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Sengkang seek points on second try
Elwyn Lee
info@sleague.com
Hougang Stadium will once again provide home team Sengkang Punggol the opportunity to secure their first points of the season, when the Dolphins welcome Gombak United on Thursday.
The Dolphins were arguably unfortunate to go down 1-2 against Balestier Khalsa in their season opener last week, a game which coach Aide Iskandar lamented as one which should have yielded some points for his charges.
Instead, it was Balestier who went away with all three points, thanks to a first-half double from Rivaldo Costa. Sengkang replied late in the first half through Jordan Webb, but could not get that second goal that would have earned them a share of the spoils.
As it now stands, Sengkang’s Dolphins are one of two sides who go into the second week ‘pointless’, together with Japanese side Albirex Niigata (Singapore).
Both were the only teams within the league who, having played, have not secured a win or draw as yet – although with Albirex visiting Geylang United 24 hours earlier, that might have changed by the time this match kicks off.
“We were unlucky not to score points against Balestier,” said Aide.
“Now’s the time to go all out against Gombak, start getting points.”
The task will not be that easy for the Dolphins, who will be without midfielder Abdoulaye Djibril Diallo.
The Guinean had hurt his angle in the match against Balestier, although his brother Mamadou could be fit for the game.
Over at the Bulls’ pen, coach Darren Stewart was readying his charges for what he believes will be a “really, really tough” match.
The Australian, into his second term in charge with the Bulls, will be looking to replicate a top-four finish for his team again in 2010, but is under no illusions of just how rough the ride will be.
A 0-1 loss to Tampines Rovers was quickly followed by a hard-won 2-1 result against Balestier, but with their initial schedule so hectic, they have not had the easiest of times.
“We played both our (earlier) games well, even if we lost the first,” said the affable Stewart.
“But you can (sometimes) play well but not get the result. One more good performance from the team is what I expect when we play Sengkang. Every week, at every training session, the emphasis is to play well and with dedication.”
Gombak, however, will be facing a dearth of attacking options. Agu Casmir and Emmanuel Emuejeraye are victims of long-term injuries, while Kingsley Njoku has been de-registered temporarily for personal reasons.
The Bulls will look to their strike trio comprising Fazrul Nawaz, Ojimi Gabriel Obatola and new signing Park Kang Jin to lead, and more importantly finish, their attacks.
Over at the Sengkang camp, Aide’s pool of forwards will be composed of the pacy Murphy Wiredu and Moussa Keita, synchronising with midfielders Webb, Faizal Amir and Duncan Elias.
Bulls coach Stewart was well aware of the renewed and rejuvenated Sengkang outfit.
“They’ve strengthened, are well-organised and Aide’s done well. We will have to be at our best”.
For the Dolphins, a win would see them in the top half of the 12-team table, whilst for the Bulls victory will propel them up into the top two in the S.League standings. |
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