Woodlands Wellington 2-2 Tanjong Pagar United
18 October 2013
Jalan Besar Stadium
Scorers: Moon Soon Ho 27', Chang Jo Yoon 67'; Hafiz Nor 57', Asraf Rashid 73'

The S.League encounter between Woodlands Wellington and Tanjong Pagar United ended all square in an open, eventful encounter full of goalscoring opportunities.

In what was sometimes a feisty, contentious and entertaining affair, the Jaguars pegged back their opponents twice.

In the process, the Rams avoided losing another 2-1 lead as shown in their 3-2 reverse during their pervious outing.

They struck the first blow after Moon Soon Ho, played in by compatriot Chang Jo Yoon, lifted the ball past Aurelien Herisson and into the gaping goal.

Moon returned the favour by teeing up Chang for the Korean's left-footed stunner in the second half.

However, substitute Hafiz Nor equalised midway through the second half with a low volley underneath the body of Yazid Yasin.

With that strike the winger netted for the first time since 28 July against Loyola Meralco Sparks.

The no.11 promptly returned the favour himself, crossing for Asraf Rashid who took a touch and bamboozled Ang Zhi Wei before firing home.

Missing Sazali Salleh and John Wilkinson, plus Ismael Benahmed who withdrew with a groin complaint midway through the first period, Tanjong Pagar gave as good as they got.

Some changes to the Woodlands lineup meanwhile include Taufiq Rahmat, Fadhil Noh and Farouq Farkhan plus Shariff Samat, who sat out due to suspension.

It was the away side who made the first move however, an early low cross by Benahmed almost playing in the eager playing Kamel Ramdani but Yazid Yasin caught well.

The Frenchman was at it again moments later as he launched himself at a near-post flick-on.

A foul by Chang on Hanafi Salleh then produced the first Jaguars attempt on goal – Zerka waited to pounce while on the receiving end of the skipper Hafiz Osman's inswinging cross.

However, Yazid in the hosts' goal was up for the challenge.

He was to be called into action for his maiden save on 18 minutes when he kept out a fierce first-time shot from one-time teammate Ahmad Latiff.

A second attempt then arrived in quick succession off the flying boot of Asraf Rashid.

Then came the opening goal – out of the blue, frankly.

With Benahmed's participation already over and having nothing to lose, the visitors remained patient as they continued to attack with caution.

As Hafiz Nor came in his place there was to be another viable outlet where they could create chances, such as the one effort by Zerka for minutes before the break.

On that occasion, the Moroccan was to be thwarted again at the near post.

The match has passed by without much incident when in the 66th minute, Hafiz Osman could have nudged his team in front, had his intended attempt from Latiff's centre not been deflected away.

Crucially, Tanjong Pagar bailed themselves out first when Hafiz was afforded the freedom of Jalan Besar, fixed his eyes on the ball and picked out the perfect moment before beating Yazid with ease.

Hafiz Nor, reminding everyone of his undoubted potential, then sent in a tantalising cross that evaded the entire Woodlands backline.

Man in form and visibly confident after recent energetic showings, it was none other than Asraf who brought the ball down with a majestic touch and evaded his marker, before rifling past the exposed goalkeeper.

Zerka had another late opportunity to win the match before Ang dragged his shoot wide on the turn in stoppages.

“Both teams showed they deserved to be in top six, it's been a good display in front of the television (cameras). I like how we started the game and created chances; however, their first chance was the goal and their second was our mistake. However, I'm happy for both Asraf and Hafiz who had a goal and assist each,” said Vallee in the post match conference.

“It's better to win but it's (also) good to draw an entertaining match. Now it's very important to be focused on the half round, which is a good format. As the title is now finished, we now (aim to) fight for a better position.”

“Overall, I'm very happy tonight. And when I speak about both teams… if someone had mentioned these two are losing teams last season, then I have to say what the two teams have done (this season) is very good. My team never gave up, the players showed they (have) fight(ing spirit).”

Woodlands Wellington: Cho Sunghwan, Shahril Alias (c), Atsushi Shimono, Chang Jo Yoon, Moon Soon Ho, Taufiq Rahmat (Oswind Suriya 67'), Rosman Sulaiman, Fadhil Noh (Goh Swee Swee 76'), Farouq Farkhan (Theerawekin Seehawong 80'), Yazid Yasin, Ang Zhi Wei
Head Coach: Salim Moin
Booked: Shahril 30', Taufiq 50', Rosman 68'

Tanjong Pagar United: Aurelien Herisson, Anthony Aymard, Hafiz Osman (c), Hanafi Salleh, Asraf Rashid (Azhar Ahmad 87'), Ahmad Latiff, Ismael Benahmed (Hafiz Nor 31'), Kamel Ramdani, Monsef Zerka, Walid Lounis, Zahid Ahmad
Head Coach: Patrick Vallee
Booked: Zerka 63', Latiff 76', Asraf 79'

Referee: Muhd Taqi Jahari
Assistant Referees: Edwin Lee, Er Swee Ann
Fourth Official: Jansen Foo