Tampines take derby spoils in 4-1 win over Geylang
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| The Ultras Eagles support their team anywhere, anytime, whether Geylang is at Jurong East or Our Tampines Hub. Unfortunately, the visitors were routed 4-1 by Tampines Rovers FC. |
Tampines Rovers came from behind to beat Geylang International FC 4-1 in the Eastern Derby at Our Tampines Hub this evening to put the ball back in Albirex's court.
Khairul Amri bagged an easy hat-trick while Amirul Adli rounded proceedings with a well-taken goal, all after Fairoz Hasan gave Geylang the lead in the first half against the run of play.
There was a surprise in the Geylang lineup as 16 year-old Zikos Chua made his first start in attack. Tampines named only one change despite having played midweek in Brunei, with Madhu Mohana making way for Mustafic Fahrudin.
Zainol Gulam was the definitely the busier keeper as he had to withstand wave after wave of attack, saving from Jordan Webb and Mustafic while Megumi Ryutaro and Khairul Amri could have done better with their chances.
Geylang would then take an unexpected lead with Fairoz tapping in after confusion in the box from a lofted Jufri Taha corner.
Not deterred by the goal, Tampines continued threatening and forced Zainol into further saves from Daniel Bennett and Khairul.
Tampines headed into the break knowing anything but a win would gift Albirex the title, while Geylang counted their blessings to still be in the lead.
Geylang would then make a change two minutes into the second half, with Chua making way for Anders Aplin to take his position up front, like in the last game against Warriors. It was a good run for Chua, who had only come into the Geylang first team just two months ago.
The inevitable Tampines equaliser came in the 50th minute when Khairul stole in and gleefully tapped in an Amirul Adli cutback. Khairul would score again in a similar fashion just 10 minutes later, this time with Megumi the provider, as the Geylang defence was left in tatters.
Khairul would then complete his hat-trick on 66 minutes with a well-struck penalty after he was adjudged to have been brought down in the box.
Amirul was rewarded for his hard work with the final goal, calmly slotting home after being put through by a delightful backheel by substitute Zulfadhmi Suzliman.
Positives on both sides
After the game, Tampines coach Jurgen Raab praised his players for their performance despite having little rest since their Brunei exertions and that they deserved their margin of victory.
Geylang coach Hirotako Usui refused to blame his players and pointed to Tampines’s multiple chances and their efficiency in attack. He also spoke glowingly about debutant Zikos Chua who has been impressing him in training sessions with the first team. He also mentioned working with him in Japan 2 years ago in Epson's partnership with Japanese club Matsumoto Yamaga.
Consequences
The result keeps Geylang 2nd from bottom with 14 points with 17 games gone. Tampines strengthen their hold on 2nd place while ensuring Albirex must gain at least one more point to clinch the title.
The White Swans travel to Toa Payoh to face Balestier Khalsa tomorrow.
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