown Stadium
Scorers Nil

Tanjong Pagar United remain on third place in the Great Eastern Yeo’s S.League following a tepid 0-0 draw against the Swans of Albirex Niigata.

Both teams effectively cancelled out each other as neither side pulled closer to Tampines Rovers who stand rather aloof at the top.

The Jaguars could have effectively narrowed the gap to just one point away from second place however, as the likes of Monsef Zerka, Asraf Rashid and John Wilkinson found the going tough against a no-nonsense visiting rearguard.

An equally resolute display however softened the blow of having gained just one point, with the invaluable bonus of a deserved clean sheet.

Just as pleasing was the selection of Anthony Aymard as the ‘Singa Man of the Match’ in appreciation of his guile, tenancity and immaculate positioning throughout.

Pre-match, Asraf Rashid and K Vikraman both make their return to the starting lineup in light of Walid Lounis’ suspension and Hafiz Nor being on the bench.

Seah Si Hao and Shafiq Noh, regulars in the Prime League squad, also made to the bench in light of the injury situation with Azhar Ahmad and Rizawan Abdullah both out.

Kazuya Fukuzaki joined regular skipper Shuhei Hotta on the bench while Yuki Ichikawa returned for the visitors.

Dangermen Kazuki Sakamoto, Shingo Suzuki and Takeshi Nagasawa were all in tow, aiming to stem the rot of their recent run of one point out of a maximum six.

At the head of the inevitable queue was the hosts, with the first warning sign sounded off by Wilkinson.

The veteran midfielder conjured up a speculative attempt after only seven minutes only for the flight of the ball to trouble Hara.

In the 14 minute, Suzuki’s corner was laid off by defender Kento Fukuda, only for a reaction header to hover out of play by Sakamoto.

A freekick and a double take via the corner routine were next to threaten the hosts, as the visitors were content to be patient and map out their passing game.

For Tanjong Pagar, promising moves out of defence and in attack were either broken up or held up by untimely whistles of the match referee.

Pleasingly, they started to grow into the game as time wore on as they set about to fashion decent goal opportunities.

A cross by Wilkinson to Zerka caused enough concern for the visiting defence to answer any questions asked, in which they cleared.

Asraf and Wilkinson then combined to set up Ismael Benahmed approaching half time, an instinctive effort that sailed wide of goal.

The start of second half had barely begun when Benahmed’s cross from right channel found Fukuda instead of the onrushing Zerka, who had reason to grimace at what might have been.

The next moment then witnessed a reaction save by Herisson on Sakamoto who shot on the run.

As action swung back in favour of the Jaguars, an intended through ball transformed into a chance on goal for Wilkinson, whose effort went wide on 54 minutes.

A foul by Masahiro Ishikawa on Zerka then brought out a Wilkinson freekick which veered just wide in the 58th minute.

The match descended into a lull but out of nowhere, Suzuki lashed in left-footed from the right hand side which carried no threat.

Zerka was next to counter, firing wide on a difficult-to-control volley on 65 minutes.

Tried as they might, Tanjong Pagar sought to carve out openings – Benahmed led the charge at one stage, weaving through midfield past a couple of opponents in a rare moment of flair on show.

In addition, as a significant example of his burgeoning form, a good save low down by Herisson kept the score intact, denying Bruno Junichi Suzuki Castanheira in the 76th minute.

Vikraman might have been able to snatch a win following a concerted attempt, reading an errant through ball perfectly and fed to Zerka.

The Moroccan promptly slipped in Hafiz, only for his well-intended strike to be deflected by Ishikawa two minutes from time,

A late bid to snare a goal in stoppages saw Zerka hurried upon the shoulder of Fukuda, a move which came to little fruition.

Post-match, Jaguars tactician Patrick Vallee, having expected a tough match on the outset, was pleased with his side’s disciplined display.

“It was a good game defensively for both teams, as I think we created more chances in the second half than during the first when we were more cautious. (Regardless of whether) one point had been gained or two were dropped, I’ve been confident of getting a result today.

“We were careful not to concede, and could have scored one if we’re lucky; we were hoping John (Wilkinson) and (Ahmad) Latiff could score for instance. Nevertheless we keep to our objectives, and were disciplined on the night.”