It was seven heavens for the new team management of the White Swans as they avoided a 6th consecutive loss by crushing Balestier Khalsa 7-2 at Jurong East Stadium tonight.
2 players, Shingo Nakano and Daniel Goh scored their first professional hattrick with Nakano drawing the first of his three goals at the 10th minute. However, ex White Swan, Kodai Tanaka immediately drew level a minute later.
The fans feared a deja vu of the defence collapsing after conceding goals in the previous 4 matches. But the team stayed calm.
Left winger, Arya Igami restored the lead for Albirex 6 minutes later. The White Swans then compact their defence after the lead and sought counter attacking opportunities.
The team was duly rewarded when Daniel Goh extended the lead just before half time at the 44th minute. 3-1, half time.
With a 3-1 lead going into 2nd half, there was no urgency for the White Swans to attack. The speed of Nakano and Daniel exploited the gaps left by Balestier Khalsa as they moved forward.
A long punt by Hassan Sunny found Nakano and Nakano scored his second and 4th for Albirex in the 61st minute. Then Daniel Goh took over and got his goals in the 65th and 74th for the hattrick.
Not to be outdone, Nakano scored his third goal 2 minutes later.
With the match almost done and dusted, Nakano and Daniel were then substituted to the applause of the home fans.
Towards the end, Balestier got a consolation goal to make the final score 7-2.
There will not be much rest for the White Swans as they play Hougang Utd for the start of the second round of matches on Tuesday, 23rd July, at Jalan Besar Stadium. Kick off is 7.45pm.
2 players, Shingo Nakano and Daniel Goh scored their first professional hattrick with Nakano drawing the first of his three goals at the 10th minute. However, ex White Swan, Kodai Tanaka immediately drew level a minute later.
The fans feared a deja vu of the defence collapsing after conceding goals in the previous 4 matches. But the team stayed calm.
Left winger, Arya Igami restored the lead for Albirex 6 minutes later. The White Swans then compact their defence after the lead and sought counter attacking opportunities.
The team was duly rewarded when Daniel Goh extended the lead just before half time at the 44th minute. 3-1, half time.
With a 3-1 lead going into 2nd half, there was no urgency for the White Swans to attack. The speed of Nakano and Daniel exploited the gaps left by Balestier Khalsa as they moved forward.
A long punt by Hassan Sunny found Nakano and Nakano scored his second and 4th for Albirex in the 61st minute. Then Daniel Goh took over and got his goals in the 65th and 74th for the hattrick.
Not to be outdone, Nakano scored his third goal 2 minutes later.
With the match almost done and dusted, Nakano and Daniel were then substituted to the applause of the home fans.
Towards the end, Balestier got a consolation goal to make the final score 7-2.
There will not be much rest for the White Swans as they play Hougang Utd for the start of the second round of matches on Tuesday, 23rd July, at Jalan Besar Stadium. Kick off is 7.45pm.
