Tanjong Pagar United 2-1 Warriors

18 May 2013
Scorers (Sufian Anuar 37′, Asraf Rashid 39′, Hafiz Nor ’68)

By Ong Jiing Yih

Match Highlights

Tanjong Pagar United recorded a well-earned and deserved 2-1 victory over former aristocrats Warriors FC.

Doing the double over their league counterparts, the result moves the Jaguars back to third position on 24 points.

Despite falling behind to Sufian Anuar’s opener as in the previous encounter, the Queenstown outfit fought back brilliantly with Asraf Rashid – who netted his first of the season – and Hafiz Nor’s cute finish.

Ismael Benahmed could have added further sheen to the scoreline but for the unkind matchball to thump the bottom right-hand post.

As it was prior to kickoff, French goalkeeper Aurelien Herisson continued his ban while Asraf returned to the first eleven.

Meanwhile, Ahmad Latiff – for a personal achievement that would have meant much to him – led out the side in the absence of appointed captains Hafiz Osman and Walid Lounis in the only other change.

Kazuyuki Toda and Sufian on the other hand lined up for their side as they sought to reverse their indifferent form.

Also in attendance was club legend Therdsak Chaiman, who popped by in midst of his busy schedule.

His presence was indeed one of few positives for all connected to Warriors.

The early exchanges were anything but, until Azhar Ahmad stood firm and defended stoutly near the touchline before Ruzaini Zainal could even move an inch.

An errant pass out of defence by the visitors presented the hosts with their first chance, a volley by Hafiz Nor which veered wide on 10 minutes.

Then, as Monsef Zerka threatened to home in on goal, the Warriors scrambled to find their feet before clearing the loose ball.

With little on show in terms of goalmouth action, it is the midfield battle as well as the duel between Hafiz and Zulfadli Zainal Abidin down the right that set pulses racing.

The diminutive winger contrived to fashion the next chance after 23 minutes, having collected Zerka’s knockdown off Zahid Ahmad’s deep cross.

The Warriors then sprung out of the traps in the 26 minute, Abdil Qaiyyim heading wide having connected with a set piece delivered by Shi Jiayi.

33-goal league top scorer in 2011 Mislav Karoglan popped up from just outside the ‘D’ and contrived to pummel the ball into submission.

The Jaguars’ own super striker Zerka then forced Hassan Sunny into smothering the ball before his roving cross could find any team mates on the run.

With two teams bent on an intriguing encounter, little surprise the action swiftly switched from one end to the other – Anthony Aymard in the right place at the right time to deny Shi time and space on the half-volley.

However, the home side was stunned when Sufian let slip of his marker and curled past Shamsudin from outside the box after 37 minutes.

Positively, Tanjong Pagar hit back in magnificent fashion within 120 seconds, following Sazali Salleh’s incisive pass to Hafiz.

Asraf, who was then able to take respite from his countless battles with Daniel Bennett, was to be the opportune receipt.

Subject to interpretation whether it had been a cross or shot, the crucial deflection off Abdil served the ball on a plate for the marauding Asraf, who finished with typical aplomb.

Second half began with the Jaguars attacking the end towards the entrance of the stadium, during which Asraf and Bennett gave a real go again, in a bid to win possession.

Commitment was never out of the question as tempers flared intermittmently, but not before a touch of genius almost paved the way to goal.

Ramdani forced Hassan into a save at full stretch with a precise freekick on 55 minutes.

However, while searching for the second goal the Jaguars unwittingly left a few gaps at the back.

The hosts got out of jail when Karoglan was let loose to try an effort off his right foot, a half volley which sailed wide.

At a time when the away side were beginning to exert some influence, the defence and Shamsudin had to be on their most alert not to cede any vital territory.

Speaking of which they failed to do so apart from some hopeful attempts from range, and disaster duly struck on 68 minutes.

An audaciously fantastic through ball from Zerka split the opposing defence and caught everyone square, leaving Hafiz to apply the magical finishing touch.

It was literally poetry in motion as the winger dinked a clever lob over the flailing Hassan.

Abdil very nearly scored an own goal when Hafiz tried to return the favour by crossing towards Zerka.

Tanjong Pagar could have gone three up and sealed the match, had a wonderful 25-yard rocket by Benahmed not smacked against the post.

A late barrage of pressure from the Warriors proved futilebut for one last piece of action, a moment that nearly had the hearts of Tanjong Pagar fans in their mouths.

Amazingly, Karoglan headed wide when played in by Abdil’s knockdown, where a gaping goal seemed ready to swallow the ball.

Thankfully, his miss meant three precious points went safely into the bag.