Tampines Rovers VS Tanjong Pagar United

26 October 2013
Clementi Stadium

By Ong Jiing Yih

A rare Saturday fixture beckons on the horizon when Tanjong Pagar United make the short trip southwest to play newly-crowned champions Tampines Rovers.

The Stags were given an inadvertent boost on Sunday when league rivals Balestier Khalsa gave them a massive shot in the arm.

A shock win over Albirex Niigata left the 2004, 2005, 2011 and 2012 title winners with an insurmountable lead at the top, thus enabling them to retain the S.League championship without even kicking a ball.

But as they say in football, today's news is tomorrow's history; there have been stranger events unfolding over the years.

Any notion of immediate rejoice in their success was swiftly quashed by Home United who in the midst of their late-season spurge, overcame them 2-0.

Something worthy of note for the Jaguars.

Back to the side, with one win by each from their two league meetings in May and September respectively, there is never a better time for the team to take advantage.

However, with changes in playing and coaching staff mooted – Khairul Amri a reported signing for Lions XII – taking on Tampines who are looking to give their fans a good sending-off can be as tough as it gets.

Nevertheless, with Monsef Zerka in decent scoring form he stands to be a deciding factor in this encounter.

As long as the defence hold form and remain hard to breach akin to their early-season form, plus a monumental team effort, anything is possible.

Even with their seasonal objectives attained, the side still harbour their own aspirations of climbing up the table to in a bid to finish as high as they manfully can.

Head coach Patrick Vallee remains focused on his league commitments and he expects his players to follow suit.

Kickoff is at 7.30 pm. Show the Jaguars your support!