In a space of three days, the Hougang Boys will next participate in the much anticipated Northeastern Derby against crosstown rivals Home United on Monday night at Hougang Stadium.
This will not only be special because of the derby, but because it will be a special reunion for former Cheetah’s Canadian wizard Jordan Webb.
Jordan Webb, who was the much beloved winger for the Hougang/Sengkang Punggol faithful, spent four years with the Northeastern outfit, banging in fifty goals in process. Although the spotlight will be mostly on the Canadian, however, his Home United team will not be forgotten, as the Protectors have plenty of quality in their sides, boosting the likes of Indra Shahdan, Masato Fukui, Hafiz Rahim, Song Ui-Yeong and Sirina Camara.
With the much needed win against Harimau Muda on Friday as an “appetizer” for this much anticipate match, the Cheetahs will be looking to revitalize their season, especially recovering at the back of a six-match winless run. The last time the Cheetahs went on a six-game winless run, was last season, which the Cheetahs went on to a nine-game unbeaten run towards the end of last season.
Nurhilmi Jasni will be certainly picked up as the dangerman for the Protectors. The 26-year old winger scored two goals against Harimau Muda, his first two goals in a Hougang shirt since joining the Cheetahs fourteen months ago. His selection in the first team so far have been fruitful, with his energy and timely runs have troubled the likes of Balestier Khalsa, Warriors FC and Harimau Muda, and his presence have paid off Johana Johari’s faith in his selection.
The Cheetahs will certainly be looking forward to boost their attack, with six goals scored in the last two games. However, the defence is still a glowing concern, especially in the second half, where the Cheetahs had conceded twelve of the last seventeen goals in the last twenty five minutes in each games. Where Fadhil Salim had been one of the outstanding goalkeepers in this season, saving the Cheetahs from further misery, caretaker coach Johana Johari will be looking more to shape up his defence in time for the visit of the Protectors.
The Cheetahs will still be missing Robert Eziakor to a groin injury for this game; Jerome Baker is still a doubt for this game, after being hauled off after 30 minutes against Warriors FC, and not selected for the game against Harimau Muda.
With Jordan Webb finally back on the Hougang pitch, this time donning the red of Home United, however, the Hougang Boys will not be giving them any favours this Monday, especially at the back of a stunning victory. Lets all keep calm and pray for a Hougang victory.
