The White Swans survived a Hassan Sunny's red card just before half time and came back from one goal down to salvage a precious point in its title defence.
Tampines striker Boris Kopitovic who had tormented the White Swan's defence for years, broke through the Albirex defence line in the additional time of the first half. Hassan attempted to clear the ball when he ran out from his box to meet Kopitovic. However, he hesitated for a moment, and that moment meant he was a fraction slower to the ball than Kopitovic.
The referee deemed Hassan had clipped Kopitovic and gave a direct red card to Hassan. Head Coach Yoshinaga immediately withdrew winger Shuto Komaki with replacement goalkeeper 18 year old Kai Yamamoto. Luckily the resulting free kick went wide of the post.
The White Swans would have to play the second half with 10 men with the halftime score at 0-0.
Tampines piled on the attack and was awarded a penalty kick on the 52nd minute when centre back Koki Kawachi was adjudged to have handled the ball in the box. Kopitovic duly despatched the penalty to give Tampines the lead.
Tampines continued to dominate the game with the extra man, but the White Swans packed the defence and was contented to resort to counter attacks.
Against the run of the play in the 79th minute, captain Asahi Yokokawa broke down the right wing and made a teasing cross into the penalty box. Striker Seia Kunori headed the ball towards his striking partner Tadanari Lee who was lurking at the far post. Lee thumped the ball into the net for the equaliser to send the away supporters to delirium.
The White Swans continued to defend stoutly after the equaliser but were unable to find the energy for a second goal as they have just had their last game 3 days ago on Saturday against Tanjong Pagar Utd.
It was a precious point earned for the White Swans at the final whistle, while the Tampines players slumped to the floor rueing a missed chance to close the gap with Albirex.
The White Swans would however not have much rest as they would have to prepare to visit the Young Lions at Jalan Besar stadium 4 days later on 1 Jul (Saturday). Kick off is 6pm.
Match Detail
Tampines striker Boris Kopitovic who had tormented the White Swan's defence for years, broke through the Albirex defence line in the additional time of the first half. Hassan attempted to clear the ball when he ran out from his box to meet Kopitovic. However, he hesitated for a moment, and that moment meant he was a fraction slower to the ball than Kopitovic.
The referee deemed Hassan had clipped Kopitovic and gave a direct red card to Hassan. Head Coach Yoshinaga immediately withdrew winger Shuto Komaki with replacement goalkeeper 18 year old Kai Yamamoto. Luckily the resulting free kick went wide of the post.
The White Swans would have to play the second half with 10 men with the halftime score at 0-0.
Tampines piled on the attack and was awarded a penalty kick on the 52nd minute when centre back Koki Kawachi was adjudged to have handled the ball in the box. Kopitovic duly despatched the penalty to give Tampines the lead.
Tampines continued to dominate the game with the extra man, but the White Swans packed the defence and was contented to resort to counter attacks.
Against the run of the play in the 79th minute, captain Asahi Yokokawa broke down the right wing and made a teasing cross into the penalty box. Striker Seia Kunori headed the ball towards his striking partner Tadanari Lee who was lurking at the far post. Lee thumped the ball into the net for the equaliser to send the away supporters to delirium.
The White Swans continued to defend stoutly after the equaliser but were unable to find the energy for a second goal as they have just had their last game 3 days ago on Saturday against Tanjong Pagar Utd.
It was a precious point earned for the White Swans at the final whistle, while the Tampines players slumped to the floor rueing a missed chance to close the gap with Albirex.
The White Swans would however not have much rest as they would have to prepare to visit the Young Lions at Jalan Besar stadium 4 days later on 1 Jul (Saturday). Kick off is 6pm.
Match Detail
