Albirex Niigata FC VS Home United FC

Home United FC had much to prove this season after some barren seasons. Armed with new quality signings which included a new Head Coach in Lee Lim Saeng, formerly of Samsung Suwon Bluewings, our Protectors are expected to challenge for top honours this season.

Home United FC comes into this match without the suspended duo of regular centre-back pairing Valery Heik and Sharil Alias. Tengku Mushadad was also missing through a foot injury. Head Coach Lee Lim Saeng opted for a modern 4-3-3 formation with Korean forward Choi Chul Woo leading the line, flanked by Sharil Ishak and Shi Jiayi. South American playmakers Peres De Oliveira and Nelson San Martin controlled the middle of the park and were joined by young Prime League player Firdaus Kamsan as the defensive midfielder. Isa Halim slotted in as right back as Rosman Sulaiman was shifted into the middle alongside new signing Shariff Abdul Samat. Juma'at Jantan took his usual position at left back.

Albirex Niigata FC were much changed, with only 4-5 players left from the last campaign. Head Coach Koichi Sugiyama himself a new addition had to ensure his bunch of Japanese youngsters quickly adapt to the S-League.

The match started in tight fashion, with little to offer in the attacking third. The opening match sees both team reluctant to take any unnecessary risks early on. Home United had young Firduas Kamsan protecting the backline, while Albirex Niigata themselves always had five players sitting back. The first real goal-mouth action came on 28 minutes, when Shi Jiayi was presented with a good opportunity to open the scoring. However, his header lacked power and it was easily gathered by Yoshito Matsushita. 3 minutes later, Sharil Ishak burst through on the right flank but failed to produce a decent cross. Albirex Niigata FC responded when Ken Matsumoto shot from the edge of the box but Lionel Lewis dealt with the shot easily. With minutes left in the half, Albirex Niigata could have taken the lead. Off a corner, a mix up between Rosman and Lionel nearly allowed the lurking Nobuhiro Uetani to pounce.

The first half ended goal-less with Home United enjoying the better possession but failing to produce much in the attacking third.

Straight from the restart, Home United's pressing game saw them winning possession in Albirex's defensive third. Sharil Ishak drilling a low pass across goal which found nobody in blue. On 58 minutes, the quartet of Choi Chul Woo, Sharil Ishak, Nelson San Martin and Peres conjured up the move of the night. One touch passing and movement saw Sharil Ishak running towards goal but an alert Yoshito dashed out to clear. Off the corner, Peres rose highest and his downward header warmed the palms of Yoshito. A minute later, Peres again rose highest when he met Juma'at Jantan's cross but this time it flew over the bar. The match was opening up with both sides creating plenty of chances.

On the hour mark, with the match still goal-less, Home United's Head Coach Lee took off the defensive Firdaus Kamsan and replaced him with the attack minded Firdaus Idros. The substitution seems to work as Home United pile on the pressure, creating a host of scoring chances. The best came Peres De Oliveira's way when he only had the keeper to beat, but he could only shoot straight into Yoshito.

On 68 minutes, Home United took the lead. Albirex Niigata had failed to clear their lines off a corner and allowed Juma'at Jantan to unleash a scorcher from the edge of the box. The goal, surely a contender for "goal of the season" was truly spectacular! A goal up, with wind behind the sails, our Protectors poured forward and threatened to double their advantage. Peres was in the thick of action as he found space at ease. Off another corner, Juma'at was again allowed to shoot from the edge of the box. This time Yoshito parried his stinging shot, before it was cleared to safety.

With seven minutes left, Ken Matsumoto equalised for Albirex Niigata. His shot from outside the peanlty box deflected off a Home United defender past the hapless Lionel to the delight of the home crowd. From the restart, Home United responded immediately. Sharil Ishak stunned the home fans when he slammed his shot past Yoshito from 6 yards to restore Home United's lead. The creator of the goal was Shariff Abdul Samat. The centreback's solo run saw him beat three Albirex players before setting up Choi for the kill. Yoshito did well to parry Choi's shot but Sharil Ishak was on hand to pounce! In stoppage time, Albirex Niigata was to have one last chance to nick a point but Lionel Lewis did well as he dived low to stop a goal bound shot.

Overall, Home United FC deserve the win. Our Protectors had better possession and their pressing game put the hosts off their game. Korean Choi Chul Woo's aerial ability was evident and the modern game promised by Head Coach Lee Lim Saeng appears to be on track.

Line-up: Lionel Lewis, Shariff Abdul Samat, Juma'at Jantan, Rosman Sulaiman, Isa Halim, Sharil Ishak, Firdaus Kamsan (Firdaus Idros 60"), Shi Jiayi, Nelson San Martin (Zulfadhli Zainal 81"), Peres De Oliveira (Haniff Sadique 90"), Choi Chul Woo