Written by: Koh Yizhe

Garena Young Lions vs Balestier Khalsa

(Friday, 5 Aug, 7.45pm, Jalan Besar Stadium)

Garena Young Lions will be seeking to leapfrog Balestier Khalsa from the bottom of the table as they clash on Friday’s live telecast match at the Jalan Besar Stadium.

Following a month break from competition as all eyes turned to The New Paper League Cup over the month of July, the Young Lions are raring to go as they aim to begin the third round of S.League competition. Coach Patrick Hesse has much time with his charges and will have motivated them for the game to come.

Key to their success would be the ability to gel on the pitch as coach Patrick Hesse pointed out.

“In recent games, we’ve seen the boys really coming together and playing for each other. I hope they will be able to use this camaraderie in the coming weeks as we continue the S.League season in the third round,” said the Frenchman.

“The team camaraderie will be a key element to success in the upcoming games. This is a good opportunity to show what they have been doing. The boys will be motivated to get off the bottom of the table.”

Their task would not be easy, however, as they are up against a Balestier Khalsa side that is looking for their first win in five matches. The Tigers will also be keen to avoid defeat and the resultant drop to last in the standings and coach Hesse is wary of their opponents.

“Balestier Khalsa are a good team. A few of their players were part of the Young Lions squad last year. Just like any team in the S.League, we must not discount them and I’m sure it will be an even battle on the field of play,” commented Hesse.

In the previous encounters, club top scorer Fareez Farhan bagged the only goal of the game in the Young Lions’ win on opening day. Two months later, revenge was sweet for the Tigers as the tables were turned at Toa Payoh Stadium with a score of 2-0. Goals came courtesy of Miroslav Kristic and Fadli Kamis.

The Garena Young Lions will be without captain Firdaus Kasman as he recovers from a calf strain while the rest of the team will be available for selection.

With both teams seeking a win to avoid the wooden spoon position, fans can expect a tight encounter between the two sides.

Garena Young Lions – DLDLD

19/06/16  Garena Young Lions 1-1 Brunei DPMM FC (S.League)

14/06/16  Tampines Rovers 6-1 Garena Young Lions (S.League)

11/06/16  Garena Young Lions 2-2 Home United (S.League)

29/05/16  Ceres La Salle FC 3-1 Garena Young Lions (Singapore Cup)

19/05/16  Hougang United 1-1 Garena Young Lions (S.League)

Balestier Khalsa – LDLDD

22/07/16   Hougang United 2-1 Balestier Khalsa (League Cup)

21/07/16  Balestier Khalsa 2-2 Home United (League Cup)

18/07/16  Albirex Niigata (S) 2-0 Balestier Khalsa (League Cup)

14/07/16  Balestier Khalsa 2-2 Geylang International (League Cup)

30/06/16  Balestier Khalsa 2-2 Home United (Singapore Cup)