Tanjong Pagar United VS Courts Young Lions
25 August 2013
Queenstown Stadium

By Ong Jiing Yih

Tanjong Pagar United resume their assault on third place in the Great Eastern Yeo’s S.League following a shortened season break due to fixture changes.

What was originally scheduled to be played on 5th September has now been put forward to this coming Sunday.

The players are in fine fettle as they look to resume their assault on third place, ahead of the newly-introduced ‘half round’ after the 22nd and final round of the regular league season.

Morale is certainly high within the camp, with the Jaguars seeking to ride on the wave of their 3-2 success over Woodlands Wellington about three weeks ago.

During that encounter, the likes of Kamel Ramdani, Ahmad Latiff and Anthony Aymard all showcased their qualities in respective positions as they rode against wave after wave of opposition attacks especially in the second half.

With the result consigned to history their next challenge arrives in the shape of Courts Young Lions.

It has been anything but rosy for the lads under the tutelage of ex-national captain Aide Iskandar, however.

From administrative issues, national service callups to the bread and butter of injuries and suspensions, one can only imagine and emphatise with how much toil the prominent head coach has gone through for much of the season.

Having looked like turning a corner after securing their first point away to DPMM on 25th May, they have only managed to win two of their next ten matches, both in the League Cup.

Surprise draws against Albirex Niigata and Warriors FC followed in the league, representing the only glimmer of hope amidst a dismal run of results.

Despite the likes of Syazwan Buhari, Afiq Yunos and M Anumanthan leading the charge the young ones from Jalan Besar have very little else to play for except pride, as time tick towards the closing stages of the 2013 season.

Motivation and energy should be in adequate supply however, more so after the last encounter featuring both sides – the 3-0 victory by Tanjong Pagar during the League Cup tie.

Shifting focus back to the host, there shall be no more room for slip-ups approaching the business end of the season.

Sazali Salleh remains the only long-term absentee as the team look to go all out for victory.

Kickoff is at 7.30pm.