Table leaders Lion City Sailors beat Albirex Niigata tonight at Our Tampines Hub 2 nil with a goal in each half. The match, originally scheduled as a home match for the White Swans, was shifted to Tampines due to Jurong East Stadium being chosen as a rally site for Singapore's General Election.
The match started with a defensive line-up for the White Swans as they played with three centre backs to contain Sailor's potent attacking threat. Daniel Martens, back from injury, was handed only his second start of the season as one of the three centre backs.
The strategy worked well until the 25th minute when Sailor scored from a corner kick. Sailor's centre back, Toni Datkovic shook off the attention of his marker, Shingo Nakano, to head home the opener.
The White Swans did not crumble despite the set back and continued to hold tight in defence. In addition, they went on the counter attack through openings and had a goal by Daniel Goh ruled out due to offside. VAR checks confirmed the on-field decision.
The second half continued to be a tight affair as Albirex kept their defensive shape. However, centre back Stevia Egbus Mikuni, in a poor form, gave away the ball to the opponent in the second game running in the 78th minute. Sailor's deadly Singapore striker, Shawal Anuar, accepted the gift gleefully and scored the second goal of the match.
Sailors were content to slow down the game after the second goal to assure victory and three points. The win move them closer to the league title with 8 points required with 5 games remaining.
The White Swans, on the other hand, lost 4th placing to Balestier Khalsa this week and are in danger of slipping down the table if form does not improve.
The match started with a defensive line-up for the White Swans as they played with three centre backs to contain Sailor's potent attacking threat. Daniel Martens, back from injury, was handed only his second start of the season as one of the three centre backs.
The strategy worked well until the 25th minute when Sailor scored from a corner kick. Sailor's centre back, Toni Datkovic shook off the attention of his marker, Shingo Nakano, to head home the opener.
The White Swans did not crumble despite the set back and continued to hold tight in defence. In addition, they went on the counter attack through openings and had a goal by Daniel Goh ruled out due to offside. VAR checks confirmed the on-field decision.
The second half continued to be a tight affair as Albirex kept their defensive shape. However, centre back Stevia Egbus Mikuni, in a poor form, gave away the ball to the opponent in the second game running in the 78th minute. Sailor's deadly Singapore striker, Shawal Anuar, accepted the gift gleefully and scored the second goal of the match.
Sailors were content to slow down the game after the second goal to assure victory and three points. The win move them closer to the league title with 8 points required with 5 games remaining.
The White Swans, on the other hand, lost 4th placing to Balestier Khalsa this week and are in danger of slipping down the table if form does not improve.
