【Match Report】 White Swans Survive Scare From Tigers' Attack
With a new Head Coach at the helm, Balestier Khalsa FC gave Albirex a fright when they took an unexpected 3-1 lead at the 56th minute. If the White Swans were to drop points in the match, they would drop further back in the title chase with not many games remaining.
However, hotshot striker Kodai Tanaka had other ideas. He is chasing the golden boot with 24 goals before kickoff, 2 behind Tampines' striker Kopitovic. Tanaka was not going to give up without a fight. And what a fight he did!
For the second time this season, Tanaka scored 4 goals against Balestier tonight, and 9 in total against Balestier in 4 games. The Tiger's defence must be sick of his presence.
The first half was a lacklustre affair as the White Swans could not find any rhythm on a natural grass pitch; while Balestier had at least 3 shots on target. They made the 3rd shot count as ex-Albirex striker Jumbo Hoshino gave the Tigers a deserved 1 nil lead at half time.
The White Swans came out with more urgency in the 2nd half. Head Coach Yoshinaga must have given the players the 'hairdryer' treatment during half time. Within 4 minutes, Tanaka met a deep cross from right back Masaya Idetsu to level the score at 1-1.
Defensive lapses by the Albirex defence in the 54th and 56th minute gave the Tigers the lead again. However, Tanaka and Idetsu decided it was time to turn their engines on.
6 minutes later, Tanaka headed an Idetsu's free kick into the goal and at the 75th minute, Tanaka completed his hattrick with a well taken shot to finally equalise the score at 3-3.
At the 81st minute, Idetsu had a free kick at the edge of the box. He was never going to miss as free kicks are his bread and butter. And Idetsu duly delivered! The White Swans have turned the game around and lead 3-4.
A one-goal lead is never enough and the Albirex players were fully aware of it. 5 minutes later, Tanaka was tripped in the penalty box and got up to smash in the penalty.
With the score at 3-5, and surely the White Swans would not give away this game anymore. Omori obviously did not read the script and his mistake in the box led to Balestier earning a penalty in the 90th minute. To Omori's relief, Balestier's Taniguchi fluffed his spot kick.
The White Swans showed tremendous resilience on an unfamiliar ground and despite going 3-1 down. This game will give them confidence for their upcoming matches, starting with Young Lions next Saturday, 10 Sep, at Jurong East Stadium.
However, hotshot striker Kodai Tanaka had other ideas. He is chasing the golden boot with 24 goals before kickoff, 2 behind Tampines' striker Kopitovic. Tanaka was not going to give up without a fight. And what a fight he did!
For the second time this season, Tanaka scored 4 goals against Balestier tonight, and 9 in total against Balestier in 4 games. The Tiger's defence must be sick of his presence.
The first half was a lacklustre affair as the White Swans could not find any rhythm on a natural grass pitch; while Balestier had at least 3 shots on target. They made the 3rd shot count as ex-Albirex striker Jumbo Hoshino gave the Tigers a deserved 1 nil lead at half time.
The White Swans came out with more urgency in the 2nd half. Head Coach Yoshinaga must have given the players the 'hairdryer' treatment during half time. Within 4 minutes, Tanaka met a deep cross from right back Masaya Idetsu to level the score at 1-1.
Defensive lapses by the Albirex defence in the 54th and 56th minute gave the Tigers the lead again. However, Tanaka and Idetsu decided it was time to turn their engines on.
6 minutes later, Tanaka headed an Idetsu's free kick into the goal and at the 75th minute, Tanaka completed his hattrick with a well taken shot to finally equalise the score at 3-3.
At the 81st minute, Idetsu had a free kick at the edge of the box. He was never going to miss as free kicks are his bread and butter. And Idetsu duly delivered! The White Swans have turned the game around and lead 3-4.
A one-goal lead is never enough and the Albirex players were fully aware of it. 5 minutes later, Tanaka was tripped in the penalty box and got up to smash in the penalty.
With the score at 3-5, and surely the White Swans would not give away this game anymore. Omori obviously did not read the script and his mistake in the box led to Balestier earning a penalty in the 90th minute. To Omori's relief, Balestier's Taniguchi fluffed his spot kick.
The White Swans showed tremendous resilience on an unfamiliar ground and despite going 3-1 down. This game will give them confidence for their upcoming matches, starting with Young Lions next Saturday, 10 Sep, at Jurong East Stadium.
