Written By: Nigel Chin

Brunei DPMM coach Steve Kean acknowledged his side took a huge step towards the league title after a 3-1 victory over Warriors FC left them just one win away from lifting the trophy.

The Friday evening victory at Choa Chu Kang Stadium meant that DPMM returned to winning ways following back-to-back defeats against Tampines Rovers and Geylang International.

It also puts them seven points ahead of Tampines Rovers, the only team with a chance to wrestle the league title from DPMM. The Stags will need to secure maximum points from their games in hand to ensure the title race will be decided on the final day of the league.

And for his side to overcome the pressure and see off last season’s S.League champions, Kean had nothing but praise for his charges.

“I think we are getting closer [to the title]. We are not there yet, but it’s a big, big step for this football club,” Kean said after the game.

“Obviously Tampines have got games in hand but it’s games they have to win. They have a tough schedule and they have to play those games before we get to the last game, so it’s a big big step.

While there will always be room for improvement, Kean was not in the mood to nitpick about such issues as long as his side earn the three points.

“The only slight disappointment is that we didn’t finish the game off and score more goals… but we got three points, and at this stage of the season that’s what it’s about,” he asserted.

“And to bounce back, because we were disappointed with our last two results, I thought today we were exceptional.”

On the other hand, Warriors caretaker coach Razif Onn did not hide his disappointment at his charges’ insipid defensive showing.

“I think we would have liked to end on a good note, but we were not able to contain them at all,” Razif said.

“We were unable to control their front three, and I’m not even counting the two goals from our mistakes. Our defensive form were not in good shape.

“The whole performance, we were not there at all. We played four matches in two weeks, so it’s a bit killing.

“If you look at the last few minutes, when DPMM countered, we were unable to recover at all.”

Razif is also looking for several players to make marked improvements in the Warriors’ final match of the season against Geylang International.

“Looking at tonight’s performance, we can identify certain players we want to continue with,” he shared.

“In the last match against Geylang, those players [that haven’t been chosen to stay] need to perform for us to consider them.”