BALESTIER KHALSA 4
Park Kang-jin 53′, Poh Yifeng 60′, Goran Ljubojevic 69′, 79′
HOUGANG UNITED 1
Diego Gama 45’pen
The Cheetahs fell again in the space of four days, this time against Balestier Khalsa at Toa Payoh Stadium on a wet Wednesday evening.
Although the Cheetahs took the lead at half time, goals from Park Kang-jin, Poh Yifeng and a brace from Goran Ljubojevic brought the Tigers within touching distance of the Cheetahs, who are seeing their stake in the 6th spot and a run for the Promotion round looked challenged.
The Cheetahs would need at least a draw against Harimau Muda at the Hougang STadium on Sept 2, while the Tigers too face the bottom side three days later to see who will follow the top five teams for the last round.
It looked positive for the Cheetahs in the first half, with both teams having a few chances. However, Lau Meng Meng having the best chance in the half with an incredible 30-yard shot saved by Zaiful Nizam in the Tigers’ goal.
However, rained started pouring down in Toa Payoh, and it added a more slippery texture on the playing surface. However, the Tigers saw it to their advantage.
A great run on the right by Zulkifli Hashim saw a great ball passed to Park Kang-jin who tapped home from close range on 50 minutes.
Nine minutes later, a lob pass from Ruhaizad Ismail found Poh Yifeng with only Fadhil Salim to beat, and the midfielder managed to beat Fadhil from close range.
On 70 minutes, a counter attack led by Park Kang-jin found Goran Ljubojevic, who then managed to beat Fadhil for the third goal for the Tigers.
The scoring ended the night with a fourth goal for Balestier, and Ljubojevic’s second, when he headed home from close range from a resulting corner kick.
The game ended with the Cheetahs only having three points lead against the Tigers, with Harimau Muda visiting Hougang Stadium next Tuesday.
