Written by: Khalis Rifhan

Despite failing to progress to the StarHub League Cup 2014 semi-finals following their 1-0 loss to Tanjong Pagar United, Warriors FC coach Alex Weaver humbly congratulated their opponents for their win.

“It was very close and we expected that. It was end to end and one team was going to get that break. I was expecting penalty but they got that one versus one situation. He (Firdaus Idros) is a clever and tricky player and it was a good finish,” explained Weaver after the match.

For the Jaguars’ coach Patrick Vallee, the cup competition has given him a respite from the Great Eastern Yeo’s League where Tanjong Pagar are languishing in 10th position, despite them declaring their intention to challenge for the league title during their pre-season press conference.

“I am very happy for the team. Congrats to Warriors for giving us this tough match. I am confident to win, but I take it game after game. I will field my best team for every match,” said Vallee who will next face Hougang United on Monday.

“I am happy and congratulate Jorg (for advancing to the semi-final). Now hopefully we meet in the final. Hougang or Home United, I don’t choose. I take them as it comes. It is simple.

“I try to win games for Tanjong Pagar and now we see what happen on Monday.”

The match could have gone either way and Weaver acknowledged that his side had several opportunities to seal the win but they were let down by poor finishing.

With the loss, Warriors will now turn their attention to the Great Eastern Yeo’s S.League and will face Albirex Niigata (S) at Jalan besar Stadium on 1st August.

“Everybody did well. We put in a good shift and they worked hard. You got to be happy with that (performance) but those players missed those chances. It is a game of taking the chance when you have them,” added the former Stoke academy coach.

“We’ve put ourselves in a position where we could have won in the 90 minutes. Credits to the players and we will bounce back.”