News & Events
Protectors Edges Thriller To Go Joint Second !
3rd September 2010
Home United FC's title chase is truly on after a hard fought 1-0 win over French side Etoile FC. The only goal of the match came on 20 minutes when the "on form" Sharil Ishak pounced on a rebound to slot past a diving Yohann Lacroix. Despite only a goal to show for, this match was a thrilling encounter with both teams creating several goal scoring chances. It was what the fans needed after a month's break due to the YOG. It was a pulsating match with end to end action, with both keepers kept busy throughout the match.
Home United FC came into this match, knowing a win was paramount to their title aspirations. Anything less and our Protectors will have to contend with another barren season. Our Protectors are red hot, coming into this tie, having won ten of their last eleven matches. Etoile FC, on the other hand, were less impressive with two defeats in their last six matches. Those defeats coming against the lesser likes of the league in Albirex Niigata and Beiijing Guoan FC.
The first quarter of the match was littered with fouls as both teams denied each other time to settle on the ball. The first goal mouth action came on 12 minutes when Chun Chae Woon tested Yohann Lacroix with his freekick. 5 minutes later, Stephane N'Cho, the tallest player on the field, rose to head Julien Deletraz floater onto the post. A minute later, Sharil Ishak drew a foul at the edge of the box. Chun Jae Woon delivered a perfect freekick over the French wall but saw his shot cannon off the post. Captain Sharil Ishak was at the right place and he coolly slotted home to give our Protectors the lead. Ishak was leading the line well, as he expertly held the ball up against the physically bigger and stronger defenders.
On 25 minutes, Jun Wookeun forced Lacroix into another save. Etoile FC had leading scorer Frederic Mendy on the bench as they started with a single forward in Captain Matthias Verschave. The French side struggled to create clear chances. When crosses do come into the box, only Verschave was present but he was shut away by Home's defensive rocks Valery Heik and Choi Chul Woo.
Towards the end of the half, Flavien Michelini came into the match and was influential in his team's attacking forays. Rosman Sulaiman and Shi Jiayi both earned cautions for tackles on the French schemer. It was an exciting end to the first half with Julien Deletraz testing Lionel with a long range freekick. The next minute, Home United could have doubled their advantage when a Etoile defender nearly put through his own goal.
The second period started with the introduction of the league's topscorer, Frederic Mendy. The lanky Frenchman wasted little time to exert his influence on the match. Two minutes in, Mendy flicked the ball for Verschave but the latter headed just over. A minute later, Mendy sped past Choi Chul Woo and zip the ball across goal. After a melee, the ball fell for Kevin Yann who struck a crisp shot, destined for the bottom left corner. To his dismay, Rosman Sulaiman was perfectly placed to clear the ball off the line to deny Etoile an equalizer. The start of the half was all Etoile's, with Mendy in the thick of it. On 53 minutes, it was Mendy again threatening to level the scores. This time, he did all the hard work, beating three Home United defenders and when left with only Lionel to beat, he struck against the bar. Unbelievable stuff !
Seeing the French gain a strangle hold of proceedings, Protectors Head Coach Lee Lim Saeng made a tactical switch by bringing on Sufian Anuar for right-back Tengku Mushadad. On the hour mark, Choi forced Lacroix into a point blank save. The Korean's header from 6 yards was well saved by the French custodian. 10 minutes later, Lionel Lewis produced the save of the match. Frederic Mendy rose highest to power a header towards goal and everyone thought that this was definitely the equaliser, until Lionel flew towards his left and tipped it out for a corner. What a fantastic save to deny the impressive Mendy!
With little time left, Home United brought on defensive workhorse Isa Halim to add more steel in midfield. His first action was to earn a caution as he stopped Michelini in his tracks. This match was certainly on the edge, and deep into injury time, Mendy rose highest again to meet another cross but there was to be no fairy-tale ending for the French side as our Protectors held on for a crucial three points!
This victory sees our Protectors go level on points with Etoile FC. They trail leader Tampines Rovers FC by a single point, who will play the Young Lions on Saturday night. Our Protectors can go top of the league for the first time this season on Monday when they beat Sengkang Punggol FC. First they need the Eastern giants to drop points against the unpredictable Young Lions side.
HUFC Under 18s Finishes Runner's Up!
15th August 2010
Home United FC Under 18s clinched the second position in the recently concluded FAS COE U-18 League. *(Champions- NFA U-16s). Our young Protectors finished the season strongly with victories over Geylang United FC (4-0) and Tampines Rovers FC (2-1). Foward Zul Feshal Bin Dolkaperi won the golden boot award with 8 goals in 10 matches and looks to add further goals in the Cup competition.
Commenting on his team's progress, Head Coach Philippe Aw said "Our team policy is squad rotation to ensure all players get playing time. The boys are a spirited bunch and emphasise on 'Team Spirit". I am sure many of them will move on to playing in the Prime League next year. Our next target is to win the Challenge Cup!"
HUFC congratulates the Under 18s in clinching the runners up position and wishes them success for the up-coming Cup competition.
Prime League 2010 - Firdaus Rescues Point !
4th August 2010
Home United FC came into this match against Geylang United FC, top of the Prime League table, five points ahead of nearest rival National Under 18s. It was never going to be an easy match for our Protectors at the Bedok Stadium as the Eagles have proven to be the bogey team this season. Furthermore, Geylang United FC are on a good run coming into the match.
Head Coach Bernard Lan was able to call upon regular senior players in Sharil Alias and Azhar Sairudin for this clash. For Geylang United, they paraded star defender Ratislav Belicak, together with Toh Guo'an and Syed Taha as their senior players.
On 52 minutes, Syed Taha gave the Eagles the lead and thereafter our Protectors were made to chase the game. The Eagles were proving difficult to break down as they had plenty of numbers behind the ball and just as it seemed they have done enough, substitute Firdaus Kasman equalised on full-time to earn our Protectors a hard earned point.
The draw sees our Protectors lead at the top cut to 3 points, as the National Under 18s thumped Woodlands Wellington FC 5-1 to close the gap. With five matches to go, it will be an exciting finale !