Home United FC VS Albirex Niigata FC

Home United FC welcome back long term injury victim Ismail Yunos to its starting line-up. The National team defender took his place at right back as he replaced Rosman Sulaiman. Elsewhere, Sharil Alias also got a starting spot, partnering Valery Heik in central defence. His usual partner Shariff Abdul Samat was played in an unfamiliar role of centre forward, partnering Korean Choi Chul Woo in attack.

On 5 minutes, Tatsuro Inui could have given the Japanese side an early lead. The 20 year old cut in from the right and unleashed a strong left footer which flew past a stunned Lionel Lewis but thankfully for our Protectors, his shot cannoned off the upright. On 10 minutes, Home United took the lead as Shi Jiayi scored from the penalty spot. Referee Zaid Hussein judged Albiex's Ryuta Hayashi had pulled back Shariff Abdul Samat in the area. Jiayi stepped up confidently and gave Albirex's custodian Kazuki Kobayashi no chance. Minutes later, Sharil Ishak could have doubled the lead, but Kobayashi saved well from Ishak's header. The Japanese custodian dived full length to tip away Ishak's goal bound header and kept the scores intact.

The match had few clear cut scoring chances as both teams battled in midfield. On 32 minutes, Albirex had a half chance but the ball just would not settle for Nobuhiro Uetani, and it allowed Home United's defenders the chance to clear the danger. Uetani was in action again on 43 minutes. This time as he looked to break away, Isa Halim cut him down with a last ditched tackle. From the resulting freekick, Satoshi Hida saw his well taken freekick flew just wide.

The second half mirrored the first with few clear cut opportunities. Albirex Niigata rarely threatened as Valery Heik was at his usual best snuffing out any danger. On 60 minutes, Ismail Yunos was replaced by Sherif El-Masri and Head Coach Paul Lee surprisingly pulled Choi Chul Woo back into central defence, leaving Shariff Abdul Samat as a lone centre forward. The decision seemed puzzling to all present and thereafter, the match was a bore. The second half's best chance fell to Shariff Abdul Samat when he came one on one with Kobayashi. Shariff being a defender shot straight at the goalkeeper. Had Choi been there, will he have converted ? Home United FC held on for a narrow 1-0 win and a much needed three points to close the gap on leaders Tampines Rovers FC and Etoile FC.

Line-up: Lionel Lewis, Ismail Yunos (Sherif El-Masri 60"), Shariff Abdul Samat, Juma'at Jantan, Valery Heik, Sharil Alias, Shi Jiayi (Firdaus Kasman 75"), Isa Halim, Naufal Omar Ashiblie (Zulfadli Zainal 80"), Sharil Ishak, Choi Chul Woo,