Written by: Phoon Jia Hui

Balestier Khalsa earned a 3-0 win over Home United at Jalan Besar Stadium on Friday evening, as the Protectors fell to their second defeat in a row and failed to leapfrog Tampines Rovers into second place in the Great Eastern Yeo’s S.League standings.

Tigers’ coach Marko Kraljevic hailed his team’s excellent defensive performance which he felt was key to their victory.

“The whole team played well, I cannot pick out anyone and the teamwork was excellent,” he said after the match.

“We studied them [Home]. We knew they were going to play one-two and short passes which they are strong at but we defended excellently and did not allow them much space.”

While it was a result he did not see coming, the Croatian believed they are improving and that the team is beginning to bond as a result.

“I would not believe it [that we would beat Home United 3-0],” expressed Kraljevic.

“I think we have been playing well in the last few games, from the RHB Singapore Cup when we beat Warriors FC. I think we are getting better and picking up.

“If you see from my line-up most of them are playing full games and they are slowly gelling up and playing well as a result.”

Home coach Lee Lim Saeng was meanwhile downcast and admitted they were poor both defensively and on the attack.

“We conceded six goals in our last two games and we have a problem in defence. Our attacks also didn’t create enough chances,” lamented the ex-South Korea international.

“In football, you make mistakes and you will be punished. The opponents got their chances from our mistakes but that’s part of football.”

The result meant Home trail leaders Brunei DPMM by five points, but Lee said that the title race was not over just yet.

“I think six teams still have a chance with games still to be played but I’m not sure if Brunei can keep top of the league because teams want to chase them,” he said.

“I think this is because the clubs are better in quality this year as compared to last season.”